Post: 5 delicious meat-free lunches

Many people choose to go meat-free for a variety of reasons, including health benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of certain diseases, reducing carbon footprint and promoting animal welfare.

There are many benefits to fasting without meat, such as improved digestion, increased energy, weight loss and a reduction in inflammation in the body. It also encourages creativity in the kitchen as we explore new ingredients and ways of preparing food.

Many people still wonder how to keep their meals tasty and satisfying without the classic meat ingredients. In this article, we present five ideas for meat-free lunches and we promise you won''t miss it!

RECIPE 1: Simple quinoa polpette

Quinoa polpette is a great choice for a meat-free lunch as it is packed with protein and fibre. The ingredients include cooked quinoa, grated vegetables of your choice, spices, a little flour or breadcrumbs for binding and an egg or flaxseed as a substitute for the egg for binding. The polpette can be served with fresh salad or yoghurt sauce.

RECIPE 2: Potato goulash

Potato goulash is a warm and comforting dish that is perfect for colder days. The main ingredients are potatoes, onions, peppers, tomato sauce and various spices. It is easy to prepare and provides plenty of flavour and a satisfying meal.

RECIPE 3: Grilled Tofu

Grilled tofu is a fantastic alternative to meat for those looking for protein without meat. Marinating tofu in soy sauce, garlic, ginger and other spices will add depth of flavour to this dish. Serve it with vegetable skewers or a fresh salad for a light and nutritious lunch.

4. Meatless Borage

Boranja is a traditional Balkan dish that usually includes a mixture of vegetables and meat. However, it can also be made in a vegetarian version, where the meat is replaced by a rich selection of vegetables and spices to give the dish a full flavour.

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sized potatoes, diced

• 2 carrots, cut into rounds

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 red pepper, sliced into strips

• 1 green pepper, sliced into strips

• 200 g green beans, sliced

• 1 diced tomato or 200 ml tomato sauce

• 500 ml vegetable broth or water

• Salt, pepper, paprika powder

• Olive oil

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Preparation:

• - Heat the olive oil in a large pot over a medium heat and fry the onion until golden yellow. Add the garlic and fry for a few minutes.

• - Add the potatoes, carrots, both types of peppers and beans. Mix well and fry for a few minutes.

• - Add the tomatoes or tomato sauce and vegetable stock. Season with salt, pepper and paprika. Stir and bring to the boil.

• - Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer covered for about 30 minutes until the vegetables are tender

  - Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with bread or as desired.

  
  

Ričet is a classic Slovenian dish, usually made with barley, beans, vegetables and smoked meat. The vegetarian version of this dish omits the meat but retains a rich and comforting flavour thanks to the variety of vegetables and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup barley soaked overnight

• 1 cup white beans soaked overnight or use canned

• 2 carrots, diced

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, chopped

• 1 potato, diced

• 1 diced tomato or 200 ml tomato sauce

• 500 ml vegetable broth or water

• Salt, pepper

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 teaspoon marjoram

• Olive oil

Preparation:

• - Soak the barley and beans overnight in separate containers. Drain them the next day.

• - Heat the olive oil in a large pot and fry the onions until transparent. Add the garlic, carrots and potatoes and fry for a few minutes.

• - Add the drained barley and beans, tomatoes or tomato sauce and vegetable stock. Season with bay leaves, marjoram, salt and pepper.

• - Stir and bring to the boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer covered

Incorporating meat-free lunches into your diet does not mean that you have to sacrifice taste or the satisfaction of eating. There are endless possibilities to explore the rich and varied flavours offered by a plant-based diet.

A meat-free fast has many benefits for your health and the environment, while encouraging creativity in the kitchen. With a little experimentation and an openness to new ideas, you can discover a wide range of dishes that will enrich your menu and perhaps even become your favourites. Whatever your reasons for choosing a meat-free fast, this time should be an opportunity to explore, learn and celebrate the abundance that nature has to offer and discover new ways to make every meal delicious.