Introduction

 

I have been writing vegetarian and vegan cookbooks for almost two years now, and the biggest request I get from readers of my blog, is more 5 ingredients or less recipes. Let’s face it, we live in harried times and even in the best of circumstances, the time to produce healthy, home prepared meals is at a premium. And, if it’s too time consuming, too complicated or too expensive, people just aren’t going to follow through with their intentions to make healthier vegetarian based meals. So, I took to creating another round of quick and easy 5 ingredients or less vegetarian dishes to further expand your vegetarian menu planning, along with 2 bonus chapters to help keep you on track and further support your healthy vegetarian lifestyle.

 

In bonus chapter 1, I’ve included 15 homemade seasoning spice blends for you to create from quality herbs and spices to customize the flavors of your favorite dishes. Having these seasoning blends readily prepared offsets the need to look for this particular spice and that particular spice while cooking, thus making sure that your meal preparation is always quick and easy. Additionally, making your own seasoning blends allows you the opportunity to create high quality seasonings from high quality herbs and spices of your personal choosing, instead of using the many inferior single seasonings and seasoning blends that line the grocery store shelves today. These inferior seasonings have often been adulterated with other ingredients that are not listed on the label; have been radiated, resulting in their aromas, flavors and medicinal properties being eradicated; and have oftentimes been sitting on store shelves for months and even years before you purchase them.

 

In bonus chapter 2, I’ve included comprehensive tips for transitioning and maintaining a healthy and successful vegetarian lifestyle. These tips can be useful no matter where you fall in the spectrum of vegetarian lifestyle, from the newly transitioning vegetarian to the decades-long seasoned vegetarian.

 

And, as with all of my cookbooks, basic kitchen supplies are all you need. You don’t need to go out and buy any special gadget or appliance to create these delicious vegetarian dishes. So, bookmark your favorite recipes and don’t be afraid to make adjustments or additions to suit your own personal taste preferences or accommodate a food allergy. Vegetarian cooking is a very flexible craft that uses simple ingredients to make spectacular culinary creations.

 

Bon Veggie Appetit!

Gina “The Veggie Goddess” Matthews

 

Chapter 1 – Appetizers

Cheesy Baked Wontons Crisps

(preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper)

 

Ingredients:

1 package wonton wrappers

½ cup melted butter OR olive oil (or combination of both)

1/3-1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

 

Cut your wonton wrappers into strips using a sharp serrated knife. Using a basting or pastry brush, LIGHTLY brush each side of your cut wonton wrapper pieces with the melted butter (or olive oil). Arrange on a single layer on your parchment-lined cookie sheet and evenly dust with the grated Parmesan cheese. Bake on center oven rack for 5-8 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and serve as-is, or with your favorite vegetarian or vegan dip.

 

Greek Cucumber Dill Dip

 

Ingredients:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (use full fat)

2 medium cucumbers (peeled – grated)

1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest + 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice

2-3 fresh garlic cloves (finely minced)

2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill

 

After you have grated the cucumber, use a few paper towels to press out the excess water. Combine the dried, grated cucumber along with all the remaining ingredients into a mixing bowl, add sea salt and black pepper to taste and stir until all ingredients are well combined. Serve with your favorite crackers, fresh cut raw veggies or pita bread. Makes approximately 1-1/2 cups of dip.