Veganize Me: Frugal, delectable, versatile vegan

January 22, 2009 by Anisa Buttar 

Learn how to make healthy, vegan meals on a budget

Ingredients:

- 6 cups of vegetable broth (or combination of water and broth)

- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil

- 1 ½ teaspoons crushed garlic

- 1 15 ounce can black beans

- 2 stalks celery chopped

- 1 cup spinach leaves

- 7 — 10 sliced white mushrooms

- 1 ½ cups broccoli chopped

- 1 ½ cups chopped carrots

- 1 cup long grain brown rice

- a pinch of dried basil

- salt, pepper to taste

I’m poor and I’m sure a good lot of you are in the same boat. Buying groceries and planning meals will leave you with extra cash. This one-pot wonder takes minutes to prepare. Good, healthy food doesn’t have to be expensive. The key is in variety and fresh ingredients. This easy recipe can be used as a hearty soup or a filling and flavorful rice dish.

Heat the pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the garlic and sauté. the water and bring it to a boil. Add the vegetables, brown rice and seasonings. Let it cook for about 45 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked.

The beauty of this recipe is in the versatility. If you want a soup, add more water and adjust the vegetables and seasonings to your liking.