So lets talk about it, what does the word “Vegan” conjures up for you?

A fanatical, hippie, tree hugging, vegetable eating, pale skin, poor unenlightened person…

Don’t worry I am not out to convince anyone to become vegan or give up dairy or meat, instead consider vegan food as a “type” of cuisine.

I teach plant based cooking classes and it is funny when I advertise or mention the class on Facebook I get a flurry of comments like: “I could never give up cheese, or don’t you get tired of eating the same thing again – no variety, just veggies and rice, or I love my steak, how could you live without it”

My response is always the same, consider vegan food like you would Italian, or chinese or Thai.  You do not have to give up meat or cheese to enjoy a vegan meal.  I promise.

There are definite benefits to introducing more plant based fare into your eating routine but I will save that for another post.  Today is about having an open mind and realizing that vegan does not have to mean all or nothing.

Last night as we sat down at our family table, rushed and all starving, the hubby whipped up some veggie burgers with caramelized onions and oven fries with a small side salad.  It was all delicious and everyone loves a burger!

Make your life easier and throw some veggies together on a baking sheet and roast them while dinner is cooking.  It saves time and the results are fantastic.  I prefer a baking stone, which you can pick up at most anywhere just get one that does not need a pre-soak.  The veggies roast up beautifully and you will never burn your cookies again!  Just make sure when you roast your veggies you set the oven temperature between 415 and 450 and keep the veggies on separate sides of the pan.

Here is a lovely recipe for a great veggie burger:

Black Bean and Rice Burger

1c             black beans, rinsed drained and mashed

1c             cooked brown rice

1               clove garlic, pressed

2T             leeks finely chopped leeks

2T             cooked mashed sweet potatoes

1t             chilli powder

1t             Italian seasoning oregano (Pampered Chef)

1/4t        cumin

1t             sea salt

1T             EVOO

4               buns

• Mix everything together in a bowl except the olive oil
• Coat hands with EVOO and mix all ingredients together
• Divide mixture into 4 patties and grill on grill pan or in skillet until browned on both sides.

See you at the table.