Perfect as any hearty soup in cold weather, this Vietnamese-style Pho soup is also light enough to stand in for a perfect warm weather meal. Made with fresh organic vegetables and vegetable broth, it’s simple to put together, and can work in a pinch when you are entertaining guests or after work when you want to throw together a quick, complete meal in less than a half hour.
For a recipe yield of about 2-3 complete servings of Vietnamese Pho (fairly large bowls), follow these instructions.
Ingredients for Making Vietnamese Pho Broth
1 (32-ounce) box of organic vegetable broth
2-3 Whole organic garlic cloves
3 Tbsp of organic Shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)
3 Organic Ginger coins
1/2 Tsp ground black pepper
1 Tbsp organic rice wine vinegar
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Tbsp Sriracha Brand Hot chili sauce
1 Half of an organic yellow onion
Other Ingredients for Making Vietnamese Pho
2 Organic green onions, chopped
1/2 Pack of rice noodles (Soba will also substitute fine)
1 Square of Thai flavor baked tofu (sliced)
1/2 Cup of mushrooms (Shiitake are nice)
1 Head of organic bok choy
1 Cup of organic red cabbage, cut into small, salad-sized pieces
Ingredients for Making Vietnamese Pho Garnish
4-6 Fresh organic basil leaves
4-6 Fresh organic cilantro stems & leaves
1 Organic lime cut in 1/2
1/2 Cup of organic soybean sprouts
Directions for Making Vietnamese Pho for Two
1. First make the broth: Place all broth ingredients listed above in a large pot; cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Let simmer for about 20 minutes.
2. In the meantime, cut up your vegetables. Bring water to boil in a separate pot and cook your noodles during this time, as well.
3. Next, drain the broth of its contents, removing the whole garlic cloves, ginger coins, cinnamon stick and chunk of onion. Return the broth to its original pot and add all vegetables. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes or until vegetables are at their desired tenderness.
4. Add noodles to the soup, serve with garnish on top (to be stirred into the soup) and enjoy.
By: Matty Byloos
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Filed under Food And Drink by on Nov 16th, 2010. 
It seems that every second Hollywood star is a vegetarian, giving up meat for health or moral reasons. Vegetarian societies can now provide long lists of entertainers who don’t eat meat, including vegetarians like Clint Eastwood, Dustin Hoffman, Kate Winslet and Natalie Portman, and pescatarians like Hillary Swank (who eat fish, but no other animals).
With the list of notable vegetarians reading like an invitation list for Oscars night, it is not unusual for someone to ask “How did it all start?” Perhaps surprisingly, it is not a recent trend, but something that goes back some 90 years, to when the movie business was still new.
In the early days of the movies, Mary Pickford was the biggest star in Hollywood – even more popular than her friend and business partner, Charlie Chaplin. Specialising in playing cute children like Little Lord Fauntleroy and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (she was only five feet tall and had a young face), she was known as “America’s Sweetheart” – and later, due to her global fame, “The World’s Sweetheart”.
Mary gave up meat and fish after reading “The Jungle”, Upton Sinclair’s disturbing expose of the meat industry in New York, with vivid descriptions of the assembly-line slaughterhouses. “It was too much for some of the visitors,” wrote Sinclair (who himself became a vegetarian), “and the women would stand with hands clenched and the blood rushing to their faces, and the tears starting in their eyes.”
Pickford, however, was not the only vegetarian Hollywood star of the early days. English actor George Arliss, already a popular star of the American theatre, entered movies in the 1921. At a time when vegetarianism in the West seemed peculiar and eccentric, he was a pioneer. “Doesn’t it seem probable that many of our diseases are the result of meat eating?” he once asked. “It’s an unpleasant habit… eating kidneys and liver and picking the bones… We shudder at the very thought of cannibals, but is there really any difference?”
Another great silent film star, Gloria Swanson, would also follow her rival Mary Pickford into a vegetarian diet. Other early stars dabbled in it. Marion Davies, one of the top comediennes of the 1920s, temporarily became a vegetarian after playing hostess to visiting Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw, an outspoken member of the London Vegetarian Society.
