Tasty Vegetarian White Chicken Chili Recipe In 4 Simple Steps

My husband and I used to work at Ruby Tuesday's as waiters back in the day when we were in college and by far the most popular item that patrons would buy from their menu, without any suggestion from the waiters, would be the White Chicken Chili. My husband used to rave about how good it tasted, and obviously, I was never able to join in all the reindeer games because I didn't eat meat. It didn't occur to me, till now, to attempt to cook a White Chicken Chili Recipe and make it not only meat-free and tasty but also vegan friendly. I must say, this recipe has now become a staple and a favorite in my home, no matter how hot it is outdoors, we never mind eating a bowl of this Vegetarian White "Chixen" Chili.

You will discover that most of the ingredients, for this vegetarian recipe, are items that you likely already have within your kitchen and are simple to find. This Vegetarian White "Chixen" Chili is undoubtedly tasty and will have any vegetarian or meat-eater addicted. I have never eaten the meat version of White Chicken Chili but I am certain it does not have anything on the vegetarian and vegan version.

Vegetarian White "Chixen" Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

·1/4 cup of vegetable oil

·1/2 lb (which is about 12 nuggets) of thawed Soy Delight Vegan Chicken Nuggets, diced in to chunks (these are not breaded)

·3 cloves of garlic, minced

·1 medium onion, chopped

·1 large or 2 small jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped

·1 fresh green chile, chopped (you can substitute for 1 small can of green chillies with the liquid)

·3 sprigs of fresh oregano, chopped or 1 tsp of dried oregano

·1/4 tsp of black pepper

·1 tsp cumin

·1/2 tsp coriander

·1 1/2 tsp of chili powder

·1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

·2 cans of Northern White Beans, with liquid

·3 cups of vegetable broth

·2 cups of water

·1 vegetable bouillon

·3 tablespoons of cornstarch, mixed with a 2 tsp. of water

Directions:

1. In a large pot, add the vegetable oil and heat on medium heat. Once oil is warm, add the vegan chicken nuggets and sauté for about 5 minutes. Next add the garlic, onion, jalapeño peppers, and green chile. Saute until the onions are soft and clear which should be another 5 minutes.

2. Add the oregano, black pepper, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cayenne pepper to the soy chicken and saute for another minute.

3. Next add, the northern white beans, vegetable broth, water and bouillon to the pot. Stir and cover and let simmer on low for 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, add the cornstarch and water mix, stir, and continue to simmer on low for another 20 minutes.

4. Serve and garnish with cilantro, sour cream and cheese...if you like...but it is so good as is, you may not need to add anything else.

By the way, in case you can not find the Delight Soy Vegan Chicken Nuggets, feel free to work with some other "mock chicken" nugget or patty. Just make sure it is not breaded. You can also use seitan which is a great option!

Enjoy cooking and eating vegetarian and vegan meals? Get your totally free vegan and vegetarian cookbook with over 100 meat and dairy free recipes plus 5 Free Meat-Free Instructional Video Recipes by visiting http://www.freemeatlessrecipes.com/ Join hundreds of other vegetarians who have already experienced the easy but tasty method of preparing and eating vegetarian and vegan food.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ebony_Johnson

Original article

How to Become a Vegetarian in 6 Simple Steps

When deciding how to become a vegetarian, there are many options to consider. Some recommend gradually changing your diet while others advise you to dive right in and correct course along the way. Regardless of your strategy, there is a way to succeed with your new meatless diet by following six simple steps.

Although they are simple steps to take, they may not be easy. Some of them apply more to people who make a gradual change to a meat-free lifestyle while others are more suited to those who make the change more rapidly. Most of them apply to both.

If you are undecided about how to become a vegetarian, consider applying these steps as you go. You could apply one to your live each day or every week, depending on your preference and what works for you.

Step 1: Identify the reasons why you want to change your diet.

Carefully consider your main motivations for following a meatless diet. Do you want to end animal suffering? Save money? Help the environment? Improve your health?

All of these are great reasons to go vegetarian. However, it is important to know which ones mean the most to you.

Give your reasons serious consideration and write them down. This list doesn't have to be fancy and it doesn't matter if you are already a vegetarian or not. Keep it in a place where you will see it often to remind yourself why you are making this change in lifestyle.

Repeat this process periodically, as your reasons may and probably will change over time. It is also a great way to stay passionate about following a meatless diet.

Step 2: Find social support.

