Vegetarian AND South Beach?

[Nigellas]

My mom is on that South Beach diet. My husband and I are vegetarians. I'd like to bring a dish to Easter that we can all eat, but I have no idea what she can eat- there are so many weird restrictions...
Can anyone suggest a meal I could make for everyone?

[Sol]

What phase is she on? I have the cookbook so I can post some recipes if that helps.

[thedoorchick]

Generally, assuming she's in phase II (the less restrictive one), she should be eating lean meats and non-starchy vegetables. And most fruits (I think bananas are out). Low fat cheeses are OK, I think.

Most everything vegetarians would eat would be OK, except potatoes and such, and no high fat dairy items.

[Nigellas]

I think she's in phase 2... I know regular pasta is out, and she can only have light cheese, I think. And I know there are a few vegis and fruits she can't have... Sol, I'd so appreciate it if you have the time!
:)

eta- can she eat rice??? What about pie shells, if I made a vegi pot pie? (I'm guessing no on the pie crust...)

[Sol]

Brown rice is ok in phase 2 (you can see the list of permitted foods here: http://groups.msn.com/SouthBeachDiet/officialphase2foodslist.msnw)

The cookbook has listed in vegetarian phase 2:

Chickpea basil sauté
Mediterranean vegetable risotto
Spinach dumplings
Rocket and basil pesto linguine
Vegetable lasagne
Barley with mushrooms

Let me know if you need any of the recipes, although phase 2 has a long list of permitted foods, so it might be easier than it seems!

[Scooter]

You could do a whole wheat pie crust, and just skip the pie shell. The problem with a pot pie might be if you add any white flour to thicken the veggies. I've made pot pit without that, though, so it's definitely not necessary.

Looking at that list posted above, you could always do some roasted or stir-fried veggies on a whole grain, like brown rice or quinoa. And it looks like most legumes are ok, so beans or soy would be all right.

[sublime311]

Here's a low-carb (South Beach friendly) recipe thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1171) - maybe you can find something there.

ETA: Do you eat eggs? Maybe you could take an egg-based dish. Eggs are a South Beach staple. Or how about seafood??

[sublime311]

Here are some faves from that thread I linked to above:

Minestrone (this is a fave on the low-carb thread)

2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup diced celery
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups low-sodium, low-fat chicken broth
3 cups V-8 (I use the Spicy variety)
1 cup each chopped red bell pepper, chopped zucchini, and chopped green cabbage
1 cup white beans (navy)
3 tbsp chopped, fresh parsley
1 bay leaf
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp each dried thyme and black pepper

- Heat oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add celery and garlic (can also use some onion here, if you like). Cook and stir for three minutes, until veggies begin to soften.

- Add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Enjoy!

* This soup freezes well, so it's a great make-ahead. To make it Phase 2, just add small pasta (I like to use those little ABCs) and 1 cup of chopped carrots.

*Freeze in ziplock bag in the portion size you want. Then freeze flat on cookie sheet. To serve defrost and heat.

South Beach Diet, Phase 1


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Three Bean Salad

1 can cut green beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can cut yellow wax beans
1 small green pepper, chopped
1 small onion chopped

DRESSING

3/4 cup splenda
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/3 cup salad oil
2/3 cup vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Drain beans. Add beans, onion and green pepper to bowl and toss gently.

Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.

Pour dressing over bean mixture, stirring gently to coat well. Let salad marinate in refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Serve chilled.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Roasted Vegetable and Feta Sandwiches

Inspired by that famous New Orleans sandwich, the muffaletta, this jazzy vegetarian version is actually good for you.

Serves 2

Ingredients
1 small eggplant (about 1/3 pound)
1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1/3 cup rinsed, chopped, jarred roasted red peppers
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 ounces feta cheese
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Pinch of crushed red pepper
2 crusty whole wheat rolls

Instructions
1. Preheat grill or broiler.

2. Cut eggplant crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. If using a grill, oil the grill rack. Brush 1/2 teaspoon oil over both sides of the eggplant. Grill or broil until lightly browned and tender, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Let cool slightly. Coarsely chop the eggplant and combine with red peppers in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Mash feta with a fork in a small bowl. Add lemon juice, oregano, crushed red pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon oil; blend until smooth and spreadable. Season with pepper.

4. Slice rolls in half horizontally and scoop out about 1 inch of the soft interior from each half. (Reserve for another use.) Divide the seasoned feta in the bottom half of each roll. Spoon the chopped eggplant and peppers over the cheese and replace the bread top firmly.

[Scooter]

Or how about seafood??Vegetarians don't eat seafood. :)

[sublime311]

Vegetarians don't eat seafood. :)
I know some "vegetarians" who do eat seafood - at least on occasion.

[Nigellas]

I know some "vegetarians" who do eat seafood - at least on occasion.

No seafood here, but thanks for the suggestion! :) I think I'm going to do some middle eastern items- maybe hummus, tabouli & mujadra.

Thanks everyone!

[Scooter]

I know some "vegetarians" who do eat seafood - at least on occasion.

They might be "vegetarians" but they're not vegetarians. ;) :p


Nigellas, glad you found something that worked.