Meatless Monday Dinner Idea

More and more people are trying to eat less meat and go for a vegetarian dinner.  So here's a great recipe that I make on a regular basis.  You won't miss the meat!  Trust me!  It's fast, easy and SO delicious.  It's also healthy, low-cal and low-fat.  In this recipe, I use some canned items, but obviously fresh is always best.  So use whichever is most convenient for you.

Fiesta Chili

I serve this with a simple, eggless, dairy-free corn bread.  If you're interested, ask me for the recipe! :)  If you're low on time, just serve with tortilla chips!

Things you'll need:

A large Pot/Dutch Oven

4 Sm. Cans of Black Beans - Drained & Rinsed

1 Sm. Can of Kidney Beans - Drained & Rinsed

1 Sm. Can of Diced Tomatoes

1 Sm. Can of White or Sweet Corn

1 Medium Yellow Onion - Diced

1 Medium Bell Pepper (I like yellow the best) - Diced

2 Crushed Garlic Cloves

1 16 oz. Jar of your favorite Salsa (or use your own fresh salsa!)

3 C. Chicken or Vegetable Stock

1 T. Cumin

1 T. Chili Powder

1/2 t. Oregano

1/2 t. Paprika (optional)

1 t. honey or agave

A Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper

Fresh Cilantro - minced

Salt & Pepper to taste

Put the pot/dutch oven on a med/high heat.  Drizzle a little olive oil in the pan.  Add onion.  Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until onions soften.  Add bell pepper, garlic and spices.  Cook for another 2-3 minutes.  Then, add everything except the stock.  Mix everything together and cook for about 5 minutes--allowing all the flavors to come together.  Add the stock.  Bring to a boil, then put the heat on low and simmer for 20 minutes.  Serve with crushed tortilla chips, cilantro and sour cream on top and enjoy!

Tilapia!

My new obsession: Tilapia! Since being vegan and gradually adding fish to my diet, I've become obsessed with this!  These are my original recipes and I'm allowing you to have a little taste of what I make in my kitchen.  If you have any questions or need meal ideas, just let me know!  I'm glad to offer my suggestions.  :)

Panko-Crusted Tilapia w/Mango Salsa
I like to serve this with brown rice and some sort of fresh veggie on the side.  I usually saute whatever veggies I have in my fridge.  

3-4 Tilapia Filet (the frozen ones work great, but fresh is always best!)
2 C. Panko Bread Crumbs
Salt & Pepper
1 tbls. Olive Oil
1 tbls. Butter (I use Earth Balance)
 Mango Salsa (Look for this in my next blog or just use your favorite one)

First thing is first: get out your pan, turn it on medium and let it heat up as you prep.  The key is to not turn the pan up too high--you'll turn out with burnt, overdone fish!  Yuck!

Pour panko bread crumbs into a shallow, flat dish.  Add salt and pepper to season.  Brush the tilapia with olive oil, then put it in the bread crumbs.  It won't be completely covered, so don't worry.  We just want a little for texture.  Immediately put in the pan and cook each   side for 3-4 minutes.  When you're turning it over, be very very gentle!  You will see the fish change to an opaque color.  The bread crumbs should be darkened and crispy.  Then plate it, and add salsa on top.  It's now ready to enjoy!