However, though they might have been the first, these stars were not as outspoken about their vegetarianism as current stars. Unlike Woody Harrelson or Toni Collette, they did not campaign for animal rights, or publicly extol the virtues of a vegetarian diet to stay young and slim. Stars of 80 or 90 years ago were not encouraged to speak their minds in such a way.
However, as Pickford was Hollywood’s most popular hostess, her meat-free diet would have been known to the fanzines and industry figures of the day (though it might have been considered eccentric). Today’s stars, able to choose from a number of chic vegetarian caf
Filed under News And Society by on Nov 15th, 2010.
In a conventional diet protein is obtained from meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products such as cheese. These all contain complete proteins that contain all the essential amino acids that are needed for the human body. A vegetarian diet must derive protein from other sources.
Protein is found in many vegetable sources. Some of these vegetable proteins are complete in that they contain all the essential amino acids just like animal protein. Others are incomplete and must be combined together to produce a complete protein that the body can use.
Most plant foods contain some protein. A vegetarian who eats a wide variety of foods will consume sufficient protein in the course of day.
Nuts and seeds are an under appreciated source of protein. They can be added to a wide range of sweet and savoury vegetarian dishes.
Soya beans are source of complete protein and for that reason soya products are an important part of a vegetarian diet. Commercially manufactured soya based meat substitutes are now widely available in supermarkets. They come in variety of forms and are often made into pies, burgers, sausages and other ready prepared products that offer the busy vegetarian a convenience food.
Soya milk can be found in most chiller cabinets next to the cows’ milk. You will also find soya yogurts and soya cheeses. A more traditional soya product is tofu which has long been used in Chinese cooking.
Another meat substitute is mycoprotein which is made from a variety of fungus. Like soya protein it is sold in various forms that can be used in a range of recipes. You will also find it in ready made products often sold under the brand name “Quorn.”
Beans, peas and lentils, known collectively as pulse, make up one of the major sources of protein for a vegetarian. They are incomplete proteins and must be combined with other incomplete proteins, such as grains, or complete proteins, such as eggs or milk, to make a complete protein food. Usually this is done in one dish such as beans and rice or beans on toast, but this is not always necessary as the body can store protein and combine it later.
By: Abhishek Agarwal
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Filed under Health And Fitness by on Nov 15th, 2010.
Vegetarian soup can be just as flavorful as a meat or fish soup but many people are unaware of this and assume that vegetable soup is supposed to taste plain and boring. There also seems to be a popular consensus that all vegetarian soups are for dieters and this is also untrue. Actually, there are plenty of vegetarian soup ideas that you can use to make the most delicious soup recipes.
You can make creamy vegetable soups or add homemade croutons or plenty of cheese. It is a myth that meatless and fishless soups have to be healthy and you can use cream, cheese, nuts or croutons to add flavor, crunch, or creaminess.
If you want to follow a meat or fish recipe but omit the meat or fish, you can substitute eggs, tofu, or a grain like barley or rice, depending on the soup recipe. It is probably easier to follow a few vegetarian soup recipes to begin with and then you can start to create your own. Use plenty of delicious herbs and spices to give maximum taste to the soup.
Vegetarian French Onion Soup
If you are looking for a rich, satisfying vegetarian soup, what about making a vegetarian version of French onion soup? Classic French onion soup is made with beef broth but you can use vegetable broth instead, for a tasty soup.
The flavor of the soup will not be exactly the same as in the classic French onion soup recipe but if you love onions and you want to make a vegetarian onion soup, this is a good way of doing it. You can also substitute vegetarian cheese for the Gruyere cheese, as a tasty topping for this warming dish.
Chinese Hot and Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is great as an appetizer or even as a meal. In Taiwan and China, this would be enjoyed for breakfast but you will probably prefer it for lunch or dinner. This is a wonderful way to make a full-flavored vegetarian soup. This is a vegan recipe as well as a vegetarian one. If you like, you can add some seitan or fried tofu.
