Everyone agrees that eating less meat is healthier -- for you, for your pocketbook, for the planet. But I've tried to adopt vegetarianism and found it doesn't work for me. I never really feel good on a 100% vegetarian diet.
I believe that each body is different, and that some people simply need meat protein. So how do you balance that need with your desire for a healthier lifestyle?
Meat Loaf
One excellent answer is centuries old -- vegetarian Italian cuisine! Since Roman times, Italian food has mainly focused on eggs, cheese, bread, olives and fresh seasonal vegetables. The Romans reserved meat and fish for special occasions.
As time went on, however, meat-eating became a privilege of the wealthy. Country folk continued to grow their own food, and usually raised cattle as a source of milk and cheese, not meat.
In the 1980s, Italy gave birth to the international Slow Food movement, which strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine, and promotes farming methods in line with the local ecosystem.
These things, and more, have contributed to a culinary tradition rich in meatless options.
So why not go beyond pizza and pasta, and try one unusual vegetarian Italian dish this week? Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
Polenta
A strange but yummy cornmeal porridge that's easy to make. A cousin to American grits, polenta is a staple in northern Italy and makes a satisfying winter meal. You can find it in most grocery stores, with directions on the package.
A soft mound of polenta can be the base for cooked greens, sauteed portabello mushrooms or any vegetable. It can also be baked in a loaf pan, then thinly sliced. Sliced polenta can replace bread or lasagna as a base for almost any filling, including pesto, mozzarella, tomato sauce and roasted peppers.
Risotto
A delicious creamy rice dish that can be enhanced with almost any vegetable. It must be made from Arborio rice, which can be found in most grocery stores. Risotto has a reputation for being tricky, but the new oven-baked and crockpot methods are almost effortless. Favorite vegetarian additions include asparagus, mushrooms and artichoke hearts (frozen work fine). Butter and freshly-grated parmesan cheese add flavor and texture.
Toward a More Creative Cuisine
My purpose is not to convert you to vegetarianism, but to inspire you to eat more creatively. I do recommend eating bread, butter and cheese in moderation, and as close to homemade as you can find. Avoid low-fat versions. Try fresh mozzarella, the type that comes in water. Frequent artisan bakeries and farmers' markets. Eat vegetables in season, not those flown in from the opposite hemisphere.
When you concentrate on fresh, whole, local ingredients, you'll discover that your cravings for fat and sugar decline. Centuries of eating this way can't be wrong!
Vegetarian Italian - Delicious Options For Meat Lovers
Elle B. blogs about her love affair with rustic Italian cuisine at Vegetarian Italian: Recipes from a Meat Lover's Cucina. Curious about polenta? See recipes and photos here.
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