Looking to make a simple lifestyle change? Try going vegetarian once a week
By Katrina Caruso
The idea behind a meatless or meat-free Monday (or any day of the week… alliteration is just fun sometimes!) is that by going vegetarian even once a week, we can do a lot of good for the environment and eat a healthier diet.
While the concept isn’t completely novel—Fridays have long been traditionally meatless among Catholic and Orthodox Christians—Meatless Monday began as a non-profit in 2003 and has since grown into a global campaign. Paul McCartney and his daughters Mary and Stella launched their own not-for-profit campaign, Meat Free Monday, in 2009. McCartney has been an advocate for animal rights and a vegetarian since the 1970s.
The McCartneys believe that, to protect the planet, awareness of the environmental effects of the overconsumption of animal products needs to be raised. In 2017, they created a short film on the subject entitled One Day a Week.
So, now that you know, here are eight recipes from Taste.com.au that will not only be easy to follow, healthy, and meatless but also sure to be a hits with your friends and family.
● Vegetarian Pita Pizza
Who doesn’t love a good pizza? This one is chock full of veggies and takes just 20 minutes, start to finish.
● Tortellini with Mushrooms and Creamy White Wine Sauce
Another super-simple dish, this pasta dish uses light cream, so it’s not too heavy.
● Spring Pea Salad with Brie
For a nice light option, this salad will keep you very satisfied. It can be a side dish or a main.
● Spinach Quiche
You can add more vegetables to this quiche if you choose, but as it is this spinach pie is quick, low-cost, and very tasty!
● Vegan Tikka Masala Curry
For those who like a little ginger and coconut, this vegan dish will check all the boxes. This is a mild curry, but you can add spices to heat it up.
● White Pizza With Blue Cheese and Zucchini
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a five-star Italian restaurant with this deliciously simple pizza.
● Indian Lentil Stew with Spinach
Very filling and good for those still-cold April nights, this high-fibre dhal is easy to prepare.
● Stuffed Peppers
With a quinoa stuffing, these peppers will fill you right up. Plus, this is a gluten-free dish. Quinoa is a great source of protein.
Looking for more recipes? The McCartneys published a cookbook in 2016: The Meat Free Monday Cookbook: A Full Menu for Every Monday of the Year.
Photo: iStock/supercat67.
