Do you think Meatless Mondays are a thing of the past? We don’t! In that, we think they’ve gained popularity … especially since everyone can’t stop taking about the Keto Diet and the Impossible Burger.
So here’s our take on a Meatless Monday brunch (and yes, you can have this meal for breakfast or lunch, or even dinner). We combined beans and rice with avocado and okra. Sound strange? Well hopefully it won’t once you read the nutritional benefits of this delicious, flavor-packed meal.
Adzuki beans
- Rich in fiber, protein and manganese
- Linked to several other health benefits including weight loss, improved digestion, a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease
We cooked the Adzuki beans in low-sodium vegetable broth and the herbal basics of Chimichurri (which consists of parsley and oregano matched with paper, garlic, onion, and cayenne). Chimichurri itself is an Argentinean sauce made with herbs, spices, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
Okra
- Has high levels of vitamin A, B vitamin, and vitamin C.
- It’s also known of its high volume of fiber and folic acid.
We made yellow rice using the saffron (a spice derived from the flower of Crocus) we picked up during our culinary tour in Barcelona a couple of months ago. It’s so fresh and rich … we use it in almost everything we cook these days!
Saffron
- Is a powerful antioxidant
- It’s believed to have cancer- fighting properties, reduce appetite to aid in weight loss, and reduce PMS symptoms
- It may also be considered an aphrodisiac
Avocado
- Contain more potassium than bananas
- Can Lower Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels (a type of fat found in the blood, high levels raise the risk of coronary artery disease)
- Are loaded with fiber and heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (aka a type of dietary fat, a “good” fat).
We garnished the avocado with Kalonji (nigella seeds), Capsaicin (chili peppers), and fresh squeezed lime juice. 🤩 IKR?!?!
Kalonji
- aka black onion seeds, or nigella seeds
- Are packed with antioxidants
- They may lower cholesterol, have cancer-fighting properties, help kill off bacteria, alleviate inflammation, help protect the liver, aid in blood sugar regulation, and may prevent stomach ulcers.
Capsaicin
- Used in the form of chili powder for the purposes of this recipe
- Is a spice that contains vitamin C, acting as an antioxidant to strengthen the immune system and heal injuries and infections.
Lime juice
- Promotes consumption of water
- May aid in digestion
- Improves skin quality and the immune system
- Promotes weight loss
- Reduces the risk of heart disease
So now I’m sure you can clearly see why we cook and recommend this meal. It’s chopped full of the viral nutrients needed to have a strong, functioning body. Enjoying this delicious combination for breakfast or lunch will pack your body with what it needs to succeed in maintaining a healthy body, or in your journey to achieve optimal health.
From our kitchen to yours,
The Vivacious Veganista
The Vivacious Veganista 