meatless monday #2 - din din

so, this week, i figured i would go along the savory route, and post some recipes that will warm the tummy as well as the soul.  serve alongside a bottle of pinot noir, and that's really all you need.  well, that, and maybe a nice fire, a record of some old french music, and a cuddly someone.  i just made this recipe for a kindred spirit this week, and it was a total success.  i have only made it twice, and it's already one of my favorite recipes.  

beans bourguignon
4 servings

2 tablespoons vegan margarine (or butter or margarine if you don't have vegan)

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon olive oil

3 medium shallots, cut into 1/2-inch dice

4 medium carrots, cut diagonally into 1/4-inch slices

2 garlic cloves, minced  (i usually roast mine beforehand, b/c my tummy can't handle garlic)

12 ounces white mushrooms, lightly rinsed, patted dry, and quartered

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 bay leaf

1 (14 oz.) can crushed tomatoes (i like the muir glen brand fire-roasted ones)

1/2 cup vegetable broth or water (i've used water both times, and it's great!)

1 cup dry red wine

2 (15 oz.) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

salt and freshly ground black pepper

- in a small bowl, combine the margarine and flour and knead until incorporated.  refrigerate until needed.

- in a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat.  add the shallots, carrots, and garlic.  cover and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.  add the mushrooms and cook, uncovered, 5 minutes longer.

- stir in the thyme, bay leaf, tomatoes, broth, and 1/2 cup of the wine.  bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the vegetables are cooked, about 30 minutes.  add the remaining wine, beans, and salt and pepper to taste.

- return to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes.  while the stew is simmering, pinch off pieces of the beurre manie and add it to the stew, stirring after each addition to  thicken.  remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.  serve immediately.

if beans aren't really your thing, here's a really quick, easy, and tasty spin on pasta.  it's great if you need something simple and yummy after a long day at work! 


spaghetti with golden onions
6 servings (but i say more like 4)


8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
1 tablespoon margarine or butter
4 cups coarsely chopped onion
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary leaves, crumbled
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1 medium tomato, chopped (3/4 cup)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt


- cook and drain the spaghetti as directed on the package.


- while spaghetti is cooking, heat oil and margarine in 10-inch skillet over medium heat.  cook onions, thyme, and rosemary in oil mixture 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onions are deep golden brown and tender.  stir in peas, tomato, vinegar and salt.  toss with spaghetti and serve!




the perfect accompaniment with either meal is a fresh green salad and a fresh baguette.  i gave my recipe for my favorite version of a green salad last week, so i'll post another salad dressing idea that is sooooooo good.  i swear, even kids will like this dressing!


maple-mustard dressing
2-4 servings


3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons dijon or whole grain mustard
3 tablespoons grapeseed or nut oil
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
salt and freshly ground pepper


- whisk all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container.  keep refrigerated until ready to use.




there you have it!  dinner ideas for meatless monday week 2.  i heard a couple non-success stories from last week about people trying vegetarian food from different restaurants.  i'm telling you, i barely eat out b/c i would much rather make stuff at home these days.  sure, i splurged this week b/c a vip was in town, and i had some tomato pie and my favorite non-vegan spaghetti dish.  (gasp!)  i know, i know, i ate some ricotta.  and let me tell you, it was worth it.  but, for the most part, i like to make my own dinner b/c the food always tastes so much better at home!  uh....maybe that's just me?  


anyhoo, i hope you feel inspired to try something new in the kitchen, whether it's a vegetarian meal, or just whippin' someone's heinie with a towel.  scandalous!  have fun and enjoy!


peace, love, & yum,
lisa