My Thoughts on Vegetarianism and Some Top-Notch Veggie-Friendly Eateries in D.C.

So vegetarian January was a fun experiment.  Was it terrible?  Not at all.  Do I plan to stick to it?  Absolutely not.   But before I get to my thoughts on vegetarianism, why don’t I announce my very favorite recipe from January.  As a reminder…

Week 1 Winner: Chickpea Burgers with Balsamic-Almond Glaze
Week 2 Winner: Chana Masala Chickpeas 
Week 3 Winner: Vegetable and Sweet Potato Lasagna
Week 4 Winner: Spiced Rosemary Chocolate Chip Cookies 

The Best of January: Chickpea Burgers with Balsamic-Almond Glaze (with Brie, Avocado and Roasted Red Pepper!) – Let’s be honest, we’ve made this recipe twice and eaten them for dinner five times, in a single month…  and we aren’t sick of them.  It’s gotta be good.

Okay, so vegetarianism.  As I said in my last post, there really are tons of tasty options for vegetarian cooking and I think that after this month, I will be doing a lot more of it.   I would venture to say that most of my meals will be meat-free.  The downfall of being a vegetarian (besides the severe anemia I began to experience before investing in a bottle of One-A-Days) is the limitations it puts on my options.  For every vegetarian recipe I have on my to-do list, I have three that are not.  There is also the convenience factor.  I want to be able to go to dinner parties without either filling up on crackers and cheese, expecting the host to accommodate my diet, or sneaking in a PB&J.  I don’t believe in limiting yourself needlessly, life is all about moderation.

Vegetarianism also limits my ability to be a Wannabe Foodie.  I don’t eat out often, but when I do I want to be able to try the house specialty or the most intriguing item on the menu, and at many restaurants, it’s not vegetarian.  It’s hard to feel like you’re getting the bang for your buck.  I can cheaply and easily make pasta in a pesto sauce at home; roast duck?  Not so much.  However, I do want to highlight a few restaurants I enjoyed this past month that are worth a visit for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike:

1. Amsterdam Falafel– This Adam’s Morgan Falafel shop is entirely vegetarian and talk about bang for your buck.  For $4.50 you can get a “small” falafel– three falafel balls in a wheat or white pita and endless toppings from their fresh and healthy toppings bar (and yes, you can go back from seconds).  I will say that you have to be strategic with your topping choices and it seems a bit hit-or-miss depending on which they are offering on any given day.

2. The White Tiger– I’m not generally a fan of buffets, but this is the exception to my rule.  At lunchtime, you can eat your fill of delicious Indian food for just $10.95, including the doughy and delicious naan.  There are always at least three vegetarian options, and having tried their meat dishes in the past, I can say that their veggie options are usually their best!  Also, you get to drink your water out of solid metal goblets– beat that!

3. Ethiopic – The vegetarian sampler for two (which really could serve three) consists of Miser Wot (red lentils), Kik Aletcha (curried yellow split peas), Fosolia (string beans and carrots), Gomen (collard greens), Dinich Wot (curried potatoes), Shimbra Asa (chickpea dumplings) and Tikile Gomen (cabbage with carrots) served with a tomato salad atop spongy Injera bread.  We order it every time, and wash it down with a bottle of their amazing sparkling shiraz.

4. Sweet Green– Just steps from our house, this has been a longtime go-to for a quick and tasty meal.  Vegetarians can enjoy their salad with roasted tofu or falafel.  My new favorite is a twist on January’s Special Salad:  Half spinach half kale with peppers, spicy broccoli, sweet potato, goat cheese, roasted tofu and crispy kale in the curry yogurt dressing.

Johanna