Vegetable dishes
I am a vegetarian and have been so from a very young age. I absolutely hate the smell and taste of lamb which is, for an Icelandic person similar to being an Italian person and not eating pizza. I remember during our Christmas dinners I used to look forward to the asparagus soup that my mother served before the main course, roast pork (a traditional Christmas dinner in Iceland). I could hardly eat it and always asked for a second helping of the asparagus soup which I dipped the super soft bread in (only served with the Christmas dinner). The other reason for my being vegetarian is because of animal welfare. The standard of animal welfare is not exemplary in Iceland although probably not as bad as in many other countries. The cows and sheep graze all day during the summer and the lamb is inherently organic and free range as it only grazes in the mountain during the summer, eating herbs and grass before it is slaughtered. Chicken and pork on the other hand is a totally different matter and the dreadful battery conditions exist her as they do elsewhere. My husband is therefore a vegetarian whenever we visit or live in Iceland because thankfully he agrees with my policies.
I use beans, peas and pulses, potatoes, vegetables, tofu, nuts, pasta and more when creating my vegetarian dishes. Some of them include free range and organic eggs or milk products as I am not vegan. I never fry/deep fry food, ever, although sometimes I stir fry vegetables. I bake everything I can (such as baking nut patties/cutlets/burgers) instead of frying them, saving a billion calories and fat. For Christmas I usually create a nut roast with loads of side dishes.
Hazelnut and Vegetable Patties with Yoghurt Dressing
These patties are lovely, especially since they contain hazelnuts...and I love hazelnuts. You can however use cashew nuts instead or even almonds if you prefer.
Hot and Sour Mushroom Broth
This recipe is an adaptation of a similar recipe I found in a book called Veggie Chic by the great author Rose Elliot.
Irio (Mashed Potatoes with Onion and Peas)
I have had Irio on many occasions when travelling through Kenya. It is originally a dish of the Kikuyu people.
Kenyan Baked Eggplant and Tomatoes
Eggplants and tomatoes are widely used in Kenya and are actually a good combination as you will find in this hearty dinner perfect for a lazy afternoon.
Kitheri - Kenyan Vegetable Stew
Just like the Italians have different Bruschetta for every region in Italy, so do the Kenyans have for Kitheri.
Lentil and Spinach Soup
If you are thinking of a recipe to serve on your first date, this is definitely not it! Lets just say that you will come under some "pressure" ha ha.
Lunchbox Salad
I often make a large salad as a side dish to a dinner and pack the rest for my lunch the next day.
Magical Pumpkin in Coconut Sauce
I famously had a very similar side dish once in Nairobi which you can read all about in the The Spinach Dish From the Mystical House in Nairobi's Forest. It is a lovely, slightly sweet side dish with a delicate coconut aftertaste. It is absolutely lovely served with main dishes that include spinach, especially Indian and African food.
Mango- and Ginger Soup from Masai Mara, Kenya
I got this recipe from a girl called Margaret Ngugi, a chef at Mara Simba Lodge in Masai Mara, Kenya during one of my trips there in February 2007.
Mulligatawny (Indian Vegetable Soup)
This soup is Anglo-Indian i.e. the influence is both from Asia and Europe.
Mushroom Soup
I think I would have to vote this one of my all time favourite soup recipes. It is simple, cheap, easy and that is always a good combination in my view.
Nut and Vegetable Patties
These are quite wonderful patties you can use instead of hamburgers, as a filling in pitta breads or plain served with a salad, rice and a light dressing. I usually make a whole bunch and freeze.
Oven Baked Root Vegetables
There is nothing better than preparing this dish with your own vegetables from the garden.
Oven Baked Vegetables with Pasta
A very simple and cheap dish, perfect for the mid week headache of "what should I have for dinner?".
Pad Thai Noodles
This is a very healthy version of Pad Thai noodles and I often use both tofu and vegetables only in this recipe and it still tastes grate.
Pearl Barley baked with Spinach, Garlic and Mushrooms
This is a light yet healthy meal, perfect as a light dinner. It is packed with complex carbohydrates, iron, folate and other vitamins and minerals.
Pinto Beans and Vegetables from Rwanda
In February 2008 I went gorilla trekking in Rwanda. It was absolutely magical.
Pitta Pizzas
Need a quick, tasty, yet healthy dinner but are too tired to make anything decent? Look no further. I often make truckloads of these to freeze and re-heat later.
Potato Chips
These potato chips have absolutely no fat and are still delicious and crispy. Ok they might not be as juicy as your traditional potato chips but if you want a healthy alternative this is the one.
Simple Trail Noodle Soup
I know it is probably much quicker buying ready made trail food but let me tell you...most of what is sold out there is rubbish.
Soba Noodle Salad with Wakame, Ginger and Vegetables
I made this salad immediately after arrived home from a trip to Japan.
Spaghetti Bolognese (with Minced Soy Meat)
Although I was not at all fond of meat in my early years (and I am of course a vegetarian today) I loved the tomato sauce which surrounded the meat balls my mother made in her "spaghetti and meat b
Spaghetti with Mushrooms
I love all mushrooms indiscriminately. I could happily eat mushrooms for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Spaghetti ya Mboga (Spaghetti with Roasted Vegetables)
This recipe really surprised me I must say. I left the tomatoes simmering for a long time and that really made the flavours pop.
Stuffed Peppers
These are my version of the stuffed pepper I learnt how to make on a veggie course here in Iceland.
