Turning glorious cheat day into meatless Friday
Fridays are known as the time for haute cuisine, that
day in the week when you can demolish a tower of cheesecake, a loop of
four-cheese margherita pizza or a stack of that finger-licking good and juicy
fried chicken showered with loads and loads of smoky gravy. Just picturing that
in my head already makes me drool and crave. A beer also has a nice appeal to
it.
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| Photo Courtesy of Want China Times |
I love food. And there are instances I may love food more than
people (Excuse that indecent statement; I
love you mom!). My Instagram is
littered with more pictures of my lunches and dinners than friends and selfies.
And when people fail me, I use eating as a coping mechanism. Food is so reliable
and it will never leave me or break my heart. Well, technically it does exit
your body and the wrong kinds can cause your heart to stop
functioning, but still, if I’m going to risk out my heart, I’d rather it come
from french-fries than feelings. Exactly! Also, when the possibility of a
zombie apocalypse strikes the earth, my biggest concern is how I would survive
without Mcdo’s happy meals and the ability to drink coke.
But as someone who advocates healthy living, and wants my readers
to observe healthy eating, I share my food
experiences introspectively because I don’t just want to make you want to eat—I
want you to eat authentic, and eat respectfully. So, I came up with a
meatless-Friday meal selection. Or simply, a weekly penance.
Sometimes, we think of
penance as something just for Lent, but the Church actually states that the
penitential days and times in the universal Church are every Friday of the whole
year and the season of Lent.
Hold on! Every Friday
of the whole year? Yup! So, while you’re snappy about the idea of the
standard tuna
casserole or fish sticks diet, why not create a game plan for meatless battles
that don’t have to mean bland food. Again, people don’t like eating the same tuna casseroles again and again.
My mantra, fasting comes
with feasting! These two aren’t at odds with each other.
So to help counteract your
fast food and sweets craving, Focus Weekly rounded up 10 recipe ideas that
cater to all the different dietary needs—whether you’re simply omitting red
meat, avoiding dairy or striving for a vegen diet. From tasty Tilapia Fish
Tacos to appetizing Pasta and Marina, I’m sure these will keep your meatless
Fridays full of flavor.
Salmon with mongo beans. This heart-healthy dish is loaded with protein, and what fat it
does have, is the good kind, from fresh salmon and olive oil. The mongo beans
round out the dish, providing nutty taste and firm texture.
Stir-fried tofu with vegetables. Here is a great way to show what a super meat
substitute firm tofu is. If you wish, vary the vegetables. Small broccoli
flowerets or zucchini strips can stand in for the carrots and mushrooms.
Pasta with Mahimahi. Similar to grouper, mahimahi boasts a firm texture and
light, sweetly moist meat. Paired with multigrain pasta, this extra lean fish
dish is a delicious way to enjoy the benefits of heart-healthy seafood.
Roasted bangus with coconut-ginger sauce. This protein-packed recipe is full of
zesty flavor, with Caribbean jerk seasoning, coconut milk, garlic, and ginger
adding depth to a medley of vegetables that are spread atop baked red snapper
fillets.
Mussels and asparagus stir-fry. Tossing this dish with chopped basil just before serving
adds a touch of fresh flavor. With steamed rice, you have a complete meal!
Jerk tuna fillet with sweet potato sides. Tuna, a firm-fleshed fish, is often sold as
fillets, but it’s one of the few fish thick enough to be cut into steaks —
which are usually a better buy.
Flatbread salad pizza. Try this salad “pizza” as an alternative to the usual
tomato-and-cheese kind. It’s especially good because it starts with a
crusty grilled flatbread that gives it a unique look and imparts a rustic
flavor. Serve the bread simply with herb-infused olive oil and fresh herbs, or
top with our chopped salad or spice blend.
Vegetable Stew. A hearty vegetable stew makes an incredible vegetarian
entrée—savory and satisfying with plenty of spices and seasoning to keep your
palate interested. For a variation, try stirring toasted, chopped almonds and
scallions into the couscous before serving.
Fisherman’s Stew. This simple seafood stew is laden with fresh shrimp and cod,
and features a savory tomato broth spiced up with herb seasoning.
Baked cabbage. Cabbage
wedges are microwaved, then topped with a sweet-and-sour tomato sauce—a
simplified version of the classic stuffed cabbage! Delicious served over
quick-cooking brown rice.
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