Since converting to vegetarianism two months ago I have begun to notice curious bursts of dietary defensiveness in friends, family, and coworkers. First let me say that I am not evangelical about my shift to vegetarianism. Others can eat what ever they please with no lecture from me. I’m happy to discuss this choice if asked, but I generally prefer to remain silent about it.
I’m finding that people will quiz me in conversation about the particulars of a vegetarian diet, perhaps looking for apparent contradictions or logical flaws in my response. Some are quick to mark out their meat eating territory so that it is known far and wide that they really dig being an unrepentant carnivore. They’ll ask “if we’re not supposed to eat animals, then why are they made of meat”?
Others just shake their heads and marvel at how someone could make such a silly choice. I can’t say how many times I’ve been asked if my choice of vegetarianism was based on some political philosophy or ecological theory.
Nope.
I’ll explain that with my new menu, cycling, and running I’ve lost 11 % of my body weight and am still dropping weight. Yada yada. I’ll ask if they had ever seen my likeness on a Rubens painting and their eyes will glaze over and the topic will turn to the Broncos.
Something interesting to do with chick peas- Green Hummus.
1 Can drained chick peas 1/8 cup olive oil 1 tablespoon vinegar 1 cup washed fresh spinach 4 or 5 fresh basil leaves salt to taste 1-2 cloves garlic 1 heaping tablespoon of pine nuts 1 pinch each of cayenne pepper and fresh ground black pepper (gives it some kick)Place ingredients in blender or food processor and process to a smooth paste. If blending is difficult, add just a dash of orange or lemon juice to loosen the paste for efficient mixing. Enjoy as a zesty spread on a garden vegetable sandwich of cucumber, spinach, tomato, onion, and feta cheese. Don’t be shy with the cayenne.
Lamentations on Chemistry 
That sounds yummy! Thanks for sharing… I bet the cayenne really makes it. I hear what you’re saying about having to defend your vegetarianism… I’ve just started answering, “Meat is gross.” I actually do have many reasons for the conversions – ethical, ecological, etc – but I sure as hell don’t feel like defending them to joe shmoe.
I see it now:
Vegetarian -> No meat.
No Meat -> Fewer Cattle.
Fewer Cattle -> Less Methane.
Less Methane -> Less Global Warming.
Gaussling wins.
I’m assuming that you roast the pine nuts first. Unroasted, they are quite tasteless, but roasted, they are wonderful. (This is true for all nuts – roasting them really brings out the flavor.)
I think vegetarian food would be more popular if they didn’t make much of it as mimiking meat-based dishes. Vegie-hot dogs, soy-turkeys for Thanksgiving,…
Also, people need to recognize that many classic meals are already meat-free – Fettucine Alfredo for instance.
Roasting the pine nuts is an excellent idea. I didn’t think of that.
Chickpeas cause lathyrism – particularly in children.
Vegetarian -> No meat.
No Meat -> Fewer Cattle.
Fewer Cattle -> Less leather.
Less Leather -> fewer orgasms.
http://www.mazepath.com/uncleal/bung.htm
Don’t even think about peanuts.
Gasp! I hadn’t even though of the leather problem.
Are you sure it’s the chick pea and not the sweet pea?
I was actually responding to Uncle Al’s comment that chick peas cause lathyrism.
Sorry.
According to Levene (Cambridge) Lathyrism was first noted in India and Spain during times of famine when the population consumed chick peas, Lathyrus sativus. However, the sweet pea, Lathyrus odoratus, has been shown to elicit toxicity as well, including severe skeletal deformations and rupture of the aorta. The chemical factor has been shown to be H2NCH2CH2CN, beta aminopropionitrile.
Click to access procrsmed00180-0074.pdf
“Since converting to vegetarianism two months ago”
You know over the last few days my eyes just glanced at the title “green Humus” and moved on. I assumed it was a holiday recipe post.
Today my eyes drifted down!
This is a bomb-shell on par with the Tiger woods Scandal! I never saw a post describing your conversion.
Are you a Vegan or just cutting out the meaty sweeties? You’ll live forever unless you die of boredom.