Menu
Monday- Lemon Basil Mushroom Penne, Steamed Broccoli
Tuesday- Crispy Black Bean Burritos
Wednesday- Lentil Sloppy Joes, Salad
Thursday- Vegan Stroganoff, Special Green Beans
Friday- ‘Bella Burgers, Fries
Notes:
- Remember to only buy what you need, not what you have! A quick check of your pantry and fridge might save you $$ and time.
- If your spice collections is small your cost will be higher at the start, but your tastebuds will thank you for your purchases.
Shopping List
Spices
Salt
Pepper
Chili Powder
Black Pepper
Garlic Powder
Cumin Paprika
Smoked Paprika
Rosemary
Onion powder
Garlic powder
Steak seasoning such as Montreal steak grill mates
Veggies and Fruits
Fresh Basil
24 oz Mushrooms
1-3 large baking potatoes (enough for desired amount of fries)
Desired number of portobello mushroom caps for burgers
Red Onion
Tomatos
Avocado
Baby Spinach
Frozen Broccoli Steamer Pack
Onions 2
Frozen or Canned Corn
Frozen or Fresh Green Beans
Frozen hash browns or fresh potatoes 2 cups
Minced Garlic (Because garlic is in so many of my meals I buy a large jar of pre-minced garlic, available in the un-refrigerated, shelved section of the store)
Everything Else
Olive Oil
Better than Bullion or other Veggie Broth concentrate
Egg Noodles
Penne Noodles
Flour or other thickener
Lime Juice
Vegan Butter
Vegetable Oil
Basmati or instant rice
2 Cans Black Beans
1 can pinto beans
Flour Tortillas 10+
SunFlower Seeds (unsalted)
Cran raisins
Soy Sauce
Balsamic vinegar
Buns or bread for portobello burgers
Daily Breakdown
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday
MONDAY
Lemon Basil Mushroom Penne, Broccoli
A fast, filling, simple meal is exactly what I crave after work on a Monday night. This meal is super easy and a simple pleasure.
Lemon Basil Mushroom Penne: View Recipe
Steam or microwave broccoli
Enjoy!
TUESDAY
Crispy Black Bean Burrito with Potatoes and Rice
I decided to make up the full recipe and freeze the leftovers. They are amazing fresh and they are just as amazing reheated. My husband and I each ate two for dinner and we had eight left over to wrap in plastic and freeze for lunches. Win-win!
Notes:
- Precook the rice or start it cooking first so it is ready when needed. I used basmati rice even though the recipe calls for instant rice. I also found I was out of black beans so I subbed cannellini beans.
- I found the filling to be a bit bland. If you like spicy fillings add more seasoning of your choice. I added extra salt and pepper.
- The recipe calls for oil to keep potatoes from sticking as they cook and make them crispy but it is possible to add a bit of water and stir potatoes occasionally to cook them. They will not be crispy, but lets face it… they will not be crispy in the burrito by the time they get eaten anyways. So cut the oil if you wish.
Burrito Recipe: http://pumpkinandpeanutbutter.com/2015/03/19/mushroom-lentil-loaf/
WEDNESDAY
Lentil Sloppy Joes, Salad
These Joes are sweet, filling, and leave lots of leftovers.Cut down the recipe to half, or even a third for 1-2 people because portions are HUGE.
Notes: The recipe calls for a large amount of ketchup and the resulting mix is very sweet. My husband loved it but it was a bit sweet for my taste. If you do not like it quite that sweet substitute tomato sauce for 1/3rd of the ketchup and cut back on the maple syrup.
(Secret Ingredient) Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes: http://www.staceyhomemaker.com/vegan-lentil-sloppy-joes/
THURSDAY
Easy Vegan Stroganoff, Special Green Beans
I love stroganoff but most of the recipes seem to either include milk products or were complicated, so I made my own version. Instead of sour cream I used a single serving size container of non-dairy greek yogurt. Either soy or almond based yogurt works fine. The resulting gravy is creamy and flavorful.
Notes:
- Wash mushrooms well or there might be grit in your food… not pleasant.
- When you add the flour to the stroganoff mix stir immediately or there will be clumps in your gravy.
- Start the beans at the same time as the stroganoff and they will be ready about the same time.
Easy Vegan Stroganoff: View Recipe
Special Green Beans: View Recipe
FRIDAY
Portobella “Bella” Burgers
These amazing mushrooms turn into yummy, meaty grilled burgers. Marinating them before cooking gives them a rich flavor, and paired with baked fries, they make an all-american meal come to life as a vegan delight.
Notes:
- Plan to start the mushrooms marinating at least 30 min before cooking. They can be put in the marinade the night before or morning of cooking if you wish.
- I did not use cheese, avocado, or steak seasoning because I forgot to buy them. I am sure they would add lots of flavor. The olive oil can be omitted for a cleaner meal.
- The French fries recipe calls for oil but the fries can be made without. Simply hand toss fries in a bowl with seasoning and spray or wipe down the baking sheet with oil to minimize what gets in the food.
- I feel that the baking time is too long and too hot. Reduce to 400 degrees and start checking at 30 minutes so they do not burn. If potato is cubed or sliced thinly (shoestring fries) then baking will certainly be complete in 30 minutes.
Portobella Burger Recipe: http://www.skinnytaste.com/the-best-grilled-portobello-mushroom/
Oven Baked French Fries Recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/20849/baked-french-fries-i/