Hello and welcome (back) to the Miratel blog and thanks for stopping by for another Meatless Monday (MM) recipe.  We took the MM pledge as part of our CSR business initiatives in support of reducing meat consumption by 15% to improve personal health and the health of the planet.

Our recipe today for Vegan Power Lunch/Dinner Pasta is a 100% vegan meal (that can be made vegetarian with substitutions if you prefer) that is fast to make and nutritionally dense. It’s a well balanced meal in a bowl that packs a great balance of all the nutrients you need “protein and fiber from the beans and grains. Antioxidants and fiber from the greens. Complex carbs to keep you going.” Why it’s called Vegan Power Lunch/Dinner Pasta is because it is something that can be made ahead of time or last minute that will satisfy your hunger and fuel your body with great energy. Our recipe comes courtesy of Happy Healthy Life, a 100% vegan website that is full of amazing recipes (and photos), cooking and wellness tips and online shop as well. Definitely worth a look if you haven’t stopped by as yet.

Vegan Power Lunch/Dinner Pasta image courtesy of Happy Healthy Life at kblog.lunchboxbunch.com

Ingredients:

• 12 oz. curly rainbow veggie pasta (or whole wheat, spelt, farro, quinoa, brown rice…something healthy)
• 3-4 cups frozen spinach, chopped
• 15 oz. can of cannellini beans, drained
• 3/4 cup Nutritional Yeast flakes (if making vegetarian you can use parmesan cheese)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 2 Tbsp EVOO
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 2 Tbsp Vegenaise (optional – if making vegetarian you can use mayonnaise)
• Garnish: red pepper flakes

Directions:

1. Boil salted water. Add pasta.
2. Two minutes before pasta is done, toss in the beans.
3. Drain water.
4. Fold in your greens – toss well until heated/wilted.
5. Fold in your flavors. You can use pasta sauce, veggie puree or a simple nutritional yeast sauce like the one in this recipe.
6. Serve warm or store in fridge for easy grab and go lunches.

This recipe for Vegan Power Lunch or Dinner Pasta will yield 4-5 portions but can easily be adjusted to feed additional people or if you would like to have leftovers for lunches. Serve with a green salad tossed with a light olive oil and balsamic or lemon dressing. You can follow it up with some fresh fruit and coconut water to finish it off.

We encourage you to visit the Meatless Monday website and join us in taking the pledge to reduce meat consumption just one day per week. It’s easy especially with great recipes like this one. Spread the word at work to promote CSR business initiatives that will make your green call centre, office, factory, shop or salon even greener.

Enjoy!

Below is a trailer for a new vegan documentary which aims to help the world get “Vegucated”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKzng1_byMY&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

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