Game Changer

I just finished reading this:

Food Matters by Mark Bittman

If you haven't read it, Bittman presents his views on food consumption, the business behind the food industry and the effects of the food we eat. He also includes a section of recipes, from the bare bones basics to more complex menus. His general premise, however, is to eat less meat, more whole foods and less junk. Kind of hard to argue with that.

I have found that I like to cook with a concept in mind, as opposed to a recipe. For example, take whatever you have and make burritos or pizza. I don't like to have to go to the store, again, because I need 1/3 of a cup of a certain ingredient that will inevitably go to waste when I don't use the remaining amount.

That is why I am loving this Mark Bittman character. :) He presents one recipe with several variations, so you can essentially use whatever you have lying around the house. Spices, produce, grains, etc.

I used his idea of creating a meal around: whole grains, beans, greens, other vegetables and a bit of cheese. Okay, he actually tells you to go easy on the cheese, but that is just not in my vernacular.

The following "recipe" is inspired by Mr. Bittman's, Food Matters.

Ingredients:

brown rice, pinto beans, olive oil, garlic, spinach, zucchini, yellow pepper, onion, goat cheese

avocado, baby heirloom tomatoes, salt, pepper

Veggie Rice Bowl:

In a bowl, combine rice, beans and sauteed vegetables. I just used a bit of olive oil with garlic and added the spinach, zucchini, yellow pepper and onion. Top rice and beans with sauteed veggies and sprinkle (okay, dump) goat cheese on top. I then added a simple tomato and avocado salad on top. I liked the contrast of the warm rice salad with the cold tomatoes.