Tips for Easy Healthy Vegetarian Recipes

by Diana Pells

There is no truth to the rumor that vegetarians have difficult recipes to follow and that not following complicated recipes will result in bland food. The truth is that there are so many options for easy healthy vegetarian recipes. The wealth of choices actually makes vegetarianism an exciting journey into healthy food. Here are some things you need to remember when preparing easy healthy vegetarian recipes.
Check the Label
The most convenient way to create healthy recipes is to stock ahead on sauces and ingredients. This way you just have to open packs and cans when you need to whip up something fast. This is generally a good idea especially if you're thinking of canned beans, salsa sauce, dried peas, canned mushrooms and tomato sauce.
You should however always make it a point to read labels before adding unfamiliar ingredients to easy healthy vegetarian recipes. Some products may seem vegetarian but may contain animal based ingredients like gelatin and animal oil. Pure vegans might also want to find out if instant foods contain cheese, milk and other dairy products.
Cook the Same Way
Easy healthy vegetarian recipes are basically similar to regular meat containing recipes. The only thing lacking is meat. This means that you just have to cook like you always do. Just have a little knowledge to supplement your nutrients and a little creativity to make easy healthy vegetarian recipes as tasty as meat dishes.
Protein substitute are found in beans, nuts and legumes. Calcium can be obtained from milk and green leafy vegetables. To make your easy healthy vegetarian recipes especially tasty you can experiment with herbs and spices like chilies, oregano, thyme, rosemary and basil.
Don't Overdo Plain Dishes
There is absolutely nothing wrong with serving steamed vegetables, corn and peas. They are also obviously easy healthy vegetarian recipes. Sometimes though, you might want to cut back on these basic dishes so that your family doesn't get too bored with the same taste. Serve the same dishes but maybe you can sauté these food items first with some tasty onions, garlic and some pepper.
Serve Healthy Snacks
Sometimes all you need to prepare and serve easy healthy vegetarian recipes is just a little bit more time. To make sure that your family members don't come home hungry and ready for a big meal at six, serve them healthy snacks to delay their craving for dinner. Pack some nuts, dried fruits, fruit mixes, crackers and cheese for them to take to school or work.
Serve Raw and Simple
Raw vegetarianism is still considered a controversial issue but those who stand by it maintain that it is the healthiest way of life and is the greatest source of easy healthy vegetarian recipes. You might want to try one night in seven as a raw night. Raw foods are considered healthy because they lose none of their nutrients through heat in the cooking process. More rigid raw eaters simply blend fruits and vegetables. You may however just want to settle for simple salads with delicious dips and sauces.
Being a vegetarian is nothing more than making fresh and easy healthy vegetarian recipes everyday. Discover more about easy vegetarian recipes!
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Canava Cafe's
Vegan Baked Ziti - serves 5-8
Preheat oven at 350 degrees.

Ingredients:

1 box organic ziti/penne pasta
1 canned tomato puree
1 canned tomato paste
2-3 garlic cloves, chopped
¼ cup olive oil
2 tablespoon dried oregano
2 tablespoon granulated garlic
2 tablespoon onion flakes
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2-3 tablespoon turbinado/organic sugar
1-2 tablespoon canola oil
2-4 tablespoon Veggie Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

In a large pot, boil 6 cups of water
and add canola oil and pasta. Boil for
20-30 minutes or until pasta is tender.
In a medium sauce pan, on medium to
low temperature, add 1 -2 tablespoon
of olive oil & chopped garlic, saute
until garlic is soft. Add oregano,
granulated garlic, onion flakes &
cayenne. Simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add
tomato sauce, paste & sugar. Simmer
for 15 -20 minutes. Drain pasta.
Mix sauce & pasta together in a
Casserole dish. Sprinkle Veggie Parmesan
all over pasta. Bake for 15- 20 minutes.