Despite the best of plans, we were NOT able to have a Meatless Monday last week. We shifted it to Tuesday due to travel plans. Well, what is the deal about going without meat on Monday in particular? Outside of the alliteration (haha), it provides a consistent way to make the effort. It provides a combined energy between you and me and others in the world who are consciously changing habits for a better quality of life.
Meat carries a very large carbon footprint. Michael Pollan has written a wonderful book outlining much of the story of our meat production in the United States in his book ‘The Omnivores Dilemma’.
When I first came into ‘green awareness’ I was shocked to learn that reducing or eliminating meat consumption would be the biggest impact in reducing my carbon footprint! I felt a little defensive at first, and then bought in, little by little. Then when I studied holistic nutrition, Ayurveda and yoga I learned about the negative spiritual effect of eating animals.
This is what Meatless Monday is about! It is giving you the opportunity to buy in, Monday by Monday, and meal by meal. Awareness slowly grows, it is inevitable when you make a conscious decision.
This Kidney Bean Dip comes with a video! Below are notes on how to enjoy it at lunchtime at the office, or anywhere! Eat lighter on the digestive system and lighter on the planet and watch your spirit lift up and out of this world!
Kidney Bean Dip
2 cups cooked kidney beans, drained only (video ‘How To Prepare Beans‘)
1-2 T jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional, but gives a great kick!)
1 clove garlic, minced (video ‘How To Mince Garlic‘)
1/4 t cinnamon
3/4 t ground coriander (video ‘How To Dry Roast Spices‘)
3/4 ground cumin
1 cup diced tomatoes, no seeds or juice
3/4 t salt
Juice of 1 lemon
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| Lay out all of the ingredients. Dry roast and grind the spices of optimum flavor. |
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| I am feeling dizzy looking into the blender! Combine all of the ingredients. |
Blend all of the ingredients together in a blender, or food processor. Store in a glass jar.
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| Use as a dressing to get lots of nutrients and less fats. |
The dip is good for several days. It is delicious as a topping on salad, or as a dip for vegetable sticks or bread. If this is your lunch away from home, pack a salad and pack the dip separately. Pour it over the salad as a dressing, and if you need a starch, use the bread, or crackers, to clean up your salad bowl at the end of the meal!
Much Peace & Light to You
Shanthi