eremedies

Minute Meals

Some people love to cook - they stand over the stove and oven, embrace the aromas and patiently stir simmering pots of delicacies. And then there are those of us who'd just rather eat. Whatever category you fall in, you could probably use some extra time. These healthy, vegetarian dishes are just the thing - quick, easy, and best of all: delicious.

* Vegetable soup: boil vegetables, or even better, thaw frozen vegetables. Include potatoes, greens like spinach, and carrots. Save the water, and throw everything into the blender with veggie broth or the water that the vegetables were heated in. Blend in chili powder (to taste) and 1/2 tsp of curry powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can serve cold or heat to a simmer to serve piping hot.

* Garden pasta: chop vegetables like eggplant, zucchini (1 small each) and boil, or get a packet of frozen broccoli or Italian vegetables. Boil 1 pound linguini. Dice an onion and sautee with chopped garlic in olive oil. Add vegetables and 2 chopped tomatoes - stir, add water if needed to make a sauce. Serve over the pasta. An even quicker version: use canned tomatoes and mixed vegetables. Add only italian seasoning and pepper.

* Beans and rice: In a plastic, glass, or ceramic container, mix 1 cup cooked rice, 1/2 can tomatoes, 1/2 bunch parsley, 1/2 can small brown beans, and 6-12 small mushrooms. Microwave on high 3 minutes! Makes 1 serving - great for lunch.

* Sandwiches: the fastest thing. Two or more slices of bread. In between, there are several options. Try sliced cucumber and tomato sprinkled with salt and pepper. Or try sliced eggplant, tomato, and mushrooms with mustard and Italian dressing.

* Frozen burritos: Saute onions and garlic in vinegar or wine, add spices to taste (cumin, chili powder, cayenne, basil). In a bowl combine 2 cans black beans, 1 small can tomato sauce, and mash partly. Add 2-3 cups cooked rice and spice mixture. Add in the center or flour tortillas and roll. Freeze and microwave to serve!

Now you can enjoy some quiet time at the table (not the stove!)