Fresh Mushroom & Asparagus Risotto

This risotto is so creamy and delicious!

(Serves 6)

6 cups vegetable stock
1 cup coarsely chopped fresh mushrooms 
3 tbsp oil
1/4 cup vegan butter/margarine
1,5 cup fresh asparagus tips - lightly steamed 
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/3 cup shallots, finely chopped
1 cup Arborio rice, uncooked
1/3 cup white wine
1/2 cup vegan mock Parmesan cheese
1 tsp chopped fresh chives, for garnish
salt and pepper

In a large saucepan add the vegetable stock, cover and keep warm over low heat. 

In a large sauté pan over medium high heat, add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter. Add mushrooms and sauté until lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Using the same pan, heat remaining oil and add onions and shallots, stirring until soft. Add the garlic and remaining butter and sauté for 1 minute. Add the rice and stir until well combined. Add the wine and stir until the wine is absorbed. Add 1 cup of the warm stock and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until nearly absorbed. Continue adding the broth 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently and letting each additional stock be absorbed before adding more.  Continue adding the broth until the rice is tender and creamy, about 30 to 40 minutes.

Stir in the sautéed mushrooms, asparagus and parmesan cheese to the rice, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chives and enjoy!

Adapted from Kim Barnouin's recipe 'Wild mushroom & asparagus risotto' (Skinny Bitch - Ultimate Everyday Cookbook)

Do it for the survival of humanity.

Since going vegan I have naturally tried to convince the other people in my life to do the same. 

I am a huge animal lover as well as being health and environmentally conscious. 

Most people respond to the animal abuse facts I give them, but some people simply don't feel the same affection for these beings as I do (this blows my mind, but I try be as open minded as possible).

So for those people who don't feel guilty for consuming our fellow animal for the luxury of taste I have plenty other reasons for going vegan, and the number one reason is health.

We all like to think we are taking care of our health, some more than others, but even people who are extremely unhealthy take out medical aid insurance in case. 

So this is something us humans (and other earthlings) have in common... basic survival instincts. 

These instincts sometimes get blurred inbetween all the other things we have to think about in our busy modern lives, but when disease strikes we are naturally inclined to try and cure it.

Diabetes, cancer and heart disease are claiming lives every second of every day.

"Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, are by far the leading cause of mortality in the world, representing 63% of all deaths" Who.int

Image from Boston University, School of Public Health

Pretty depressing right? Well veganism is the light at the end of this tunnel.

Following a whole-food, plant-based diet can not only prevent but in some cases reverse these dreaded diseases. Stories about people curing themselves from cancer without harmful chemical are becoming more and more common.

Need more convincing?

Forks over Knives is a brilliant documentary explaining how we should all follow a vegan diet for our health and the health of generations to come. 

We have to break the cycle of consuming something that is killing us prematurely. 

We need to evolve in order to keep our species from self destructing.

So if not for the animals, then do it for yourself and the well being of humanity.

GO VEGAN.

* Becoming vegan - living your truth *

To me the most dangerous phrase in any language is;  "We've always done it this way". I am thinking of the many who are still holding their sense of mercy in check for fear of social disapproval, for standing out in the crowd. 

Changing the world begins with the very personal process of changing yourself, the only place you can begin is where you are, the only time you can begin is always now. Stand up for what you believe in, even if it means standing alone. I can personally testify that the best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies, no excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it.  

Choose to align yourself with people who are like-minded, your life is simplified enormously when you don't have to defend yourself to anyone and when you receive support rather than criticism.

As you walk around with this illumination, this beautiful light, you change that which is dark. This is the day your life really begins.  

For me personally the journey of 'living my truth' began the day I decided to become vegan.

'The fate of animals is of greater importance to me than the fear of appearing ridiculous'  -- Emile Zola

There are no excuses, I am not interested to know whether vivisection produces results that benefit or are profitable to the human race. The pain we inflict upon unconsenting animals is the basis of my objection toward all of it - that one meal soon forgotten in exchange for a whole life, the cruelty of the dairy industry, the egg and chicken hatcheries, the slaughter houses, the rodeos, the bull runs, the zoos, the pet shops, the cattle farms, the production of foie gras, the hunting industry, the clubbing and killing of so many creatures for their fur, their meat, their fins. My only concern is the suffering which we deliberately inflict upon the voiceless, tormenting those who have never harmed us, and who cannot defend themselves.  

Yes, I am hopeful - not because I am foolishly romantic - my hope is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, kindness. I believe by living a life of compassion, by being vegan, you will not know whose life you actually touched, but the fact is that you unmistakably did. Gentleness and compassion are engulfing our world today, the only question is whether or not you are willing to join the revolution. I believe that if you really want to do something you'll find a way, if you don't you'll find an excuse.

So Please.... Honor them, Love them, Help them, Heal them, but above all else, Free them.

A Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan & Jain Dining in SA

The large increase in the number of Indian tourists holidaying in South Africa has led SA Tourism to publish a vegetarian cookery book, to guide local restaurants and hotels in the preparation of vegetarian, vegan, and Jain dining. ‘Guide to Vegetarian, Vegan & Jain Dining in South Africa’ is available free of charge to hospitality establishments, and has been prepared with input by the SA Chefs’ Association.

The latest SA Tourism newsletter reports that the Guide has 50 recipes for snacks, starters and sides, salads and soups, main courses, and desserts, and ‘lists food items that each group may (and may not) eat; gives a brief explanation of the culture that informs the dietary lifestyle of these tourists; and offers a wide selection of delicious recipes that will keep vegetarian, vegan and Jain visitors happy and well-fed as they explore and fall in love with South Africa’.  The book also explains the differences between vegetarians, vegans, Jain eaters, pescatarians, and lacto-vegetarians, and suggests the best local places to source ingredients.  Jainism is a religion in India which dictates vegetariasm, but its adherents may not eat root vegetables, says Wikipedia

‘South Africa is justifiably famous globally for its cuisine and delicious fresh produce. We want to make sure that South Africa delights the palate of every single visitor - even those whose dietary preferences are strictly vegetarian,’ said Thulani Nzima, CEO of SA Tourism. ‘We also want to educate the local hospitality industry and tourism operators about how to best meet the dietary requirements of these visitors,’ continued Mr Nzima.

One of South Africa’s fastest-growing tourism markets is India, which grew more than 26% in 2011 and continues its strong growth. ‘Our research has found that the culture of visitors from India differs markedly from South African Indians, and although Indian visitors love our destination, their specific dietary needs are not taken care of in South Africa,’ added Mr Nzima.

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Why honey is not vegan.

'We've been tricked into believing that honey is simply a byproduct of the essential pollination provided by farmed honeybees.'  


To read this informative and beautiful article, please follow this link to a gentle world.