Introduction
The vegetarian way of eating can be a very healthy style of eating.
The rules still apply with healthy eating, you should add variety, balance, and moderation. A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat, whether it be hamburgers, hotdogs, chicken, or even fish. Vegetarians are also sometimes classified by the type of food they are or aren't willing to eat. For example, Lacto-ovo vegetarians will avoid animal flesh yet they will eat eggs and most dairy products. A Vegan on the other hand, will avoid all food that has any trace of animal origin. Because they don't eat meet, vegetarians will often wonder how they'll get enough protein.
Although you may not realize it, the average American actually consumes more protein than he actually needs. For the lacto-ovo vegetarian, dairy products are an excellent source of protein. Vegans on the other hand, get their protein from nuts, seeds, and soy products. Along the lines of beans, there are several to choose from, including green or red lentils, peanuts, split peas, pinto, soy, kidney, and many more. Some of them you are already familiar, such as kidney beans in chili, refried beans in Mexican dishes, red beans and rice, and pinto beans. Although some beans taste good as they are, others are available with different flavors to help enhance their taste.
Nuts are high in protein, although they deliver a lot more fat than beans, which means you should enjoy them in moderation. By having one cup of cooked beans, you'll get the same amount of protein as eating two ounces of meat! I hope you enjoy these delicious vegetarian high protein recipes. I have handpicked these recipes from my personal collection. I have been a vegetarian for many years now, and one pot cooking is one of my favorite methods of cooking. You can cook great tasting meals fast.
Chapter 1 - High Protein Vegetarian Breakfast Recipes
High Protein Oatmeal Pancakes
Ingredients
6 egg whites, beaten until fluffy 1 cup non fat cottage cheese 2 scoops whey protein 1 cup oatmeal, uncooked 1/4 cup wheat germ 1/4 cup flaxseeds 1 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp canola oil
Directions
Place all ingredients except beaten egg whites in blender or food processor and pulse or blend until mixture is uniform. pour blended ingredients into a bowl and add egg whites. fold until just blended. prepare a griddle with cooking spray. ladle pancake mixture onto griddle and cook until both sides are browned. ladle pancake mixture onto griddle and cook until both sides are browned.
Makes 8 Pancakes
Quinoa Berry Breakfast
Ingredients
1/2 cup water 1/4 cup organic quinoa, rinsed very *very* well 1/2 cup frozen, thawed berries 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 tsp honey, to taste
Directions
Combine water and quinoa in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes, then let stand, covered, 5 minutes. Stir in berries (with their juices), cinnamon and ginger. Drizzle with honey and serve.
Cheddar and Onion Quiche
Ingredients
1 medium onion, chopped, 4 ounces 1-2 tablespoons butter 6 eggs 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 teaspoon salt Dash pepper Dash garlic powder
Directions
Saut the onion in butter until tender.
Grease a 9-10" pie plate. Arrange the cheese evenly in the plate; top with the onions. Beat the eggs, cream and seasonings. Pour evenly over the onions. Bake at 350 35-40 minutes until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Spinach Quiche
Ingredients
Small onion, chopped, 2 1/2 ounces 1 tablespoon butter 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed drained well 5 eggs, beaten 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 12 ounces muenster cheese, shredded
Directions
Saut the onion in butter until tender.
Spinach Quiche
Ingredients
Small onion, chopped, 2 1/2 ounces 1 tablespoon butter 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed drained well 5 eggs, beaten 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper 12 ounces muenster cheese, shredded
Directions
Saut the onion in butter until tender.
Add the spinach and cook until all the moisture has evaporated. Put the cheese in a greased 9-10" pie plate. Add the spinach mixture and gently mix into the cheese. Beat the salt and pepper into the eggs; pour evenly over the cheese and stir to combine all of the ingredients. Bake 350 for 30 minutes until set.
Mushroom & Cheddar Quiche
Ingredients
6 eggs 1 cup heavy cream 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 teaspoon salt Dash pepper Garlic powder Dash Seasoning Salt, optional Dash toasted onion powder or regular onion powder, optional
Directions
Saut the mushrooms in butter until tender and slightly browned; season with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder, if desired.
Beat the eggs and cream with the salt, pepper and desired seasonings. Put the cheese in the bottom of a greased pie plate. Top the cheese with the mushrooms, then pour the egg mixture evenly over all. Bake at 350 for 35 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing.
Mushroom & Spinach Omelet
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter, divided 6-8 fresh mushrooms, sliced, 5 ounces Salt and pepper, to taste Pinch garlic powder 4 eggs, beaten 1 ounce Swiss cheese, shredded 1 handful fresh baby spinach, about 1/2 ounce Chives, chopped, optional
Directions
In a very large skillet, saut the mushrooms in 1 tablespoon butter until tender; season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.
Remove the mushrooms from the pan and keep warm. Heat the remaining tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Beat the eggs with a little salt and pepper and pour into the hot butter; swirl the pan to coat the entire bottom of the pan with egg. As soon as the egg is nearly set, place the cheese over half of the omelet. Top the cheese with the spinach leaves and hot mushrooms. Let cook a minute or so to start wilting the spinach.
Carefully fold the empty side of the omelet over the filling and slide onto a serving plate and sprinkle with chives, if desired. Alternately, you could make two omelets using half of the mushroom filling, spinach and cheese in each.
Scrambled Eggs with Roasted Red Peppers & Avocado
Ingredients
1/2 tablespoon butter 2 eggs 1/2 roasted red bell pepper, about 1 1/2 ounces 1/2 small avocado, coarsely chopped, about 2 1/4 ounces Salt, to taste