Global warming experts have warned that cattle farming produces lots of greenhouse gases and have urged people to cut down on their carnivorous urge. So why not try replacing a couple of your meat dishes this week with these tasty treats…
Easy eggs
As well as lots of vitamins and minerals, eggs contain high quality protein and are low in calories, so they're a great meat substitute.
Mexican burrito
Add ½ chopped red onion, ½ deseeded red chilli and ½ chopped tomato to 3 scrambled eggs. Add the other halves to 1 mashed avocado. Wrap in warm tortilla.
Brilliant beans
Beans help reduce cholesterol, are low in fat and rich in fibre. They also provide you with lots of iron so make a great meat replacement.
Moroccan bean casserole
Fry 1 chopped onion in olive oil until soft. Add 1 chopped capsicum, 1 crushed clove garlic, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp cumin and ¼tsp paprika and fry for 2 mins. Add 1 can rinsed red kidney beans, 1 can rinsed chickpeas, 1 tin tomatoes and 2 cups vegetable stock. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve with couscous.
Cheeky cheese
Cheese contains lots of protein and calcium and are an important part of everyone’s diet.
Haloumi and pumpkin salad
Roast peeled, cubed pumpkin tossed in olive oil and 1tsp red chilli flakes at 180°C for 20mins. Gently fry slices of haloumi in olive oil for a few minutes on either side until golden. Toss both with cos lettuce, sundried tomatoes, feta cheese chunks and 1tbsp balsamic vinegar and scatter with toasted pine nuts.
Mighty mushrooms
As well as having a firm, meaty texture, mushrooms contain lots of vitamins and minerals including iron and potassium. They are also great antioxidants and are believed to reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Mushrooms a la Grecque
Fry 1 chopped onion and 1 chopped clove garlic until soft. Add 12 whole button mushrooms and fry for another minute. Poor over 1 cut white wine, 1 can chopped tomatoes and season. Bring to the boil then simmer for 10 minutes. Serve with a handful of fresh parsley and crusty bread.
Skilful soy
Soybeans are full of protein, which is why they feature on so many veggie menus. There are lots of soy products, such as tofu, which can make life for a non-carnivore much easier.
Veggie pad Thai
Fry 200g cubed firm tofu, 1 chopped chilli and 2 crushed garlic cloves until soft. Whisk in 2 beaten eggs. Add pre-cooked rice noodles, the juice of 1 lime, 2tbsp fish sauce, 2tbsp brown sugar, 2 chopped eschalots, 1 cup bean sprouts and cook for a further few minutes. Serve with toasted peanuts and fresh coriander leaves.
YOUR SAY: Binned beef? Know any other vegetarian recipes? Share them below.
