Veggies for breakfast
February 24, 2011 8:59 AM Subscribe
Vegetables for breakfast? How is it done? How do you have breakfast this is not focused on meats, dairy and grains? Please share your ideas and recipes.
if you want traditional breakfast-y foods, omelets or a egg scramble with leftover roasted vegs. Or egg sandwich with vegs. or burritos.
If you don't care about breakfast being "breakfast" foods, eat whatever sounds good.
posted by domino at 9:03 AM on February 24, 2011
If you don't care about breakfast being "breakfast" foods, eat whatever sounds good.
posted by domino at 9:03 AM on February 24, 2011
Beans on toast.
posted by Coobeastie at 9:05 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by Coobeastie at 9:05 AM on February 24, 2011
Bittman has a lot to say on savory breakfasts, although may are rice or oatmeal or other grain oriented.
JustBento has a miso walnut paste for roasted veggies that I find does good for brunch, but I have never tried it as a breakfast.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:07 AM on February 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
JustBento has a miso walnut paste for roasted veggies that I find does good for brunch, but I have never tried it as a breakfast.
posted by crush-onastick at 9:07 AM on February 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
two potatoes peeled and cubed
one onion diced
dress in olive oil
add salt/black pepper/oregano/chives/garlic to taste
fry til potatoes are soft
yum
just finished the above
brap.
posted by timsteil at 9:09 AM on February 24, 2011 [6 favorites]
one onion diced
dress in olive oil
add salt/black pepper/oregano/chives/garlic to taste
fry til potatoes are soft
yum
just finished the above
brap.
posted by timsteil at 9:09 AM on February 24, 2011 [6 favorites]
I often eat dinner leftovers for breakfast. Once you get past the idea that only "breakfast" foods are acceptable, it's a lot easier to think of alternatives.
posted by something something at 9:12 AM on February 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by something something at 9:12 AM on February 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
Battered fried tomatoes, sometimes with fried okra, often grace Southern breakfast plates. Always, fried potatoes. Baked yams with a little butter, and sorghum molasses, is a fine traditional Southern breakfast, moreso if you have some collard greens to go along with it. If you don't think of fish as "meat," Southerners also frequently breakfast on fried fish, and shellfish, of all varieties.
posted by paulsc at 9:14 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by paulsc at 9:14 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
A friend recommended breakfast parsnips to me this week. Method is basically to cook them in a frying pan with butter and liquid to cover until they're tender.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:15 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:15 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
If you don't have meats, dairy or grains for breakfast, that still leaves fruit. How about a lovely fruit salad? Picture cantaloupe, honeydew, strawberries, blueberries, and banana, all in one bowl. Yummy!
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 9:15 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by ThatCanadianGirl at 9:15 AM on February 24, 2011
By "dairy" do you mean eggs? If not, there's a whole world of traditional egg-based breakfast dishes, including omelets with vegetables (e.g. Denver omelet) and frittatas with same.
Veg-only: hash browns and home fries (cubed potatoes fried with onions) are classics. Some of the taquerias around here offer enormous desayuno platters that are mostly vegetables with some fried eggs (or meat, but you don't want that): shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, refried beans, Mexican rice, tortillas, and sliced avocado. Plenty of food there even without the eggs or meat.
posted by Quietgal at 9:18 AM on February 24, 2011
Veg-only: hash browns and home fries (cubed potatoes fried with onions) are classics. Some of the taquerias around here offer enormous desayuno platters that are mostly vegetables with some fried eggs (or meat, but you don't want that): shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, refried beans, Mexican rice, tortillas, and sliced avocado. Plenty of food there even without the eggs or meat.
posted by Quietgal at 9:18 AM on February 24, 2011
I've been doing this:
Make a saute of vegetables that you like. My most common are onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spinach. Though the one I'm currently eating has all that and some leftover broccoli, "broccoli slaw", asparagus, and carrots. It's all about what's in your fridge. I make up a big pan of this on the weekend and store it in the fridge.
Each morning, depending if I am eating at home or taking to work:
Take to work: put 1/2 cup of vegetables in a Pyrex bowl. Fry one egg over-easy. Put egg on top of veggies in bowl. Cover and bring to work. At work, microwave for 30 seconds.
