Man vs. Meat

Meat-free Monday (MFM) - the obvious choice for some, and the impossible for others. After growing up with a vegan brother, living with a vegetarian digsmate, and having spent a year trying out pescatarianism, eating meals without meat has never been a big deal for me.

I often forget the South African culture of mighty meat: blerrie good braai, dop and chop, biltong, dry wors, kudu, ostrich, wild boar- you name it, we ate it- and how attached Saffas are to their meat.

To me, a meal is something tasty, delicious, and nutritious. To a lot of South Africans, a meal is a portion of meat with 3 sides. Saving the animal rights issues for another blog, I really do feel that MFM is an easy, simple way for everyone to make a difference; whether it’s for the sake of the animals, the environment, your health, or just exploring new protein options.

Cutting out meat completely is a huge challenge for some people, but it’s just so liberating to break the thought pattern of “What meat do we feel like tonight? Okay now what will I make to go with it?”. You’ll find yourself trying new types of cuisine, and throwing together quick meals with whatever’s in the pantry- no defrosting and marinating required.

For more info on MFM see the South African site sponsored by Fry’s, the official Paul, Stella and Mary McCartney MFM site, or join the Facebook group!

Butternut has become a staple of meat free Monday in the Minnie house, and usually even keeps my rys-vleis-en-artappels father sufficiently quiet (and the only thing known to completely satisfy him with no complaints are St. Elmo’s ribs). Butternut is the miracle veggie, managing to satisfy the hungriest, fussiest, and carnivorous of dinner guests. It’s packed with vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and fibre, and makes your heart smile with its cholesterol-controlling properties. Pair it with flavours such as ginger, cinnamon, sage, honey, pine nuts or blue cheese (Franco’s in Plettenberg Bay have a roast butternut and gorgonzola thin based pizza that is absolutely heavenly).

So to keep it simple (no excuse now not to try MFM) here are my 3 favourite recipes for easy, quick, and delicious butternut beauts:

Roast Butternut Pasta

Butternut Fritters

Butternut Soup Threesome