How to Make Vegetarian Versions of Favorite Meat-Based Dishes

It really isn't hard to make vegetarian versions of your favorite meat-based dishes. The trick is to use TVP, or Textured Vegetable Protein. Made from soy, these dry granules cook up much like meat when they have been reconstituted with water and properly seasoned. Here are a few super-easy favorites.

Three Bean Vegetarian Chili

1 T canola oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 T chili powder
1/4 t cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 c frozen green beans
1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 can white beans
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 cup frozen corn
Chopped fresh cilantro
Shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
Nonfat yogurt

Place the oil in a large pan, then saute the onion over medium heat. Add the peppers, garlic, and spices and saute a minute longer.

Add the beans, tomatoes, and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 to 45 minutes. You can serve this vegetarian chili recipe topped with nonfat yogurt and shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese.

Here's a simpler, less elaborate version of the chili recipe:

Quick Vegetarian Chili Recipe

3/4 c hot water
1 c frozen mixed vegetables
1 c TVP granules
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can red beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 T chili powder
1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
1 T canola oil

To begin this easy vegetarian recipe, place the water and the Textured Vegetable Protein granules in a large saucepan over medium heat. Allow the TVP to absorb the water for about ten minutes. Add the remaining ingredients.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer the chili over low heat for 30 minutes.

Easy Vegetarian "Meatloaf" Recipe

1 c dry TVP granules
3/4 c plus 2T water
2 to 3 t soy sauce
Tomato sauce, made from 1 12 ounce can tomato paste, reconstituted with one can water
1 c rolled oats
1 c cooked mashed potatoes
1 t dried Italian seasoning or oregano
1 t onion powder
1/4 t garlic powder
1 t prepared mustard
1 t salt

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Heat the water in the microwave for about two minutes. In a medium sized bowl, combine the water and TVP. Bake a medium sized potato in the microwave, then mash it with the skins on. When the TVP has absorbed the water, add the 1/2

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