At home: put 1/2 cup of vegetables in a small fry pan. Heat for a minute or so. Scoot it out of the middle and drop an egg into the pan. Turn once to cook it over-easy. Put it all on a plate.
Either way: Cut up the egg and stir all the yolky goodness over the vegetables. You can put cheese on top if you want. Mmmmm.
AND - get out of the mindset that there are "breakfast foods" that you need to eat in the morning. It is just as easy to eat leftover dinner and it tastes just as good.
posted by CathyG at 9:18 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Make a saute of vegetables that you like. My most common are onions, garlic, mushrooms, and spinach. Though the one I'm currently eating has all that and some leftover broccoli, "broccoli slaw", asparagus, and carrots. It's all about what's in your fridge. I make up a big pan of this on the weekend and store it in the fridge.
Each morning, depending if I am eating at home or taking to work:
Take to work: put 1/2 cup of vegetables in a Pyrex bowl. Fry one egg over-easy. Put egg on top of veggies in bowl. Cover and bring to work. At work, microwave for 30 seconds.
At home: put 1/2 cup of vegetables in a small fry pan. Heat for a minute or so. Scoot it out of the middle and drop an egg into the pan. Turn once to cook it over-easy. Put it all on a plate.
Either way: Cut up the egg and stir all the yolky goodness over the vegetables. You can put cheese on top if you want. Mmmmm.
AND - get out of the mindset that there are "breakfast foods" that you need to eat in the morning. It is just as easy to eat leftover dinner and it tastes just as good.
posted by CathyG at 9:18 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Ok - looked up a recipe: Slice parsnips into coins, then cook in butter on medium heat until tender, 7-10 min. Add a bit of salt and maple syrup and serve.
My friend's recipe included liquid, I think, and might have included shallots - anyway, experimentation is in order.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:19 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
My friend's recipe included liquid, I think, and might have included shallots - anyway, experimentation is in order.
posted by LobsterMitten at 9:19 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
I prefer veggies for breakfast. Although once I made the mistake of eating raw broccoli on the morning of a new job and was incredibly gassy the whole morning/afternoon. Don't do that.
I am not a professional nutritionist, but I'd suggest eating a big serving of a leafy veggie heavy in nutrients paired with fruit and protein. No garlic or onion unless you are going to be alone all day.
My ideas:
-Spinach/arugula and orange/grapefruit slices with almonds/pumpkin seeds/nutofyourchoice. Maybe a touch of olive oil or a fruity vinegrette. Maybe some goat cheese or another kind of tasty low fat cheese
-Vegan omlette/tofu scramble with soft tofu, made with LOTS of veggies - red and green pepper, spinach, kale collards or chard, tomato, mushrooms, etc
posted by GEB's fun world at 9:19 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
I am not a professional nutritionist, but I'd suggest eating a big serving of a leafy veggie heavy in nutrients paired with fruit and protein. No garlic or onion unless you are going to be alone all day.
My ideas:
-Spinach/arugula and orange/grapefruit slices with almonds/pumpkin seeds/nutofyourchoice. Maybe a touch of olive oil or a fruity vinegrette. Maybe some goat cheese or another kind of tasty low fat cheese
-Vegan omlette/tofu scramble with soft tofu, made with LOTS of veggies - red and green pepper, spinach, kale collards or chard, tomato, mushrooms, etc
posted by GEB's fun world at 9:19 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Cube potatoes into 1" cubes. Parboil them until somewhat soft. Fry them up in a hot pan with some olive oil and a ton of veggies including
- green peppers
- onions
- garlic
- broccoli
- carrots
- celery
- tomatoes
Add a lot of rosemary and salt and pepper. If you're not actively anti-dairy you can grate some cheese over it or top with sour cream. If you're not much of a cook or veggie preparer you can just dump some salsa over the whole thing instead.
posted by jessamyn at 9:21 AM on February 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
- green peppers
- onions
- garlic
- broccoli
- carrots
- celery
- tomatoes
Add a lot of rosemary and salt and pepper. If you're not actively anti-dairy you can grate some cheese over it or top with sour cream. If you're not much of a cook or veggie preparer you can just dump some salsa over the whole thing instead.
posted by jessamyn at 9:21 AM on February 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
Koreans eat KimChi for breakfast. I've always aspired to eat a fermented food for breakfast but haven't achieved that goal. Yet.
posted by cda at 9:21 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by cda at 9:21 AM on February 24, 2011
I'm not sure why you mention vegetables but not fruits. . . maybe less sugar?? Regardless, the answer to me is smoothies. I usually make them kefir/yogurt/dairy based but you could easily use soy milk if you are strict non-dairy, or just juice and water.