What you will need:
1 small can water chestnuts 6 cups vegetable broth 2 cups sliced mushrooms (try shiitake or wood ear mushrooms) 2 tablespoons chili oil 1/2 cup sliced green onions 2 tablespoons vinegar 3 minced cloves garlic 1 small can bamboo shoots 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon hot sauce
How to make it:
Bring the vegetable broth to a simmer and add the water chestnuts, mushrooms, vinegar, garlic, bamboo shoots, black pepper, soy sauce, and hot sauce. Simmer the soup for half an hour, then add the green onions and simmer it for five more minutes. Stir in the chili oil and add extra vinegar, soy sauce, or hot sauce to taste.
By: Christine Szalay Kudra
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Filed under Food And Drink by on Nov 15th, 2010.
The East Village, an east Manhattan neighborhood, has long been synonymous with art and culture. It has also become known as one of the most veg-friendly neighborhoods in New York. With over 27 vegetarian restaurants in a ten block radius, this unique neighborhood is a must-visit for diners searching for a true vegetarian experience.
East Village has a Unique Culture
The East Village began its legacy as an artists’ mecca in the 1950s. Located on the east side of Greenwich Village, students and artists were drawn to the area by the cheap rent and an existing bohemian population. By 1960, the neighborhood had become a hot spot for artists and musicians alike. Andy Warhol, Nan Goldin and Jeff Koons are just a few of the many artists who have frequented the area for both recreation and exhibition of their work.
Musicians also found favor. Musical performances over the past 50 years have included shows by The Grateful Dead, the Allman Brothers, The Who, Blondie and even Madonna. Rent, the 1996 Broadway musical set in the East Village, won four Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. The characteristic art-and-music culture of the neighborhood continues to this day.
Over the years, the neighborhood has become a veritable melting pot of cultures, lending an exceptional diversity to vegetarian restaurant menus. Nearby New York University and Cooper Union School of Art each attract an influx of both business and art students to the area. German, Polish, and Ukranian immigrants draw on eastern European influences; Hispanic and Japanese residents have also left their mark on the local scene. With so many choices, East Village diners can often find a delicious vegetarian version of their family favorites.
Vegetarian Dining in the East Village
Thanks to heavily vegetarian student and artist populations, the East Village has spawned a wealth of vegetarian dining options. With a steady flow of customers, a vegetarian restaurant is a good investment, leading many owners to tailor their menu specifically to their vegetarian and vegan clientele. Additionally, many of the restaurant owners are vegetarian themselves, making them uniquely aware of the dietary needs and tastes of their diners.
Menus at a typical East Village vegetarian restaurant wanders far from the standard baked-tofu-and-vegetable fare offered outside of the neighborhood. Seitan sandwiches, grilled veggie pizzas, and handmade veggie burgers satisfy many a hungry appetite. For many vegetarians, the choices are endless, drawing diners from throughout NYC and beyond.
The East Village boasts its own unique culture dating back over 50 years. The influence of artists, musicians, immigrants and students have given to rise to some of best vegetarian restaurants in the world. A vegetarian restaurant in this one-of-kind neighborhood is well worth the visit.
By: Vladimir Grinberg
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Vlad Grinberg has been involved in the natural food industry since 2001. He has made it his mission to promote healthy food choices by educating readers about the benefits of organic vegetarian foods.To help make healthy food more convenient for busy people, Mr. Grinberg also started OrganicDirect, an organic food delivery service for the New York Metro area. For more information, visit https://www.OrganicDirect.com The Organic Grill Mr. Grinberg’s organic, vegetarian restaurant, is located in the heart of Manhattan’s East Village. Drawing on the rich, multicultural heritage of this unique neighborhood, the Organic Grill includes menu items such as Polish Vegan Pierogies, Tofu Masala, and Challah bread. The restaurant boasts a high volume of repeat patrons, which it credits to its great food and a fun, eclectic atmosphere. To learn more go to http://www.theorganicgrill.com.
Filed under Food And Drink by on Nov 15th, 2010.
