Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen a huge increase in the numbers of vegan blogs and vegan recipes (YAY!) but it seems that they’re getting more and more elaborate, as if it’s a sort of competition to create the most difficult-to-prepare meals.
I’m sending a more simple back-to-basics message.
If we agree that one of the reasons for not eating meat advocates for a cruelty-free life to protect animals from a hellish existence on earth, we need to also communicate that it doesn’t always have to be a herculean task to do the right thing.
I’ve been a veg since 1970 and in those 40+ years have seen a lot of people make a similar decision to go meat-free and then, for one reason or another, fall off the wagon.
One of the reasons I’ve heard time and time again is that it’s “too hard”.
I disagree.
Some of my most enjoyable and satisfying meals are the most simple.
Here’s an example of a basic, easy-to-prepare dinner.
Start with my can’t fail One Dish Brown Rice recipe.
It’s PERFECT every time.
1. Add one cup brown rice to a 9×9 glass baking dish.
2. Pour over the rice not quite two cups water plus one teaspoon olive oil.
3. Lay gently on top of the rice one-inch chunks of tofu.
4. Sprinkle pepper, chopped fresh herbs, freshly ground salt (if you must).
5. Cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake at 375 degrees for about 45 minutes.
6. While the rice is baking, I picked a bunch of kale from the garden, cut into bite-size pieces, and steamed it.
7. To serve, sprinkle rice with low-sodium soy sauce, slice an organic tomato and garnish with cilantro or parsley (we grow cilantro year-round in the Casa de Enchanted Seashells garden.
A chilled chardonnay will dance a tango on your palate and complement the earthy rice, tofu, and kale combo.
Simple. Delicious.
Enchanted Seashells by Princess Rosebud 