Plenty of veggie smoothies are good too. Carrot/ginger. Cucumber/lemon/mint/honey. You can pretty much throw kale in any smoothie for a veggie boost. Free your mind and the internet helps too with crazy combos. . .
posted by patrad at 9:25 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Plenty of veggie smoothies are good too. Carrot/ginger. Cucumber/lemon/mint/honey. You can pretty much throw kale in any smoothie for a veggie boost. Free your mind and the internet helps too with crazy combos. . .
posted by patrad at 9:25 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
I'm lazy, and I don't believe that eating eggs every day is evil, so here is my breakfast pretty much every day:
Saute spinach in butter with a little salt. Remove spinach. Break 2-3 eggs in pan. Then I take a fork and break the yolks and scramble them up a little bit. Cook like an omelet. Add spinach in middle or eat on the side. Done. This takes maybe 8 minutes to do.
posted by smalls at 9:30 AM on February 24, 2011
Saute spinach in butter with a little salt. Remove spinach. Break 2-3 eggs in pan. Then I take a fork and break the yolks and scramble them up a little bit. Cook like an omelet. Add spinach in middle or eat on the side. Done. This takes maybe 8 minutes to do.
posted by smalls at 9:30 AM on February 24, 2011
Even easier than an omelet:
fresh or defrosted frozen spinach, or fresh (perhaps steamed) or defrosted frozen broccoli
two eggs
salt and pepper to taste
Cook eggs as you like, but before they're all the way done, add in fresh spinach or broccoli (or cook separately). Mix together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ta-da!
I prefer fresh veggies. I start with raw, uncooked spinach, or lightly steamed broccoli (so it's already softer).
posted by bluedaisy at 9:30 AM on February 24, 2011
fresh or defrosted frozen spinach, or fresh (perhaps steamed) or defrosted frozen broccoli
two eggs
salt and pepper to taste
Cook eggs as you like, but before they're all the way done, add in fresh spinach or broccoli (or cook separately). Mix together. Add salt and pepper to taste. Ta-da!
I prefer fresh veggies. I start with raw, uncooked spinach, or lightly steamed broccoli (so it's already softer).
posted by bluedaisy at 9:30 AM on February 24, 2011
I'm currently eating cauliflower and wild rice soup for breakfast. Once you get past the idea that there are certain foods that can only be eaten at certain times of day you can eat vegetables in any form for breakfast.
And soup is a pretty awesome breakfast!
posted by elsietheeel at 9:31 AM on February 24, 2011
And soup is a pretty awesome breakfast!
posted by elsietheeel at 9:31 AM on February 24, 2011
Beans! Beans beans beans. With eggs, spinach, tomatoes, etc etc.
posted by teragram at 9:35 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by teragram at 9:35 AM on February 24, 2011
This morning I ate a mishmash of roasted butternut squash, black beans, tempeh, walnuts, and dried cranberries. I cooked the squash and tempeh during the weekend so mixing everything together and microwaving was very fast, though the texture of the squash would have been better if I had heated everything in a skillet.
posted by esoterrica at 9:40 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by esoterrica at 9:40 AM on February 24, 2011
Frittata with lots of veggies is wonderful for breakfast. If you want to save time, pre-sauté several portion of veggies and just pull them out of the fridge and add eggs each morning.
I eat my current week's version of chow any time of the day. It's a dead easy breakfast because you just have to put it into a bowl. Use whatever veggies you really like, add cooked beans or cooked grains only if you want them, and store in a big bowl in the fridge.
posted by maudlin at 9:41 AM on February 24, 2011
I eat my current week's version of chow any time of the day. It's a dead easy breakfast because you just have to put it into a bowl. Use whatever veggies you really like, add cooked beans or cooked grains only if you want them, and store in a big bowl in the fridge.
posted by maudlin at 9:41 AM on February 24, 2011
Savory grits are delicious, and can accept a wide variety of vegetables. Try making a pot of well-salted grits, then before eating mix in some Sriracha and anyof the following: fried okra, sauteed shredded zucchini, crispy-fried (or dried) eggplant chips, diced red pepper, sauteed asparagus, steamed cabbage, fried leeks.
