Traditional Meat Entrees Get a Makeover: Going Meatless

Summary

If you're a vegetarian looking to maintain a low-carb diet, you might think your options are limited. However, with a bit of creativity, you can transform traditional meat-based dishes into delicious, low-carb vegetarian meals. From Veggie "Ham" Quiche to Baked "Salmon" Italianne, these recipes will make you forget you're eating vegetarian. Read on to discover how to make these mouth-watering dishes and impress your friends and family.

Veggie "Ham" Quiche

Ingredients

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ lb. veggie ham, chopped
• ¾ cup broccoli, chopped (or your favorite vegetable)
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup water
• 5 eggs
• Salt, pepper, dill, and dry mustard to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF and spray a large quiche or pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese into the bottom of the pan.
3. Top the cheese with chopped veggie ham and broccoli.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the heavy cream, water, eggs, and seasonings.
5. Pour the mixture over the cheese and veggies.
6. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown and the center is firm.

Nutritional Information

• Net Carbs: 3 grams per slice (4 slices total)

Low Carb "Beef" Stroganoff

Ingredients

• 12 oz. vegetarian beef tenderloin or beef-style seitan, cut into strips
• 12 oz. small-button mushrooms, cleaned and trimmed
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 oz. butter
• ¾ cup beef-style stock or broth
• 2 tbsp Wondra flour
• ¾ cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet on medium-high and add coconut oil.
2. Brown the veggie beef strips in the hot oil for about 2 minutes, then remove to a plate.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low, add butter and mushrooms, and cook until tender (about 5 minutes).
4. Add the beef-style stock to deglaze the skillet, then stir in Wondra flour and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Add the veggie beef and sour cream, heating through.
6. Adjust seasonings and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

• Net Carbs: 5.4 grams per 1.3 cup serving

Baked "Salmon" Italianne

Ingredients

• 5 oz. faux salmon steak
• 2 strips veggie bacon, cooked and cut into 1" pieces
• ¼ cup sugar-free mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 6 pieces sun-dried tomatoes
• ¼ cup chopped onion

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400ºF and spray a casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine mayonnaise and ketchup to make Russian Dressing.
3. Plump sun-dried tomatoes in water using a microwave.
4. Lay salmon pieces in the dish and cover with Russian Dressing.
5. Top with chopped tomatoes, onion, and veggie bacon.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes, then broil for a few minutes to brown the top.

Nutritional Information

• Net Carbs: 5 grams per serving

Yummy Pumpkin Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 3 eggs
• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 4 packets Splenda®
• 4 packets Sweet n' Low
• ⅓ tsp maple extract
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ can pure pumpkin
• 1 tsp ginger
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Blend together eggs, cream cheese, Splenda®, and Sweet n' Low.
3. Add maple extract, vanilla extract, and pure pumpkin.
4. Mix in ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt until creamy.
5. Pour into a 9" pie pan and bake for 30 minutes or until a knife comes out clean.
6. Chill in the refrigerator until fully set.

Nutritional Information

• Net Carbs: 4 grams per slice (serves 8)

Conclusion

Transforming traditional meat-based dishes into low-carb vegetarian delights is easier than you think. With these recipes, you can enjoy gourmet meals that are both satisfying and healthy. So go ahead, get creative in the kitchen, and surprise your friends and family with these delicious dishes.

Interesting Stats

• According to a 2020 study, 6% of Americans identify as vegetarians, and 3% as vegans (source).
• The global meat substitute market is expected to reach $8.1 billion by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2019 (source).

By incorporating these innovative recipes into your diet, you can enjoy the benefits of a low-carb lifestyle while adhering to vegetarian principles. The proof, as they say, is in the pan!