Whether it is from friends or just an online vegetarian forum that you visit regularly, it is important to receive support when you go vegetarian. Others will be able to give you advice and tips for how to become a vegetarian. They can lift you up when you feel down and frustrated.

Support from others, especially vegetarians and vegans, is important for you success at a vegetarian lifestyle. It also makes the change much more fun!

Step 3: Research recipes and nutritional information. It is a good idea to know what you are undertaking before you get started, or at least shortly afterward. Look up information about how to become a vegetarian in a healthy way. Consider setting up an appointment with a nutritionist or dietitian, if you can, to talk about a diet that will meet your nutritional needs.

Also, find vegetarian recipes from cookbooks or online. Keep a variety on hand for meals and snacks. This makes the transition easier because you won't have to wonder what you can eat. You already know a few options!

Step 4: Evaluate your diet.

As you change your diet, think about how it makes you feel. Do you have more or less energy?Are you getting adequate nutrition? Do you eat enough fruits and vegetables?

Make a point of evaluating your eating habits on a regular basis. You may need to make changes or focus on consuming enough nutrients.

Step 5: Make changes based on your comfort level.

There are many ways that are recommended for how to become a vegetarian. Do what feels right. Don't think you can stop eating meat all at once? Cut back on how many times you consume meat each week. Eager to dive right in? Go ahead, but do some research as you go.

No one way is the "right way" to become a vegetarian.

Step 6: Track your progress and reward yourself.

Note when you have met a major milestone. Haven't had any meat for a week, month or even longer? Celebrate your progress. Going vegetarian can be challenging, so take the time to reward yourself. Go out for a movie with friends, get a manicure or buy that new outfit you've been eying.

Whether you already follow a meatless diet or you are just considering it, these tips can help you feel more motivated and keep you on track when you feel discouraged.

Deciding how to become a vegetarian can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially with the wide variety of contradictory advice. These simple steps are beneficial no matter how you decide to go about making the change in your lifestyle!

Linda Newell of Recipes-For-Vegetarians.com is a member of the Vegetarian Resource Group and the North American Vegetarian Society. She shares information such as vegetarian protein sources

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_K_Newell

Original article

Simple Chickpea Recipe

Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are held in very high regard throughout the Mediterranean basin. They are a main source of protein for the people in the Mediterranean region and are one of the earliest cultivated vegetables. Garbanzos have been eaten raw as a snack, added into main dishes or salads, and have even been included in some dessert dishes. Although a staple throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, chickpea production (with the exception of Turkey, Iran, and Iraq) is surprisingly low in these countries. India is by far the largest chick pea producing country in the world, with Pakistan at a very distant second.

Chickpeas are a good source of zinc, folate and protein and contain high levels of dietary fiber which make them a very healthy source of carbohydrates. They are very low in fat, and the fat that they do contain is polyunsaturated. According to the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, chickpeas contain on average: 23% protein, 64% carbohydrates, 5% fat, and 6% fiber.

There are many dishes that include chickpeas as a main ingredient, including Hummus which is a very healthy, blended dip made of primarily chickpeas, tahini (made from sesame seeds), olive oil, and garlic with many other varying ingredients. However to keep it simple at first, I am sharing with you a staple dish in its own right at my restaurant; a delicious, healthy, light, and easy to prepare dish with the simple name of "Chickpea Salad." Share with your loved ones and enjoy!

Chickpea Salad

Prep time: 15 minutes
Ready in: 20 Minutes
Serves: 10

Ingredients:

- 4 cups cooked, drained and rinsed chickpeas
- ½ cup diced red pepper
- ½ cup diced green pepper
- ½ cup sliced black olives (drained and rinsed)
- ½ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ¼ cup shredded carrots
- 3 tbsp each extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice
- 3 pinches kosher salt
- 4 pinches pepper
- 4 pinches of dry mint

Directions:

Combine all vegetables and parsley in a large bowl and toss. Add olive oil and lemon juice mix. Add salt, pepper, and mint. Toss all ingredients and until mixed thoroughly. You may serve as a side dish or as the first course.

Note: You may try adding feta cheese or freshly grated cheese as a garnish or to your own taste. I have added fried fruit (like raisins) to this salad for a wonderful twist on a familiar Mediterranean salad.

Shaw H. Rabadi, restaurant owner/chef/author, invites you to Eat, Drink, and Be Mediterranean with him for a happier, healthier life!

Visit http://www.themediterraneandigest.com/ for information on his newly released story-cookbook, "Savor the Spices of Life" and more info on eating, cooking, and living a heart healthier life.

Eat Better, Fresher, Smarter!

Original article