Vegan day 49: Wild rice with hijiki and edamame
Vegan protein power in one meal!
Not that we need as much protein as we think! POW right from the start- this is the main topic non-vegans like to throw at a vegan, yet, hardly the argument they should be leading with. If you really care about your vegan friends then make sure we are not eating processed carbohydrates, packaged goods and fake things! It generally comes down to a macronutrient battle doesn’t it? Too much protein vs. not enough, fat is good vs. fat is evil and the totally insensitive slaying of carbohydrates in general, although some carbs (as in processed carbs) should be slayed! Well without really getting into it right now, I will say that there is probably far too much protein consumption going on in this country- and yes, animal protein. Research all you want and you will find arguments on both sides, however, the data and studies are continuously increasing in favor of a more plant based diet and yes- less protein! Amongst other reasons, excess protein eventually stresses the organs in the body and is partly responsible for creating an acidic environment which may be an underlying factor in most chronic diseases. Protein is an extremely important building block for cells in the body. We most definitely need it but not in excess. My personal breakdown is well calculated at 12% of my daily diet. I am vegan so I do like to keep track of my intake and ensure my muscle tone is stabilized or increasing, as I do work out lol!
Today’s meal set out to be healthy– just turns out it’s actually high in protein too!
I did have a rice fiasco today though.
First let me tell you that I do make great rice. My white rice is of course on point (although I don’t eat that anymore)- I learned from the best of my Brasilian chef friends and the best of my favorite Colombian families’ recipes! My ratios and cooking styles are good! My brown rice is also on point, most of the time lol!
Black rice is a fairly new food for me- yes I burned it today- and I refuse to throw it out because it still tastes good- I’m making believe it has a “smoked” flavor! Persistent as I am, I didn’t give up after I had burnt it- I just started over with wild rice. I almost burned that too! I guess the ratios with water can be thrown out the window here– or perhaps I just need to focus! I was multi-tasking– tisk tisk! You are on your own with the rice here:
Wild rice with hijiki and edamame
Wild rice
Water (at least 3x the rice)
Scallions or onion
Hijiki seaweed
Edamame (preferably shelled)
First cook the rice- at your own risk! While that is cooking, wash the seaweed and then soak it in water- I did it for 10-15 minutes. Then cook the seaweed in enough water to cover it by an inch or two- not too much so you don’t water down the minerals- again about 15 minutes. I used frozen edamame and added it to the seaweed for about 10 minutes!
I wasn’t feeling my protein masterpiece because the wild rice wasn’t perfectly cooked so I added tamari, sesame oil and miso! Go with the flow kinda cooking! All in all, it was edible and nutritious. I will remake the black rice another day.
Both black and wild rice are healthy grains higher in protein, B vitamins, fiber and minerals (about 7grams protein). Black rice in particular is high in antioxidants due to the anthocyanins (dark pigments) in the flavonoids. The edamame also provided protein (about 10grams protein per serving). The seaweed is healthy in and of itself providing a healthy amount of minerals such as calcium and vitamins including the frequently sought after vitamin B12!