Also, root vegetable soups like carrot-ginger, sweet potato and potato-leek are really nice for breakfast.
posted by saladin at 9:44 AM on February 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
Also, root vegetable soups like carrot-ginger, sweet potato and potato-leek are really nice for breakfast.
posted by saladin at 9:44 AM on February 24, 2011 [3 favorites]
A day or two before: Saute mirepoix and leeks, toss in some mostly-cooked lentils and a little white wine, and then some tarragon. If a little meat is ok, add in two cooked strips of crumbled bacon (and use the grease to saute the veges.)
That morning: reheat some of the lentil mix, wilt some greens in a pan and put them on top of the lentils, and fry (or poach) an egg or two, and serve on top of that. Salt + pepper.
posted by patnasty at 9:53 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
That morning: reheat some of the lentil mix, wilt some greens in a pan and put them on top of the lentils, and fry (or poach) an egg or two, and serve on top of that. Salt + pepper.
posted by patnasty at 9:53 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Try avocado on toast. Sliced on top - or mashed, seasoned & spread. Yum!
posted by DizzyLeaf at 9:56 AM on February 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by DizzyLeaf at 9:56 AM on February 24, 2011 [5 favorites]
There is no law that says you have to have breakfast food for breakfast. I often have leftovers of whatever.
However, eggs (or tofu) accept almost any vegetable addition - just make an omelet or scramble. For best results gently saute whatever veggies separately and then throw them in at the end. Strata, fritatta, quiche, or savory muffins could easily be made the night before.
I've heard miso soup is a traditional breakfast in Japan.
posted by serazin at 9:59 AM on February 24, 2011
However, eggs (or tofu) accept almost any vegetable addition - just make an omelet or scramble. For best results gently saute whatever veggies separately and then throw them in at the end. Strata, fritatta, quiche, or savory muffins could easily be made the night before.
I've heard miso soup is a traditional breakfast in Japan.
posted by serazin at 9:59 AM on February 24, 2011
Oh yeah, and hot cereals are IMHO better savory than sweet. Amaranth makes a nice breakfast. Minced and sauteed veggies with salt and butter and maybe nuts would be a good addition.
posted by serazin at 10:01 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by serazin at 10:01 AM on February 24, 2011
Oh, I've also eaten these two chickpea salads leftover for breakfast: butternut squash chickpea salad and a variation of this chickpea, edamame and cranberry salad.
posted by crush-onastick at 10:04 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by crush-onastick at 10:04 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Spinach and butternut squash are my favorites to incorporate for breakfast because they are filling (I tend to get hungry mid-morning if I just have a bowl of cereal). For a relatively-low cal breakfast that can easily hold me till lunch, I've been frying an egg and slapping it on a small corn tortilla with sauteed spinach (I just put it in the pan with the egg, which I'm already cooking in olive oil) for a little breakfast taco--black beans are good for some extra protein. You could add the butternut squash to this equation too--cut it up in little chunks, cook the night before (put the chunks in a Tupperware, fill with enough water to cover, and microwave for a few minutes, then drain) so all you have to do is heat them up/brown a little in the pan with everything else. (If carbs are a concern, you could skip the tortilla all together and do a scramble-type thing.) Butternut quash is great because it's very potato-like when you cook it but more flavorful and healthy, so you could really sub it for any sort of potato breakfast recipe.
Spinach is also good in smoothies (if you want to get serious about nutritious breakfasts, invest in a blender!) I like it best with frozen blueberries, banana, some honey, and a little milk or OJ--you can put it in by the handful and it really doesn't taste that strong.
Finally: I was on a roll for a while where I would cook up a big batch of brown rice (also very nutritious and filling) and mix it up with leftover stir-fry or salad veggies from the night before. Yumyumyummy and filling. I emphasize the "filling" part with all of these because as good as veggies are, I personally have to match them with some kind of protein (like eggs or beans) or I get hungry fast. I've really found that when I have a solid, nutrient-filled breakfast, I tend to eat better (and less) throughout the day.
posted by lovableiago at 10:06 AM on February 24, 2011
Spinach is also good in smoothies (if you want to get serious about nutritious breakfasts, invest in a blender!) I like it best with frozen blueberries, banana, some honey, and a little milk or OJ--you can put it in by the handful and it really doesn't taste that strong.
