Hi. I'm thinking of becoming a vegetarian.

[ebdarcy]

But I'm not really sure how to go about it. I gave up beef about a year ago, and I haven't eaten pork for about two months. But, I'm afraid I won't be able to give up chicken and turkey.

I just don't know what to cook if I give up poultry. I've never been a fan of things like spinach, carrots, or cauliflower. I can eat broccoli if it's smothered in cheese, and cabbage if it's in egg rolls. I checked out the recipe thread, and some of the stuff looks really good. But, some of it looks time consuming. I work full-time and am a part-time student. I'm also on a budget and the morningstar and boca stuff seem pricey.

I really want to do this, but I'm afraid it might be too hard. I don't know any vegetarians in real life, so any advice or pointers would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. :)

[LeftyMom]

1. Cooking veg food really doesn't have to be time consuming.

I was actually talking about this just yesterday with a friend of mine who has a cookbook coming out in November. We were laughing about Rachel Ray's Thirty Minute Meals, because the idea of cooking a meal in half an hour didn't seem fast to either of us. I suggested that this is largely because we don't have to cook meat long enough to kill bacterial contamination, and he agreed.

I'd definitely suggest you focus on making your food from scratch or nearly so rather than using a lot of packaged faux meats. You can make tastier and healthier food yourself with a minimum of fuss, especially if you incorporate many already veg options from international cuisine. As far as packaged food goes, I'd much rather grab a tub of hummus and some sandwich fixings, some stir fry veggies and rice or boil some frozen ravioli than eat a boca burger. In fact, I can't remember the last time I ate something like that. At least a month ago, easily.

One thing you can do (I understand the time crunch, being a full time student and a mom) is to make extra and freeze some for later so on the days you're pressed for time all you have to do is thaw and reheat dinner.

Cookbook-wise, I'd grab a copy of Vegan With a Vengance (most of the recipes are fast and use simple ingredients, though there are a few showy or wierd things) and I'd go nuts snagging recipes off of vegweb.com (be sure to check the comments, often there are tips for making the recipe work well) especially in the tried-and-true section.

What I did when I first went veg was check a huge stack of cookbooks out from the library and copy the things that looked most appealing to me. The books that had many things that looked good, I bought.

Another thing you can do if employ a crock pot, if you've got one. Just toss some soup or casserole stuff in when you leave in the morning and come home to dinner. Vegweb has a section dedicated to slow cooker recipes.

Let me know if you need any specific advice. Good luck, you'll do fine. :)

[ebdarcy]

2. Thanks for the advice.

I'm going to go to the library tomorrow and get some books. I love pasta and hummus, so those ideas will definitely work. I tried morningstar burgers a couple of months ago, and I wasn't impressed. I so did not want to make those a staple of my diet. I've been toying with the idea of vegetarianism for a few months, and I think I'm ready to do this.

Thanks again. :)

[CountAllVotes]

3. try Annie's Texas Style burgers

They are very good, esp. when topped with a slice of jalapeno cheese! I buy frozen organic dinners that Annie's makes when they are on sale.

I never really cared much for meat so it was easy for me to give up. I occasionally do eat organic chicken, but not very often as it is very expensive.

I'd recommend doing this slowly, not quickly.

My favorite cookbook for vegetarian cooking is The Vegetarian Epicure by Anna Thomas. There are two books, book one and two. I'd recommend both of them.

Best of luck! :)

:dem:

[livetohike]

4. Here are a few tips to get you started

* Use a crock pot to cook beans (after soaking them overnight), start them in the morning - they will be ready when you need them. They taste better and are more nutritious than canned beans.

* Quesadillas, bean tostados, bean burritos, cheese enchiladas are all quick and easy to make. I put a flour or corn tortilla in a cast iron skillet - top with some grated cheese to melt down and add some salsa - instant quesadilla!

* I agree that the packaged foods are pricey, but buy a big bag of cheese or mushroom ravioli, or tortellini. Quick to prepare with a jar of marinara sauce and you are set.

* Either buy or check out of the library, Moosewood Restaurant Cooks at Home. They include a time of preparation on each recipe and most are very quick to make. I have made almost every recipe in that book! If you aren't familiar with the Moosewood cook books, check some out when you get time. The restaurant is in Ithaca, New York. I made a trip there over ten years ago and thought I went to heaven :-).

* Make soups and freeze them in the portions you like. Bean soups freeze well and taste great especially on a cold day.

Welcome to DU and to our group. You will receive a lot of good ideas and support here :hi:.

[Trailrider1951]

5. For a low-cost alternative

To the costly veggie burger products (Boca, Morn. Farms, etc.)to put in chili, spagetti sauce, etc. I use Bob's Red Mill TVP:

https://www.bobsredmill.com/catalog/index.php?action=showdetails&product_ID=396

About $2.40 a package, lasts about a year, and tastewise, you can't tell the difference!

:9

[JitterbugPerfume]

7. thas for the link!

I buy Bobs Red Mill stuff at the supermarket , but now I will buy online !

[CrispyQ]

6. You can do it!

Take it at your own pace, do what you can.

I have to spend time cooking or I will eat vegan junk - of which there is plenty. I cook for two & I spend about 2-3 hours cooking on weekends. I can cut that down if I take some time during the week & chop the veggies I will need. A typical week consists of cooking up pasta, cleaning salad greens, & making a casserole. Bake a few potatoes, have some sandwich stuff on hand & you should be set for the week. I agree with LeftyMom to avoid too many meat analogs. They are highly processed & expensive.

My fave cookbooks are Vegan with a Vengeance & How It All Vegan. You must try VWAV's Tempeh Sausage Crumbles. They are fantastic! And HIAV has a rockin' choco pudding cake that is sooooo easy to make & lip smackin' too!