Most people have a general idea that a vegetarian diet is more healthy for them in many ways, but few realize how important it is to create a healthy environment in the bowels and stomach.
Our digestive system is designed to process vegetable matter, more than foods containing animal products. Our system needs the kind of dietary fiber contained in vegetables, legumes, nuts and fruits to function properly.
When the digestive system does not function effectively as it should do, we incur a host of digestion problems such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis (inflammation of the colon, the usual symptoms are diarrhea). These diseases are less evident in people following vegetarian eating habits than in others who persist with a meat-eating lifestyle.
A vegetarian diet is naturally low in saturated fat, high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, that help to prevent cancer. R
ecent studies that included tens of thousands of men and women have shown that regular meat consumption increases colon cancer risk by roughly 300 percent. Meat-based diets have also been linked to other forms of cancer including breast, ovarian and prostate. When you consider the risks that come from a diet that includes meat and animal products, then compare the benefits of a vegetarian lifestyle, there is no doubt that the health benefits derived from vegetarian meals are life prolonging.
If you find it difficult to cut meat from your diet altogether, try making it the smallest part of the meal with greater portions of vegetables. In this way you will gradually reduce the amount of meat you crave and eventually will be able to totally eliminate it from your diet.
There are many recipes you can obtain to educate yourself in the art of vegetarian cooking so that you will be able to create meals that are delicious, healthy and energizing. You’ll soon be wondering why you haven’t made the change sooner!
By: Bill Hansen
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Filed under Health And Fitness by on Nov 15th, 2010.
Our earth is bursting with people and stress has been put on food resources. It is getting really difficult to maintain the quality of food in this fast changing world. Hence, more and more people are becoming vegetarians as a solution for their health problems.
It is a fact, vegetarians are healthier than non-vegetarians. According to studies and surveys, vegetarians actually suffer less from diseases like cancer, high blood pressure and other heart problems. Majority of heart problems are caused by high intakes of cholesterol found mainly in animal fats and dairy products. That’s why it is advised to follow a strict and balanced diet chart rather than enjoying meats. Cut down meat sounds bad but it is far healthier and protective means for keeping your cholesterol level normal.
Experts recommend a special diet which is effective in preventing fat and decreasing extra cholesterol of the body. It is necessary to know what should be included in the diet to get all nutrients which are responsible for healthier growth of the body.
As a great source of nutrition and energy, fresh fruits and fruit juices must be frequently used as they are good in taste and sufficient in clearing several other health problems. Raw fiber Vegetables like beans, lentil, cabbage and carrots should also use frequently to lower your cholesterol level. Popcorns and fresh yoghurt too are high in proteins with all most no fat. Avoid consuming soda and sugary fruit juices as they may increase cholesterol level more than your need. Barley and oats which are rich in viscous fiber contains a soluble fiber called “Beta Glucen”, a prime factor in lowering cholesterol effectively. Nuts such as almonds and walnuts, rich in monosaturated and polysaturated fats also lower down bad cholesterol. It also encourages the presence of HDL.
Soy products are very important food which cuts the cholesterol level drastically. According to researchers it is better to include at least 25 Gms of soy products in the diet daily to minimize the level of cholesterol by 15 to 20 percent straightaway. Planning of such diet does not only ensure health but overall can cut LDL by 30 percent.
Go vegetarian and ensure you have optimum fruits, almonds, soy products and oats for all your meals. It is not only economical, humane, environment friendly but also healthier. A healthy option for all as long as it is properly planned and contains all nutrients. “Be vegetarian, be healthy”
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By: Gelfey Sterling
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Filed under Health And Fitness by on Nov 14th, 2010.
If you are going vegetarian, there are a few essential things that you need to understand in order to maintain optimal health. Meat-less eating is a great way to improve your health, and there are many reasons to decrease your meat consumption… but the problem lies in the fact that many people don’t understand how to plan a healthy, meat-free meal. Here are a few steps to take:
1. Eat a Variety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables have countless nutrients that can support a healthy lifestyle. When you are eating a variety of different fresh foods you will be providing your body with some of the essential amino acids so that your body can construct the protein that it needs.