Finally: I was on a roll for a while where I would cook up a big batch of brown rice (also very nutritious and filling) and mix it up with leftover stir-fry or salad veggies from the night before. Yumyumyummy and filling. I emphasize the "filling" part with all of these because as good as veggies are, I personally have to match them with some kind of protein (like eggs or beans) or I get hungry fast. I've really found that when I have a solid, nutrient-filled breakfast, I tend to eat better (and less) throughout the day.
posted by lovableiago at 10:06 AM on February 24, 2011
Khao Dom Pla - rice soup with fish.
posted by adamvasco at 10:15 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by adamvasco at 10:15 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]
Every morning for breakfast I've been having an egg-white omelet with vegetables plus a toasted english muffin with a quarter of an avocado smeared on top.
I buy bags of frozen vegetable mixes at the supermarket--for example "southwestern blend" for corn/black beans/onions/peppers or "fajita blend" for just onions/peppers--slice open the corner, and shake out just the right amount into a bowl every morning to microwave for 1:00. The egg whites are the kind that come in a box (whatever brand Costco sells, 6 boxes at a time--I freeze them all and pull them out as I need them). Entire time to make an omelet: about four or five minutes. I can toast a muffin and smear the avocado while waiting for the eggs to cook so it's surprisingly fast and easy. It's around 300 calories, with 24 grams of protein and 8 grams of fat (you could up the fat by eating more avocado or going with regular eggs vs. egg whites). Half an avocado counts as one serving of fruits/vegetables, and it's pretty easy to get another serving through the vegetable mix in the omelet. Then you're nearly halfway to your 5 servings per day.
Since I switched from Raisin Bran to this 4 months ago, I've had so much more energy in the morning, and I'm not starving for lunch at 11:30--I easily hold out until 1pm. Best breakfast ever.
posted by iminurmefi at 10:22 AM on February 24, 2011
I buy bags of frozen vegetable mixes at the supermarket--for example "southwestern blend" for corn/black beans/onions/peppers or "fajita blend" for just onions/peppers--slice open the corner, and shake out just the right amount into a bowl every morning to microwave for 1:00. The egg whites are the kind that come in a box (whatever brand Costco sells, 6 boxes at a time--I freeze them all and pull them out as I need them). Entire time to make an omelet: about four or five minutes. I can toast a muffin and smear the avocado while waiting for the eggs to cook so it's surprisingly fast and easy. It's around 300 calories, with 24 grams of protein and 8 grams of fat (you could up the fat by eating more avocado or going with regular eggs vs. egg whites). Half an avocado counts as one serving of fruits/vegetables, and it's pretty easy to get another serving through the vegetable mix in the omelet. Then you're nearly halfway to your 5 servings per day.
Since I switched from Raisin Bran to this 4 months ago, I've had so much more energy in the morning, and I'm not starving for lunch at 11:30--I easily hold out until 1pm. Best breakfast ever.
posted by iminurmefi at 10:22 AM on February 24, 2011
A co-worker of mine has soup for breakfast. It's usually out of a can, but sometimes she brings homemade. It smells divine.
posted by rtha at 10:29 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by rtha at 10:29 AM on February 24, 2011
I like a sweet potato and black bean bake, like this recipe. You could add some protein, like an egg or cheese.
posted by TrarNoir at 10:30 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by TrarNoir at 10:30 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
My favourite weekend breakfast is scrambled eggs with home-fried potatoes, and spinach, onion, mushroom, tomato and avocado sauteed in butter with a little dill. There's also bubble and squeak - fried leftover mashed potato and cabbage with whatever other leftover cooked veg you have floating around in the fridge.
posted by goo at 10:34 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by goo at 10:34 AM on February 24, 2011
Kitchari is a traditional Indian/Ayurvedic dish served for breakfast and other meals. It combines rice, legumes, spices, and usually vegetables. I love having this for breakfast. In no way do I follow an ayurvedic lifestyle, just love this.
Here is another recipe. It's a very popular versatile dish, so the spices vary widely. My favorite vegetables to use are: greens (added last so they don't overcook), squash, and carrots, buts also love sweet potato and broccoli.
