Ah to be a vegetarian. This word seems almost offensive to the casual carnivore. I am constantly being asked why I’m a vegetarian, and the look on peoples face is one of contempt. The reason I don’t eat meat anymore is really irrelevant. However, just because I don’t eat meat doesn’t mean I don’t miss eating meat-dominated dishes such as pizza and burgers. So, I decided to put together a list of foods with protein alternatives for vegetarians. First, let’s check out this simple veggie Pizza recipe that I absolutely love.
Veggie Pizza Recipe
Pizza is wonderfully diverse. There are many different options on how to make a pizza. I find that when I go to pizza restaurants, I’m either stuck eating a plain cheese pizza or having a couple of cold veggies thrown on my pie before it’s thrown in the oven. I really don’t mind this, but there are other options such as this Veggie Pizza Recipe for a great vegetarian pizza.
Hummus Veggie Pizza Recipe
– Prep time 15 mins. Cook time 15 mins. Serves 4
1 ball of homemade/store bought pizza dough
1/4-1/2 cup hummus (Again homemade or store bought)
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives
1/4 of a red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup cooked chickpeas
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (omit if you want dairy free)
1/4 cup parsley finely chopped
2 Tbspn extra virgin olive oil
squeeze of fresh lemon juice
(1) Preheat oven to 425 degrees. (2) Spread dough onto baking sheet or pizza stone. (Oil baking sheet to keep from sticking). (3) Spread hummus evenly. (4) Top with tomatoes, olives, onion, chickpeas, and feta cheese. (5) Bake for about 12 minutes. Then increase to 500 degrees for 2-3 minutes to give the chickpeas an extra crunch. Make sure not to burn pizza. (6) Remove pizza and top with parsley, olive oil and lemon juice. Enjoy!
Black Bean Burger Recipe
Nothing screams summer more than a good old fashion cookout! Vegetarians know that when going to a cookout, you must bring your own vegetarian items to avoid being relegated to eating a cheese and tomato sandwich. One great vegetarian alternative for cookouts is the black bean burger. Here is my simple and easy to follow black bean burger recipe. I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy this one as well.
Black Bean Burger Recipe – Yields six burgers
2 cans (15.5 oz) black beans
1 cup dried bread crumbs
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tspn ground black pepper
2 tspn paprika
2 tspn cumin
1 tspn oregano
1/2 tspn garlic powder
2 Tbspn olive or canola oil
6 hamburger buns
(1) Pour one can of beans into a bowl, reserving the liquid, and mash. (2) Drain the second can and add to the bowl with breadcrumbs, eggs, pepper, paprika, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Mix everything really well. Make sure the mixture is moist but not too wet. Stir in any extra flavorings you wish to use as well. (3) Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into 4 inch patties. (4) Heat 2 Tbspn of oil in large 12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. (5) Add patties and cook, turning once. Cook until crispy brown on each side, about 6 minutes. (6) Place on bun, top with cheese and condiments, and enjoy!
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