The Almost Veggetarian

Sensational Saag Paneer

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 16 April, 2013

Saag Paneer is one of my favorite Indian dishes. For your reference I have tired exactly four Indian dishes, so I have a lot of expertise in this area.

My favorite thing about Saag Paneer is the way the cheese squeaks when you eat it. If you’ve ever tried Paneer cheese you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t it’s something you absolutely must experience. I also love the way it increases my tolerance for cooked spinach eating from one bite to bowls full, due to the amazing flavors that all the spices add.

This is a preview of Sensational Saag Paneer. Read the full post (588 words, 3 images, estimated 2:21 mins reading time)

Posted in Entrees, Indian, Uncategorized | Tagged Paneer, Spinach | Leave a comment

Quinoa Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Avocado Cream Sauce

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 31 March, 2013

The warm weather over past few days has brought about visions. Don’t worry I’m not hallucinating…it’s not that hot (unfortunately).

I’m merely daydreaming about a few of my fav-o-rtie things…which happen to be campfires, Mexican food, Chips and Salsa (yes, they’re capitalized, it’s because they’re important), and of course, Coronas with their delicious little limes.

Just the thought makes me smile wider than a Cheshire cat. And that’s hard to do.

These qunioa stuffed Poblano peppers were no disappointment to my Mexican food cravings. They’re packed with flavor and heat from the Chipolte peppers in Adobo and are a great alternative to typical Fajitas and Tacos. The Avocado cream sauce was heavenly–I’d probably make double next time.

This is a preview of Quinoa Stuffed Poblano Peppers with Avocado Cream Sauce. Read the full post (547 words, 4 images, estimated 2:11 mins reading time)

Posted in Entrees, Mexican | Tagged avocado, Beans, Black beans, Poblano Peppers | Leave a comment

Slow Cooker Barley with Mushrooms and Asparagus

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 13 March, 2013

Blog-ernation (Read Blog Hibernation): a time (usually during the dark winter months) when the mind shuts down and is totally incapable of blogging due to abundant laziness and excessive viewing of trashy television.

Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m taking about.

Regardless, I apologize for succumbing to it. Thank god for Daylight savings time, which has put an end to my absence (hopefully for good this time).

This is a preview of Slow Cooker Barley with Mushrooms and Asparagus. Read the full post (432 words, 3 images, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)

Posted in Entrees, Italian | Tagged Asparagus, Barley, Italian, Mushrooms | Leave a comment

White Chocolate Chip Espresso Brownie Cookies

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 9 February, 2013

Someone came up with a genius idea. I wish it was me. It wasn’t.

Someone (really really smart) combined brownies and chocolate chip cookies into one delicious dessert. They also made me put on a few pounds. I’ll forgive them.

I’ve decided that the only way this dessert could possibly be any better is to add in some cheesecake. Somehow. I’m working on it.

Whats better? These cookies have caffeine inside! So you have a great excuse to eat as many as you’d like. Tired? Have a cookie.

This is a preview of White Chocolate Chip Espresso Brownie Cookies. Read the full post (260 words, 3 images, estimated 1:02 mins reading time)

Posted in Desserts | Tagged Brownies, white chocolate | 1 Comment

Game Day Vegetarian Buffalo Bites

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 2 February, 2013

Sadly, the Patriots will not be participating in the Super bowl this year, and therefore, I don’t know how much football I will be watching tomorrow. But I wanted to make sure to post this in time for all you Ravens/49ers fans out there because these Spicy Buffalo Bites are a great “Kick off” to your Super Bowl celebrations.

This is a preview of Game Day Vegetarian Buffalo Bites. Read the full post (442 words, 5 images, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)

Posted in American, Appetizers | Tagged Buffalo, Cauliflower | Leave a comment

Veggie-Packed Paneer Tikka Masala

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 27 January, 2013

Indian Food. Why didn’t anyone ever tell me I was missing out on some of the most flavorful foods in the world (well in my world at least)?! Lately it’s all I’ve been craving; I just can’t get enough of the aromatic spices and unique flavors that envelope my taste buds with every bite!

Last week I suggested (okay demanded) that we (my boyfriend and I) go out to an Indian restaurant for dinner. I ordered Tawa Paneer Masala, which I learned is different from Paneer Tikka Masala in that the vegetables are served dry with the sauce on the side. I really loved this as an alternative to Paneer Tikka Masala because of the heaping pile of chunky vegetables that it came with. I thought it would be great to combine the two dishes…So, of course, I did!

