Delightful Low Calorie And Vegetarian Dinners
An Ezine article by Molly Bickford
Every meal of the day can be interesting and exciting, but if there is one meal that I tend to be most creative with, it is dinner. I suppose the setting of the sun has an energy about it that encourages one to draw inwards and create from within a space of mystery and wonder. At least, it seems to have that effect on me!
Being a health-conscious vegetarian, I am always on the look-out for low-calorie vegetarian recipes that excite me in the first instance and impress my guests. I get a real buzz out of seeing their faces break out in awe and delight when they sit down to a meal that offers a rich assortment of colors and textures. And I am almost instantly forgiven for counting my calories and refraining from meat!
Besides, have you noticed how satisfying it is when you have a meal that is made up of different textures – smooth and creamy, soft and fluffy and crunchy and crumbly? Well, as you can see, the four, low-calorie, vegetarian recipes below provide all those textures to satisfy all those taste-buds.
For an entree, you can’t go wrong with the versatile avocado. Prepare this dish ahead of time, leaving it in the fridge to set and cool.
Avocado Tantalizer (Smooth and creamy)
* 1 avocado
* Fresh herb e.g. chocolate mint or mint
* ½ teaspoon honey
* 1 cup low-fat yogurt, ricotta or thickened cream
* Salt to taste
* Herb and glazed cherries to decorate
* Fresh ginger for that extra zing!
Put everything in a blender. Pour into cocktail glasses. Decorate with herb and glazed cherries. Cool in fridge!
Another great favorite appetizer of mine is this drop-dead gorgeous, made-in-no-time teaser! I’ve never seen anyone able to resist it!
Pineapple Blush
*Fresh or canned pineapple cut into 1-inch squares.
*Fresh mint
*Glazed cherries
Simply stack each pineapple square with one mint leaf, followed by half a cherry. Spike through with a toothpick. Arrange on a plate and keep cool.
Now for the main course. You’ll notice that these carefully selected ingredients come together in rather unusual but delightful ways…
Creamy pasta (Soft and fluffy)
* Oat-bran pasta (star or small shell-shaped ones are particularly attractive)
* ½ cup mushrooms, sliced small (optional)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* ½ teaspoon honey
* 1 teaspoon apple vinegar (or your favorite vinegar)
* ½ cup low-fat ricotta (strained for a smoother texture)
* Garlic, pressed
* Fresh (or dried) chopped herbs such as basil, parsley and coriander
* Sea salt to taste
Cook the pasta till quite soft. When nearly done add the mushrooms if used. Drain. Add all the other ingredients and toss. Serve warm with the salad below.
Salad delight (Crunchy and crumbly)
* 1 Cup spinach or lettuce
* ½ cup pre-cooked chickpeas (or canned if you must)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* ½ red onion, chopped
* 3 tablespoons almond flakes or walnuts
* Garlic, pressed
* 1 dried red chilled, roughly chopped (optional but provides a lovely kick)
* 2 tablespoons apple vinegar or fresh lemon juice
* Sea salt to taste
* 1 teaspoon dry roasted sesame seeds (optional but ever so nice!)
* 2 tablespoons coconut cream (optional but such a treat)
Mix all the ingredients in a salad bowl and serve with the pasta above!
Now, if you’re wondering about dessert, be sure to keep your eye out for a sweet low calorie and vegetarian recipe to amaze them.
