7 Vegetarian Meals

Over the past year or so our family has tried to eat meat only two or three times a week. Mostly due to the quality of meat and fish that is affordable for a family of 5. We would like to eat only organic sustainably farmed meat and fish, but for us that costs about $20-$30 per meal and that doesn't include the cost of the grains and vegetables served alongside. So this week I decided to test out how well our family does with a vegetarian menu. I discovered that since we aren't buying meat I was able to buy some delicious cheeses... another benefit to this change. I am also trying to buy as locally and organically possible. I shopped primarily at the farmers market and the co-op.

Our breakfasts consist mostly of oatmeal, cereal and bananas. We are also big fans of pancakes. Our lunches are still hummus, sliced vegetables, fruits, peanut butter and honey sandwiches, cheeses and yogurts. We also have smoothies for an afternoon pick-me-up.

I have the following planned for dinner this week:

Spinach and Artichoke Pasta

Tamale Lentil Casserole

Black Bean and Brown Rice Tostadas with Homemade Corn Tortillas with Homemade Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette

African Potato Stew

Asian Noodle Salad

Polenta Pizzas with a Garden Salad and Homemade House Dressing

Red Beans and Rice with Naan Bread from Trader Joes... if anyone has a delicious recipe for this bread please share!

The first four recipes are from this website :

http://www.mormonchic.com/recipe/recipebox/pages/vegetarian.asp

The recipes will only be used as inspiration I will blog the changes I make.

The corn tortilla recipe is from:

http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/004141how_to_make_corn_tortillas.php

I am also baking fresh whole wheat bread today. The recipe is from a dear friend of mine...she is truly a supermom and you can meet her here:

http://organicsupermom.blogspot.com/2009/04/bread.html


I will hopefully post pictures and definitely recipes as the week goes on. OH... and I spent about $100 on groceries for the week, but we have a well stocked pantry of staples (ex: garlic, onion, brown rice, beans etc.)

There's much more preparation time needed for this menu that is the only concern I have, but with organization, time and patience I think it will go well.

Happy Cooking!