This is a preview of Veggie-Packed Paneer Tikka Masala. Read the full post (807 words, 3 images, estimated 3:14 mins reading time)

Posted in Entrees, Indian | Tagged Mushrooms, Paneer, Peppers | Leave a comment

Go-Green Soup

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 20 January, 2013

Dear Blog,

Please forgive me for my extended absence over the past two months. My blogfast came as a result of the whirlwind that was my life during the months of December and early January which starved me (and you) of my creativity. I truly regret putting you on the back burner for so long, but such is life I guess. I hope I can make it up to you.

Love,

The ~~Almost~~Veggetarian

Phew, now that’s done lets move on.

This is a preview of Go-Green Soup. Read the full post (604 words, 4 images, estimated 2:25 mins reading time)

Posted in American, Soups | Tagged Collard Greens, Kale, Swiss Chard, tofu | Leave a comment

Tofu, Spinach, and Rice Casserole

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 26 November, 2012

Confession: I’m a bit of a health nut. You may or may not have gathered this. Regardless, it’s true.

Second confession: Casseroles ~~are~~ were on my list of forbidden foods (until last week).

In my mind, casseroles seemed inherently unhealthy and highly caloric. That may be because the casseroles I’m used to are usually composed of three main ingredients: white pasta, sauce, and a whole bunch of cheese, and thus as delicious as they are, I’ve tried to stay away if possible…That is until I found this recipe.

This is a preview of Tofu, Spinach, and Rice Casserole. Read the full post (516 words, 3 images, estimated 2:04 mins reading time)

Posted in American, Entrees, Side | Tagged Almonds, Rice, Spinach, tofu | Leave a comment

Turkey Day Monkey Bread

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 22 November, 2012

I hate to be last minute, but I guess it’s appropriate since this is a quick, yet unique Thanksgiving appetizer recipe for those of you that need something in a pinch! My inspiration for this recipe came from a Pampered Chef party I went to last weekend. The consultant prepared an Antipasti Pull-Apart Pizza which she said reminded her of Monkey Bread…I thought so too. The Pizza was great and I thought I could easily turn the recipe into a more Thanksgiving appropriate app!

This is a preview of Turkey Day Monkey Bread. Read the full post (520 words, 4 images, estimated 2:05 mins reading time)

Posted in American, Appetizers | Tagged Cranberry, Goat Cheese, Sweet Potato | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Kale and Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 19 November, 2012

Thanksgiving’s almost here!!! Who doesn’t love Thanksgiving? Family, Food, Food…FOOD. This year I’ll be celebrating with my boyfriend’s family and I’ve been thinking about what to bring. Since this is my first ever Vegetarian Thanksgiving, I thought I’d get creative with some dishes that would easily replace the Turkey that I will not be indulging in this year! I made these Mashed Sweet Potatoes a few weeks back and I thought they’d be a perfect healthy addition to any Thanksgiving table.

This is a preview of Thanksgiving Kale and Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes. Read the full post (299 words, 3 images, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)

Posted in American, Side | Tagged Goat Cheese, Kale, Sweet potatoes | Leave a comment

Okra, Asparagus, and Tomatoes Over Harvest Grains

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 10 November, 2012

Lately, as you may have noticed, I have a slight obsession with Okra. I don’t know what it is about it, but I love it. Dare I admit I like its slimy-ness and the firm little seeds inside?? I saw a recipe for Okra and Tomatoes and thought it would be such a great combination, but couldn’t bring myself to make such a simple recipe. In a life full of decision making I guess I let myself go when I’m cooking because I’m totally indecisive and I always end up adding eighteen vegetables to every dish…I know, I need to get a grip.

This is a preview of Okra, Asparagus, and Tomatoes Over Harvest Grains. Read the full post (584 words, 3 images, estimated 2:20 mins reading time)

Posted in American, Entrees | Tagged Asparagus, Okra, Orzo, Spicy, tofu, tomato | Leave a comment

Hearty Celery and Bean Salad

by Almost Veggetarian Posted on 8 November, 2012

I love lettuce-less salads. They’re such a nice change from the same-old same-old (which, for me, is lettuce tomato and cucumber….BORING!). This salad recipe which I found on 101 Cookbooks really caught my eye because I loved the idea of combining celery and Parmesan cheese. I added a lot more beans to mine and also threw in some edamame for extra protein to complete the meal. This celery and bean salad is the perfect balance of healthy fats, proteins, and nutrients that will keep you full and satisfied for hours.