
Happy Spring Everyone! Yes, one day early. Even happier? Starting tomorrow, A. is going plant-based for the next 28 days after getting inspired by two things. First, is that with and because of our wonderful friends P. & D. we are going to Myrtle Beach for Memorial Day. Second, is that I discovered and strongly encouraged A. to check out the Engine 2 Diet media clips.
So, to prove that the next few weeks will be just as tasty without animal products (and more kind), I whipped up a Shepherd’s Pie inspired by this recipe. And since I can never manage to follow a recipe or measure things out exactly, here is how to make one seriously tasty dinner. This meal got this response from A.: “I don’t even really see why I need to eat hamburger ever again! This is really good.” So, here’s how to make your own:
1. In a large skillet, pour about a tablespoon of EVOO and about 2 tbsp water. Mince 3 cloves garlic and 1/4 small yellow onion. Saute until slightly brown. Don’t all great recipes start this way?
2. Add in 1/2 a diced green pepper (we had leftovers that needed to be used, and A. won’t eat green beans or peas–yet.)
3. Add in Boca meat (not the red package) and about 1/2 cup water. Let simmer a bit and then add about 3 tbsp Bragg’s and some hefty shakes of dried Rosemary (I’m on a Grad School Budget, and I haven’t planted Spring kitchen herbs yet). I also sprinkled a tiny bit (1/2 tsp) of Italian herbs into the mix.
4. Lightly grease a pie pan (or baking dish or whatever you like) with a little more olive oil. Press in the Boca Mix.
5. Then, you could either steam potatoes or (sadly) fix up some leftover Alexia Hashed Browns by: Add in about 2 tsp of olive oil to a skillet + 1/4 cup water (I used the same skillet one to save time and water). Add all the leftover hashed browns…About 1.5 -2 cups?
6. Next, I also had some Red Chard I needed to use up, so I chopped it up. Very fine. And added to the Hash Brown mix. Sprinkled Garlic Salt (it has to be the Simply Organic brand). And freshly ground pepper–until you think it’s enough.
7. When the Hashies are slightly brown and chard is cooked lightly, add into the pie pan.
8. Cover with a light layer of cheddar Daiya.
9. Cover the pie pan with tin foil. Bake @ 365 for half an hour. And then bake longer when your love comes home and says, I need to go get wine to celebrate Peyton Manning’s coming to the Broncos. At this point, uncover the pie and recycle the tin foil. Leave the oven open and set to 325. Let heat until your love gets home with wine. While your love is out getting wine, whip up a salad to accompany the meal. You can never have enough greens, you know?
10. Enjoy the aroma.
11. Feel like you’re in heaven while eating. Take one bite too many. Forgive yourself for doing so.
12. Pack both you and your love damn good (and kind) lunches for tomorrow.
Let me know if you try this
Or if you plan on making it soon. Or if you are super excited for Peyton Manning coming to the Broncos.
PS. Sorry about my yucky food pics. One day I will get a much nicer camera. But today all I have is a point and shoot.