I think I’ve been in a little bit of a rut lately with regard to meal prep. I suppose for a few years (many) the formula was a protein (in my 20s and before that meant a meat), a starch, and – hopefully – a veggie (of course, now, as 5+ years vegan, but before? Was a maybe. Or a garnish). <\/p>\n
I have noticed that when I’m stressed – I go to a green veggie, a potato or quinoa, and a gardein chix or t’rky something or other. Sometimes I’ll make a mushroom gravy to go with it -and often I’ll sautee or steam some KALE (all hail kale). <\/p>\n
But I’ve been *trying* to cook with less (almost no) prepared \/ boxed \/ packaged foodstuff. Not too easy. Seems boring when I just have some beans and a veggie and something like a potato. <\/p>\n
Why is it that even after years as #vegan… I still have this image of “meat and potatoes” alternatives on my plate? <\/p>\n
I had lunch with a non vegan a few weeks ago. Business associate in his 50s… nice guy… ordered a chicken salad. Ate about half of it and took it home. What? I’d pass out from starvation. But that’s another story. Just didn’t seem like a meal to me. <\/p>\n
I will admit, I love food. My family loves food. We celebrate with food. We talk about food. We rate food. We eat food. And, thankfully, 3 out of 5 of us are #vegan and love it. And the 2\/5 who aren’t… well, they’ll eat and enjoy any vegan food that’s cooked for them (or great restaurants). <\/p>\n
So what’s the point of this rambling post? <\/p>\n
Why is planning and preparing meals so overwhelming? I know, I know. Silly, right? I have like 10 (maybe really 6) go to meals… and it can be boring. <\/p>\n
I have dozens of great recipes here on this blog… but in stress or anxiety or boredom or just in a hurry – I always fall back to salad, green veggie, starch, and a protein. And I read on the amazing @isa blog that she always adds a special sauce. I need to work on sauces. Any suggestions, anyone?<\/p>\n
I want to try more Indian dishes. And why do stir-fries scare me so? <\/p>\n
For someone who loves to cook… and cooks nearly every day… I’m kind of scratching my head and going *hmmmm*… <\/p>\n
Of course, it should also be said, I don’t always have 2 hours or more to prep a meal. Sometimes, for sure, but not always. <\/p>\n
Last night we were going to go out for #vegan sushi… a favorite. But then the bottom fell out of the sky… and rain was so intense we decided to stay in. What did I make? A big salad with saut\u00e9ed mushrooms… saut\u00e9ed broccoli, seasoned quinoa, and gardein chix. Yawn. It was good, sure. But. Yawn. And missing a sauce. <\/p>\n
Thankfully, @toddveg suggested we hop on our bikes and ride to Publix to get some vegan ice cream… which we did…and it was awesome. <\/p>\n
Is it wrong to want a wow meal most nights? Is that expectation too high? Or is just balanced food and nutrition and a nice taste and texture enough…?<\/p>\n
Wow is the word. So I’ll keep striving. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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