Legumes=GENIUS!

One of the small, mediocre jobs that I have entails making 100-200 cups of tea per weekend. During my mandatory 30 minute break, I venture over to the Tex-Mex restaurant in the mall. It's not the best Tex-Mex I have ever had and I'd rather prepare a huge pot of pinto beans myself. But, that requires time and constant gentle coaxing (or, so I believe). Often, I find that I don't have the time or energy to prep a huge pot of beans. But that's not the point right now...

On these half hour breaks, I order the same thing: rice and beans. Sure, they probably use some sort of animal byproduct in the prep and cooking of the beans, which is generally the case for authentic Mexican food. Unfortunately, I put aside that fact, because I see the bigger picture. Rice & beans is a perfect meal. It contains a little of everything basic: carbohydrates (including a good amount of fiber), a small amount of healthy fat, and protein. I am a firm believer that every meal needs to touch each three of those categories.

Yes, like the proper veggie lover that I am, I am a fan of carbs. Carbohydrates, if chosen wisely, are AMAZING. Fiber falls under the carbohydrate umbrella. And, any good doctor, nutritionist, and mother will tell you that fiber can make or break you, literally and figuratively. If you have too little fiber, your water balance is thrown out of whack, your body's ability to eliminate waste is highly diminished, and your body will have a harder time absorbing the nutrients that it needs. Too much fiber, and you are on the loo more often than you need. Just the right amount, and your body will love what you are doing to it.

My point is that legumes of all kinds are such amazing lil' nuggets of joy. And, I really do believe that I'd be happy to live on a diet of legumes and brown rice. Of course, that does, naturally, call for the use of tomatoes, onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, bean sprouts, celery, oatmeal, etc., because all those flavors and textures go so well with legumes!  Really... Make yourself a lentil loaf with a side of broccoli and bell peppers. You'll be in love.

But, I don't know how to make a lentil loaf you might be thinking. Fret not my pretties. Along with vegan mac & cheese, vegan shepherd's pie, and many other meals, I will share my take on vegan lentil loaf. You know, ingredients, prep, taste, pictures, and general enjoyment of such goodies. :)

Remember, legumes are magical!