A Very Vegan Spring

Spring is here and it's time to look to lighter fresher foods. One of the best way is to go vegan.It's a good time  with holiday fasting and dietary restrictions required. You'll not only feel better about yourself but also feel good about helping the planet.

The upcoming weeks are all about giving up. The Catholics, Greek and Russian Orthodox are observing fasting days right now on Wednesdays and Fridays.There is not only no meat but with the last two, no cheese,dairy eggs or even olive oil.It's a good time to try tofu which can not only offer nourishment but variety. It can be found in soft or hard, or with an in between texture. Steam it with soy , ginger and scallions. Flavor it with lemon for a healthy supper that fits all the religious dietary requirements.It can be served with one of the allowed basics such as rice or pasta.Another recipe that can work after the holidays is stuffed pepper or stuffed tomato. Use the chewier and more flavorful arborio rice, used in risotto, with garlic .Give some it color and oomph with various herbs such as basil or mint.Beans and nuts are also allowed. Think of adding them to the stuffing mixture for more protein.If you're going the salad route , then think of adding any kind of bean, such as chickpea or kidney along with pine nuts.The Greek Orthodox allow the creamy sesame seed based tahini sauce so think of making a hummus out of the two. This can be an excellent lunch or dinner.

Passover requires some fasting as well, but not as strict as the other religions. The only restriction applies to flours and yeast. Wheat, barley, corn,spelt and rye are forbidden, being replaced by matzoh. Meats are allowed but not with any kind of dairy. That means no butter milk or cheese. Tofu is also forbidden because it is made from legumes which are forbidden during this holy time. Rice is another banned food because it can be ground into a flour. How can someone go vegan without these two key ingredients in a meat free diet? Use matzoh as a stand in.Tomatoes, peppers and even onions can be stuffed with matzoh crumbs. Mix with olive oil and various herbs and bake in an oven. Any of the recipes can be used outside the holidays. It's relatively easy to switch over to a completely vegan lifestyle after the holidays. Soy meats and cheeses can fill in for the real thing.Any kind of veggie can be used as the main course  and can even translate into barbecue fare. Those stuffed peppers and tomatoes can be grilled and provide for a more filling meal. Sandwiches stuffed with grilled veggies such as eggplant, peppers and onions  make for  tasty picnic fare.

It's easy to go vegan come Spring. The holy days and holidays can jump start a compassionate diet. This leads to a compassionate lifestyle where all life is sacred.