2. Focus On Green Vegetables
As you are choosing your vegetables at the store, be sure to buy lots of green colored vegetables. The green color indicates that the food is higher in protein, and so eating a variety of green vegetables can be a great way of getting plant protein.
3. Eat Only Whole Grains
One of the biggest mistakes that people who are going vegetarian make is that they substitute their meat with highly processed junk food. It is better to eat grains that are less refined, because highly refined grains (like white flour) have been stripped of many of their nutrients. Always eat grains in the most natural form possible.
4. Beans and Legumes Are Your Friend!
Eating a variety of beans and legumes can be a great way to get plant based protein. I like to eat beans at least once a day, and I often eat them with both lunch and dinner. Try a variety of beans and legumes to get different nutrition from each type.
5. Nuts Are A Great Source Of Protein
Eating nuts can be a great way to get plant based protein in your diet, but it is important that you don’t over-do it. Remember that nuts are high in fats and calories, so eat moderately.
These are some basic steps to help you in the process of going vegetarian. Continue to study healthy nutritional habits, and you will be able to create a healthy lifestyle that is meat-free!
By: Becki Andrus
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Filed under Health And Fitness by on Nov 14th, 2010.
By: Toby
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Filed under Diet & Fitness by on Nov 14th, 2010.
There are several ingredients to a perfect picnic. You need a great location – be it a sunny beach, a green lawn, beside a flowing river, or simply in a beautiful park. You also need guests (naturally). These ingredients, though, are not that hard to find. The key to any great picnic is, of course, the food. One of the most difficult things about planning a picnic is figuring out who eats what. You do not want to serve your guests food they will not eat, especially if they are vegetarian. If you do not know how to make a vegetarian picnic, then today is your lucky day. Below are great ideas for your next vegetarian picnic in the great outdoors.
Vegetarian Picnic Appetizers: Zucchini Fritters
You do not have to have meat in your appetizers, despite what most people believe. Indeed, vegetables make for terrific appetizers, and can provide a tasty precursor to the main meal – even without meat. Here is one recipe for zucchini fritters:
- 2 grated zucchinis
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 1/2 minced cloves of garlic
- 1/2 cup of Italian bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 diced red onion
- Salt and pepper
- 1 teaspoon of butter
- 1/2 cup of cheese (I like shredded mozzarella)
To make, make sure your zucchini is drained of excess liquid. Then, fry the zucchini with the onion in a tablespoon of olive oil for 4-6 minutes. Then, include the garlic. You know it is done when you no longer have liquid. Pour this mixture into a bowl along with eggs, bread crumbs, salt, pepper, and butter. Place the other tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat and fry the mixture in small batches. Sprinkle cheese on top. After about 6 minutes or so, flip and fry the other side for about 5 minutes.
Vegetarian Picnic Entrees: Vegetarian Pizza
Mmm…pizza. There are few foods on earth that are as universally loved as pizza. While we typically picture pizzas topped with pepperoni, ham, sausage, and other meats, you can have a vegetarian pizza that is just as delicious. Here is a good recipe for one you can take with you to your vegetarian picnic:
- Dough (I recommend pre-made pizza crusts for simplicity)
- Marinara sauce
- Dried oregano
- Brown sugar
- Shredded Mozzarella cheese
- Shredded Romano cheese
- Shredded Asiago cheese
- Diced purple onions
- Banana peppers
- Minced garlic
First, take your marinara sauce and mix in a dash of oregano and garlic. Do not add too much; a pinch or two should do. Then, mix in brown sugar over low heat. Add a little at a time until the sauce tastes nice and sweet. Then, spread evenly over your crust and cover with the three cheeses mixed together. Apply your onions and peppers, lightly sprinkle more oregano and garlic, and bake in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 15-20 minutes (or until cheese is golden-brown). Now you have a wonderful Pizza for your vegetarian picnic.
By: Chen Bar
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Filed under Food And Drink by on Nov 14th, 2010.