New year for solidarity at the dinner table.

So, the past few months I have been peetering (teetering)? dangerously close to full blown vegetarianism. The recent crisis of the rising cost of food is the straw in the camel's back, for me. It's easy to feel disconnected from the severity of this crisis and going veg is a way I can remain with those who are feeling the full effects. And I don't mean veg with tofurki patties. I'm talking simple grains and seasonal veggies, or the half rotten ones from the discount section. I feel strongly called to a life of solidarity with the poor and in my insular posh "rich" north america, this is one tiny way I even come close to living with my proverbial hand in hand with their proverbial hand. or something like this.

I am going to bulk buy organic pulses this year and try to experiment more with different sources of protein. I will try my best to share all that I learn in the world of cheap, delicious, socially concious food.

My husb wants to try to go vegan 2 days a week. We have quickly learned that almond milk and tahini are going to be staples on monday and tuesday.

A new year for yummy food.

The new year is a good time for everyone to feel like there is a fresh start. I am happy to say I'm starting the year off with some big changes. My biggest goal this year is to eliminate stress from my life as much as possible. I am going to spend more time moseying around the house in cosey clothes relaxing with tea and playing with my son. I am going to putter around the kitchen and keep my family satiated with nutritious, delicious, cheap food.

Here's my newest recipe: smokey sweet potato stew. This week I had the sniffles and this spicey stew was good for my heart and soul (not to mention my sinuses)

Broth:
2 cups veg. stalk
3 tb. tahini
1 tb. peanut butter
1/4 cup liquid tomatoes
salt/pepper to taste
1 heaping ts hungarian peprika
-For some heat, add a whole chipotle pepper
1/4 ts tumeric

Solids:
1/3 cup peanuts
1, 1/2 cups chopped cabbage
3/4 cup chopped onion
1,1/2 cup peeled and chopped swt. potato
3/4 cup dry lentils, rinsed/drained
2 tb oil,
2 cloves of garlic
1/2 ts fresh minced ginger

How to: Broth
If necc. make stalk.
When it is boiling, turn it down to simmer. Add tahini, peanut butter, and tomato sauce/paste.

Meanwhile, Solids:
In a large deep frying pan, heat oil. Add garlic and ginger. Add onions and stir until soft. Add cabbage and lentils and peanuts and stir on medium heat until cabbage is soft. Add swt. pots.

Add solids to broth. Simmer until swt. pots are soft.

Serve with a dallop of yogurt or sour cream. Fresh bread or naan makes an excellent side. Garnish with cilantro for a classy touch.

and, enjoy!