The Pear & The Purple Peach

Recipe adapted  from Good Chef Bad Chef

I have always Loved Falafel and nothing beats homemade! (I make no claim that these are like traditional Falafel from a traditional Kitchen but there easy and yum so they win me over!)

This was a pretty simple recipe and was pretty  tasty and healthy being that they were not deep fried.

I added Hummus and some pickled turnips that I had in the fridge The simple salad with lemon juice and mint adds a real freshness that makes you want to go back for seconds!

A nice simple mid week meal that takes not time to put together

What you need: 

Ingredients

1 can chick peas, canned and drained

1 cup coriander leaves, chopped

1 tbsp cumin seeds, toasted

1-2 garlic cloves, crushed

1-2 tbsp spelt or rice flour

1-2 tsp sea salt

1 tsp white pepper

Olive oil to fry

½ Lebanese cucumber, diced

½ cup fresh mint

1 tomato, diced

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp lemon juice

½ -1 tsp sea salt

Iceberg lettuce, shredded

1-2 pieces of Mountain Bread per person

Chilli sauce, optional

What You Do:

Place all of the felafel ingredients (first seven) in a processor and blitz until almost smooth. Leaves it a little chunky. The mixture should be firm enough to form into bowls, leaving it in the fridge overnight helps this.

Shape into rough diamond shapes and fry in a little olive oil until golden on both sides. Let them drain on kitchen towel.

Make a salad by tossing together the cucumber, mint, tomato, oil, lemon juice and sea salt.

To assemble, spread some hummus on a piece of mountain bread then top some lettuce, a few pieces of felafel then salad. Roll up and eat.

Enjoy!

With Compassion

Brett

Where do you get your protein?

I get this question so much as would most vegans. I even had someone ask me the other Dat “Do you miss protein” the thing is most of us don’t even know what protein is.

I think what has happened is that we are so brainwashed and removed from our food, where it comes from and most importantly the vital role it plays in our well being and overall health that we now believe anything the big food industries and producers tell us.

I think this great write up by Ellen Jaffe Jones makes it clear With simplicity

to read full article click here

Most of us are aware that protein has an important role in our bodies, but you may not know why. Made up of amino acids (oxygen, nitrogren, carbon, and hydrogen), protein is the nutrient responsible for growing new cells and building and repairing tissue. However, contrary to popular belief, we don’t need to consume that much of it to be healthy.

According to T. Colin Campbell (“The China Study” and who endorsed my book on the cover) in addition to other well-known vegan doctors and dieticians, the average requirement of protein is only about 5 ounces a day, or about 5 percent of your daily caloric intake. Campbell and others write that too much protein can actually damage your bones and organs and that reducing the amount of protein in your diet can give you more energy, put your digestive system at ease and protect your immune system. I’m not alone in my observation of increased energy.
A common misconception is that meat is the best source of protein. Consider the following animals, some of the largest on the planet – gorillas, cows, elephants – all of them are vegans. That means they eat nothing that had a mother or a face.
As a runner, I don’t want that body type, but these large animals are great examples of how big and strong a living creature can be on a plant based diet. While animal products contain large amounts of protein, they are also high in cholesterol and saturated fat, which can lead to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The plant-based diet is low in fat, free of cholesterol and full of fiber.
Almost every plant contains protein, though some have more than others. Luckily, we do not need to get all amino acids from one source, so eating a varied vegetarian diet will result in a complete balance of protein. Here are some excellent foods that you can depend on to keep your body fit:

• Beans contain more protein than any other vegetarian source, and they are high in fiber, so you’ll feel full hours after eating them. There are countless varieties, the most popular being black, pinto, kidney, chickpea, lentil, split peas and soy.

• Whole grains are a great compliment to beans, and together they pack a protein punch into your diet. Rice is always a great choice, but quinoa is a powerhouse. While quinoa is technically a seed, it contains more protein than any other grain. Check out barly and millet, and keep in mind that even popcorn contains protein. Millet is a beautiful yellow whole grain and it almost deceives you into believing that it is coated with butter.

• Nuts are also very high in protein. One ounce of almonds has the same amount as one ounce of steak, 6 grams. Enjoy your favorite nuts raw, roasted, seasoned or in nutbutter form.

• Seeds are a great addition to any meal. Simply sprinkle them on top or mix them in to add an extra boost of protein to your dish. Flax, pumpkin, and hemp seeds are not only rich in essential amino acids, but contain other important nutrients like omega-3s, iron and fiber.

• There’s a reason Popeye was obsessed with spinach – he wanted to maintain his big biceps! Other green veggies with high protein content are broccoli, kale, green beans, asparagus and watercress.

And speaking of biceps, whenever I give talks on a book tour and the protein question comes up as it always does, I say flexing my biceps, “Do I look like I have a protein problem? Do you know anyone with a protein deficiency? No? Bet you know a few people with heart and diabetes issues?” Amid the laughter, hands fly up answering that last question.

You can follow Island resident Ellen Jaffe Jones on her Facebook page and keep up with her book:,”Eat Vegan on $4 a Day,” or her website: vegcoach.com

Just so you are clear if you have not already got it from this great article. Vegans don’t miss protein as we get sufficient levels by following an awesome abundant filled diet from an array of wonderful foods!

With Compassion
Brett
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