I've recently become good friends with a girl named Lane, who is a vegetarian. Her parents follow the Hindu faith, and as such, she was raised to not eat meat. After 18 years without meat, if she eats it, she feels ill. I'd like to devote this entry to her, and I'd also like to offer a vegetarian recipe for everyone to try- Five Bean Salad. It's easy, simple, and one of my favorites to entertain with~!
Vegetarianism is common throughout the world. It is the act of not consuming animal flesh, for religious, moral or personal reasons. A common belief is that vegetarians do not get enough protein or amino acids, but this is not the case. It's quite easy to live life as a vegetarian, and many claim that it is ultimately a healthier lifestyle choice. Vegetarianism is not a new idea- Plato, Plutarch, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, and Socrates were all vegetarians.
Some reasons for becoming a vegetarian include animal rights, religious restrictions, and eco-friendly living. People who are passionate about animal rights often become vegetarians, because they don't want to promote a lifestyle that harms animals. There are also many religions that promote vegetarianism, including Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and some forms of the Roman Catholic faith. Another thing to consider is the impact that growing animals to the size where they'd be consumable has on the environment.
Ultimately, vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice which each individual must make for themselves. Many people prefer this lifestyle, while others are adiment that they need their meat! I'd say meet in the middle- cut back on large portions of meat (do you really need that 24 oz steak?), and try to eat more chicken and fish (it takes less energy to grow these guys to adulthood, plus they're better for you!).
For those interested in trying a delicious, nutritious, EASY vegetarian recipe, look no further!
Five Bean Salad
Ingredients:
1 can light kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can cannelini beans
1 can garbanzo beans (chick peas)
2 cups green beans (FRESH)
1/2 white onion
1 orange pepper
1/4 cup black olives
1 cup grape tomatoes
Balsamic Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Feta Cheese
There are a lot of ingredients, but this takes very little effort. Combine the five different beans in a large bowl. Be sure to use fresh green beans, you don't want those slimy canned ones in your salad! Chop the onion and pepper (you could also use a yellow or red pepper, I just prefer the flavor of the orange. I feel as though it's sweeter and a better fit for the salad.), and add it to the bean mix. Halve the olives and the grape tomatoes, and mix them in. Drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar (3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar), and add salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled feta and you're ready to eat!
This can be a very flexible recipe. You can add pretty much anything and it will taste delicious- other favorite ingredients include chunks of marinated mozzarella cheese, marinated mushrooms, and roasted red peppers (you could even add flaked tuna, but that defeats the point of this vegetarian entry!). Just be creative. :)
Five bean salad can be served as a side dish, but it is hearty enough to be served on its own. It would be lovely paired with some cornbread and a glass of fresh lemonade!
Vegetarianism is common throughout the world. It is the act of not consuming animal flesh, for religious, moral or personal reasons. A common belief is that vegetarians do not get enough protein or amino acids, but this is not the case. It's quite easy to live life as a vegetarian, and many claim that it is ultimately a healthier lifestyle choice. Vegetarianism is not a new idea- Plato, Plutarch, Voltaire, Alexander Pope, and Socrates were all vegetarians.
Some reasons for becoming a vegetarian include animal rights, religious restrictions, and eco-friendly living. People who are passionate about animal rights often become vegetarians, because they don't want to promote a lifestyle that harms animals. There are also many religions that promote vegetarianism, including Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and some forms of the Roman Catholic faith. Another thing to consider is the impact that growing animals to the size where they'd be consumable has on the environment.
Ultimately, vegetarianism is a lifestyle choice which each individual must make for themselves. Many people prefer this lifestyle, while others are adiment that they need their meat! I'd say meet in the middle- cut back on large portions of meat (do you really need that 24 oz steak?), and try to eat more chicken and fish (it takes less energy to grow these guys to adulthood, plus they're better for you!).
For those interested in trying a delicious, nutritious, EASY vegetarian recipe, look no further!
Five Bean Salad
Ingredients:
1 can light kidney beans
1 can black beans
1 can cannelini beans
1 can garbanzo beans (chick peas)
2 cups green beans (FRESH)
1/2 white onion
1 orange pepper
1/4 cup black olives
1 cup grape tomatoes
Balsamic Vinegar
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salt
Pepper
Feta Cheese
There are a lot of ingredients, but this takes very little effort. Combine the five different beans in a large bowl. Be sure to use fresh green beans, you don't want those slimy canned ones in your salad! Chop the onion and pepper (you could also use a yellow or red pepper, I just prefer the flavor of the orange. I feel as though it's sweeter and a better fit for the salad.), and add it to the bean mix. Halve the olives and the grape tomatoes, and mix them in. Drizzle with the olive oil and vinegar (3 parts oil to 1 part vinegar), and add salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled feta and you're ready to eat!
This can be a very flexible recipe. You can add pretty much anything and it will taste delicious- other favorite ingredients include chunks of marinated mozzarella cheese, marinated mushrooms, and roasted red peppers (you could even add flaked tuna, but that defeats the point of this vegetarian entry!). Just be creative. :)
Five bean salad can be served as a side dish, but it is hearty enough to be served on its own. It would be lovely paired with some cornbread and a glass of fresh lemonade!
No comments:
Post a Comment