By Adam Stich, Residence Advisor

 Preparing completely vegetarian meals may seem a daunting task at first, but once you get a hold of some key recipes, the meat-less alternative may prove to be a delicious and actually relatively easy choice. I have been cooking vegetarian since September and although I was nervous to make the switch at first, once I discovered a couple staple ingredients, my new diet was an easy adjustment.

Here are some ingredients that made the switch really easy.  Now I’m not a nutritionist, but I do know that when you’re not consuming meat, it is especially important to ensure you’re getting your protein and iron. So below is a list containing some delicious, as well as nutritious vegetarian ingredients. Quinoa  (complete protein)
Lentils  (high protein)
Chick Peas (high protein)
Avocado
 Tofu
 Eggs
Green Leafy Vegetables (Iron)

*Consult a food guide for any nutrition advice!

 

And here is one of my favourite recipes. I hope you enjoy!

 

Red Lentil Burritos

10              dry-pack sun-dried tomatoes

1 cup          boiling water

2 1/2 cups  water

1  cup         Red lentils, sorted and rinsed

1 tbsp         Olive Oil

1/2 cup       Chopped Onions

1/2 cup       Chopped broccoli florets

1/2 cup       Chopped cauliflower florets

1/2 cup       Thinly sliced carrots

1 1/2 cups   Tomato sauce

1 tsp            curry powder

1/2 tsp         ground cinnamon

4                 whole-wheat tortillas (8″ diameter) warmed

 

Place the sun dried tomatoes in a small bowl and cover with the boiling water. Let soak for 10 minutes, or until the tomatoes are soft. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the soaking liquid. Chop the tomatoes and set aside.

 

In a medium saucepan, combine the 2 1/2 cups water, lentils and reserved soaking liquid. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 6 to 10 minutes, or just until lentils are tender. Drain and set aside

 

In a large no-stick skillet over medium heat, warm the oil. Add the onions broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. Saute for 4-5 mins, or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the tomato sauce, curry powder and cinnamon. Add the lentils and tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 mins, or until slightly thickened. Scoop into your tortilla, wrap, and serve.

 

 

Good luck!