Bert Swope
We love the classic American food of hamburgers and fries. But as we become more accustomed to different types of food from different countries, we tend to get a bit confused about the ones that we really enjoy. It’s kind of funny how history gets rewritten in our own kitchens. But the good news is that there are still lots of great recipes out there, if only you know where to look. The following are some favorites from long ago, the ones that will bring memories of burgers and fries right back to mind.
First up is the vegtarian version of the Sloppy Joe. This dish is easy to make and great for those nights when you just don’t have time to cook. You’ll want to take a small amount of oil, such as mayonnaise or butter, and place the fat on top of the bread. Then you’ll spoon in some chopped onions, green peppers, and a little salt and pepper to provide the classic American flavor.
Next, you’ll toss in whatever vegetables you have on hand (broccoli, mushrooms, squash, celery, etc. ), a can of tomato sauce, and a few pinches of salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix, cover, and cook on the top of the stove until the meat becomes opaque and brown. Then you can top with your favorite cheese, lettuce, and lemon wedges. Serve up this delicious sandwich for a hot day and an early evening meal.
Another oldie but goodie is a traditional potato salad. Of course, we all remember the standard elements, potatoes, onions, and peppers. The trick is to adjust for various types of foods. For instance, if you’re going to cook a French dish, consider using chopped bananas in place of the red onions. Other substitutions include croutons for an added texture and nutty flavoring, guacamole for an additional kick, and pesto for a rich Italian taste.
One of the great things about French cooking is that you can use the whole thing in the oven. For example, if you’re making a pot of creamy potato soup, you can bake the potatoes and add a layer of cheese over them. Then remove the top and put the top back on. Likewise, to make a “crusty” salad.
When shopping for vegetables for your salad, don’t forget the greens! Both spinach and kale are wonderful ways to add color and flavor to a meal. You can easily make a simple vegetable salad by mixing chopped peas, red and green onions, corn, baby carrots, and some shredded asparagus (or radish if you’re feeling a bit ambitious). If you’re feeling brave, you can even add chopped foxtrot or shiitake mushrooms. For the classic French flavor, try adding some tarragon and parsley to the mix before serving.
There’s no better way to show someone you care about them than to prepare a simple yet substantial meal. Most people are afraid that they’ll have to lose all of their favorite treats if they go off their meat diets. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The trick is to maintain your favorite foods while eating vegetarian – or any other – meat. Don’t rule anything out when it comes to tasting delicious. Just remember that you don’t have to deny yourself any of your favorite tastes to become a vegetarian!