Archive for the ‘Vegetables’ Category

If you are a vegetarian, you may think that you are limited in what you can eat when it comes to Mexican cuisine. However, you will actually find that you can enjoy many delicious dishes full of great Mexican flavor. In fact, you may be surprised to find out that you can enjoy delicious quesadillas that are made in vegetarian style. They are easy to make and when you go vegetarian with them, they can be a filling and healthy choice as well. Whether you are a committed vegetarian or you only like to go vegetarian once a week, you can enjoy going meatless with plenty of flavor. Here are a few great tips you can use to make vegetarian quesadillas that your whole family will enjoy.

First, if you want to make your own vegetarian quesadillas, make sure that you have plenty of refried beans. While you can make up your own refried beans, it is easy to simply purchase them at the store. Just make sure that you go with beans that actually say “vegetarian” on them so you can ensure they have not been prepared in animal fat. Of course, if you are not worried about the animal fat, then a regular can of refried beans is fine.

Refried beans are a great addition to these vegetarian quesadillas because they offer plenty of protein. Since you are not including meat in your meal, you need to ensure that your body gets the protein that it needs. Beans offer plenty of great protein and great fiber as well. They will keep you feeling full and they taste amazing too. They offer the perfect base for your quesadilla dish.

Of course, you will want to make sure you can enjoy the authentic flavors that are usually used in Mexican cuisine. To add some bold flavors to your quesadillas, add ingredients like peppers, tomatoes, and even cilantro. Red bell peppers can be used if you want a mild dish. If you want something that is hotter and spicier, go with some jalapeno or some chipotle peppers instead. Even sweet corn can be added to the mix. Make the flavor pop with a bit of fresh lime juice as well.

If you are just avoiding meat, you can add a bit of cheese to your quesadillas as well. Try a nice blend of Mexican style cheeses or pick your favorite cheese to add to the mix. The cheese melts and helps to keep the entire quesadilla together for you, making it easier for you to handle. Just do not add too much cheese or you will add a lot of calories and fat to this otherwise healthy dish. You can even go with whole grain tortillas if you want to keep the dish healthier. Otherwise, use traditional flour tortillas.

You do not always have to add meat to Mexican style dishes. It is easy to combine plenty of flavors together without the addition of meat and you will still have a tasty meal that everyone will enjoy. Trying making your own vegetarian style quesadillas or enjoy experimenting with other recipes to see how you can make them vegetarian as well.

Have some fun with recipes and try vegetarian substitutions if you want to avoid meat. You can find many healthy Mexican recipes that can be made with a vegetarian twist. Do not forget to look for some great Mexican desserts to end the meal with something sweet.

MexicanDessertRecipes.net The Sweet Side of Mexican Food

While you are probably the most familiar with green beans, several bean varieties out there are tasty and full of great nutrients. When it comes to beans, you will find two specific categories – shell beans and beans with an edible pod. The most popular type of edible pod beans are green beans and one of the common shell beans happen to be lima beans. Here is a look at several different types of beans that you may want to consider adding to your diet.

Edamame

First, you have Edamame, which originated in China. Later it would be further developed in the country of Japan to be eaten out of the pod. This bean is a variation of regular field soybeans that are used to make various products like miso, tofu, and even soymilk. This bean has only recently been introduced to North America, so few fields grow this type of soybean. Edamame is hailed as a super vegetable, since it has all of the essential amino acids in it. This offers you a protein source that is complete. While it is tough to find Edamame fresh, you can find it frozen in many grocery stores. Beans can be boiled and eaten out of the shell and they can be used in many other dishes as well.

Lima Beans

Lima beans are also shell beans like Edamame but they are more common within the United States. While they originated in the country of Peru, which is where the name Lima comes from, they are quite popular in the North America, particularly in the southern region. They are often called butter beans instead of lima beans. While it is tough to find them fresh, you can find them canned, frozen, and dried. Before eating them, they must be shelled. Avoid eating these beans raw. You need to microwave or boil them to make them edible.

Green Beans

Green beans are beans that have an edible pod and they have been known as string beans in the past. The great thing about these types of beans is that you can find them all year long, although they are easiest to find between May and October of the year. Not only can they be found fresh, but they can be found frozen and canned as well. If possible, try to handpick them when they are sold loose at the store. Slender beans should be chosen and there should be no blemishes on them. After washing, beans can be prepared in various ways. You can steam, microwave, boil, and stir fry them. One of the best ways to make them is to stir fry them, since this helps you to retain more nutrients.

Shallot and Almond Green Beans Recipe

Here is an easy and tasty way to try green beans. The shallots and almonds offer a sweet and savory flavor to the dish. Have it on the side with just about any main dish.

What You’ll Need

• 3 tablespoons of butter
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• ¼ cup of slivered almonds, blanched
• 2 tablespoons of white sugar
• 5 small shallots, sliced thinly
• 1.5 pounds of fresh green beans, ends trimmed and then snapped
• Pepper and salt to taste

How to Make It

Take the almonds and place in a dry skillet. Cook over low heat, stirring until they become toasted. Carefully watch to avoid burning. Remove and save for later.

In a skillet, heat up the butter on medium. Stir in the red bell pepper and shallots, cooking until they are softened. Sprinkle in pepper, salt, and sugar. Reduce the heat and continue cooking on low. Cover and cook on low until the sugar has dissolved. Stir from time to time. Cook until the shallots become caramelized.

Fill a saucepan with water, inserting a steamer. Bring the water to a boil and add green beans to the steamer insert. Cover and steam for about 7 minutes or until beans are tender. Drain and then add beans to the skillet. Mix well with the shallot mixture and then stir the almonds in as well. Serve warm. Makes six servings.

Try adding new vegetables, like different kinds of beans, to your diet. Add them to a tasty vegetable soup recipe. Find other ways to eat more vegetables, such as finding and making a vegetable pizza recipe for your family.

GrilledVegetableRecipe.com – The Veggie Side of Grilling