Traditional Meat Entrees Get a Makeover: Going MeatlessWritten by Sylvie Charrier
If you're trying to watch your carbs, meat typically isn't a problem. In fact, meat is actually one of low carb dieter's best friends. But, what do you do if you are vegetarian who wants to go low carb? Until now, your low carb vegetarian "cuisine" was limited to number of ways you could blend your tofu with your peanut butter. But, with a little creativity, you can put gourmet back into your meals with vegetarian and low carb ingredients. But, if you do, don't be surprised when you hear friends and family exclaim, "This can't be vegetarian!" Here are three traditional meat-based classics where we've taken out meat and carbs to make a believer out of you. VEGGIE "HAM" QUICHE Real men might not eat quiche, but hungry people everywhere are going to eat this delicious Veggie Ham Quiche. Quick and easy to make, this crustless creation takes best of your traditional quiche and makes it better. With only 3 grams of net carbs per slice (4 slices total), you might just want to make two—yes, it's that good! Simply preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a large quiche or pie pan with your favorite nonstick cooking spray. Shred 1 cup each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese and sprinkle into bottom of your pan. Top cheese with a ½ lb. of chopped veggie ham and 3/4 cup chopped broccoli. If broccoli isn't your veggie of choice, substitute any of your favorites. If you go with traditional spinach, be sure to drain it very well or you'll end up with one mushy quiche. In a separate bowl, mix together ½ cup heavy cream, ½ cup water, 5 eggs, and salt, pepper, dill, and dry mustard to taste. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and center is firm. This amazingly tasty treat is best served hot, but is equally tantalizing when served cold. LOW CARB "BEEF" STROGANOFF There are few dishes meatier than traditional beef stroganoff which makes it a perfect candidate for a low carb vegetarian transformation. With only 5.4 net grams for a 1.3 cup serving, you'll quickly find this traditional dish becoming a new classic. For best results, use vegetarian beef tenderloin or beef-style seitan (gluten). Cut your veggie beef in strips about 1/4 inch wide and 2 inches long, put them on a large plate, and lightly sprinkle with salt and pepper. With a damp paper towel, wipe 12 ounces of small-button mushrooms clean and trim off hard ends of stems. Heat a large, heavy skillet on medium-high and 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. Quickly brown veggie meat in hot oil on both sides, about 2 minutes total, and then remove meat to a holding plate. Return skillet to stove and lower heat to medium-low. Add 1 ounce of butter and mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add 3/4 cup beef-style stock or broth to deglaze skillet. Then, add 2 tablespoons of Wondra flour, stir into broth, and simmer for 2 minutes on low heat. Add veggie meat and 3/4 cup sour cream and heat through. Adjust seasonings to your liking, sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of parsley, and serve immediately. To complete dish, serve over any type of low carb pasta or converted rice.
| | Countdown to Mealtime: Why Low Carb Vegetarian Meals Will Make Your DayWritten by Sylvie Charrier
Do you know what you're cooking for dinner tonight? If you're like 75% of all Americans, you don't have a clue what's for dinner. When you figure it out, you'll spend good part of your evening preparing that meal—and that's not counting any shopping that you might have to do. According to a recent national survey, Americans spend up to an hour every day cooking. Wouldn't you rather spend that time with your family, relaxing, reading, watching TV—doing anything other than slaving over a hot stove? In this fast-paced day and age, what is answer to saving time in kitchen? Your answer to quicker cooking might just come from a surprising place. No, not your local fast food joint—unless, of course, you're okay with gaining weight! If you want to quickly prepare healthy meals for you and your family at home, low carb vegetarian meals are only way to go! If you're wondering why, check this out. Low carb vegetarian meals actually cook up to 3 times more quickly than your traditional meat-based menus. It's true. Because many vegetarian foods, especially meat substitutes, come pre-cooked, you'll never have to wait for that steak to slowly make its way to medium well. Simply heat through and then dish it out. In addition, since many vegetarian foods are entirely plant-based, they will keep for longer periods of time. This means that your veggie loaf made on Monday will still taste great on Friday! To save you needless hours slaving over your stove, here are some extra easy quick tips to make most of your time in kitchen: ================= Think Big! ================= If you've got a favorite recipe, double it up. Do you have time to do? How much more time does it take to cut two onions instead of one! Then, you'll eating delicious leftovers whenever you want that take a fraction of time to reheat. If you're going to freeze your leftovers, make sure to plop them in a pot or pan that you can put right in oven or microwave to save time on washing extra dishes.
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