I will sometimes spice it up with chutney.
posted by annsunny at 10:35 AM on February 24, 2011
Here is another recipe. It's a very popular versatile dish, so the spices vary widely. My favorite vegetables to use are: greens (added last so they don't overcook), squash, and carrots, buts also love sweet potato and broccoli.
I will sometimes spice it up with chutney.
posted by annsunny at 10:35 AM on February 24, 2011
Curry.
First saw it as a breakfast buffet option in a large international-chain hotel, and it's perfect, don't know why I didn't think of it myself. Incredibly flexible (any veg combination you fancy), you can make up a batch and eat it all week, and it's 'easy eating' with some rice or a bit of soft naan/chapati/just regular bread.
I particularly like the sweeter curries for breakfast, such as Kormas, or vaguely Thai-style dishes with coconut milk.
posted by AFII at 10:35 AM on February 24, 2011
First saw it as a breakfast buffet option in a large international-chain hotel, and it's perfect, don't know why I didn't think of it myself. Incredibly flexible (any veg combination you fancy), you can make up a batch and eat it all week, and it's 'easy eating' with some rice or a bit of soft naan/chapati/just regular bread.
I particularly like the sweeter curries for breakfast, such as Kormas, or vaguely Thai-style dishes with coconut milk.
posted by AFII at 10:35 AM on February 24, 2011
I love having gazpacho for breakfast when it's hot outside.
posted by corey flood at 10:40 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by corey flood at 10:40 AM on February 24, 2011
Turkish breakfasts straddle the line between things Americans often consider breakfast food, and incorporating more vegetables. There's a hardboiled egg, and a big plate of bread, which is often eaten with butter, honey, or jam, and slices of cheese, but also absolutely essential are olives, tomatoes, and cucumbers. Maybe also some other vegetables (peppers? eggplant spread?) or yogurt. But cheese+tomato+cucumber open-faced sandwiches, and olives!
posted by aimedwander at 10:40 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by aimedwander at 10:40 AM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
Spinach is my go-to breakfast veggie for some reason - today I had a slice of toast with spinach and a lightly fried egg on top. Sort of a wannabe Eggs Florentine. Also great in fritattas.
I second the Turkish breakfast rec - I'm picky about tomatoes, so I only do this in summer, but I LOVE good tomatoes for breakfast.
Also, you can make yummy home fries with just about any root vegetable (or pumpkin/firm squash), and just about any precooked veggie (i.e. LEFTOVERS) can get tossed in with with savory porridge (rice porridge, wheat berries, oatmeal, whatever).
Personally, I don't think I could do *just* veggies in the morning - not filling enough for me. I like to have some protein (usually eggs, sometimes beans or tofu, occasionally yogurt) and some whole grain as well (often in the form of whole-wheat toast or some other kind of bread, sometimes oatmeal or wheat berries).
posted by mskyle at 10:43 AM on February 24, 2011
I second the Turkish breakfast rec - I'm picky about tomatoes, so I only do this in summer, but I LOVE good tomatoes for breakfast.
Also, you can make yummy home fries with just about any root vegetable (or pumpkin/firm squash), and just about any precooked veggie (i.e. LEFTOVERS) can get tossed in with with savory porridge (rice porridge, wheat berries, oatmeal, whatever).
Personally, I don't think I could do *just* veggies in the morning - not filling enough for me. I like to have some protein (usually eggs, sometimes beans or tofu, occasionally yogurt) and some whole grain as well (often in the form of whole-wheat toast or some other kind of bread, sometimes oatmeal or wheat berries).
posted by mskyle at 10:43 AM on February 24, 2011
Cold (or not) cooked root vegetables, spiced or just with salt/pepper.
posted by jessicapierce at 10:48 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by jessicapierce at 10:48 AM on February 24, 2011
I use one of those industrial-grade blenders for fruit and veggie smoothies. I don't have a specific ratio of either, but I just throw in a handful of stuff like frozen strawberries and bananas and maybe half a cucumber or some lettuce leaves. Add a bit of water or ice cubes and fire up the machine. The greens turn the whole smoothie into a mocha-colored brown, but it tastes pretty much like a strawberry-banana drink you'd find in the shops. Frozen blueberries and fresh spinach leaves work, too.
On those early mornings when the sound of a blender would be detrimental to the sanity of the household, I opt for raw bell peppers or an entire cucumber, and some sliced apples, pears, or pineapples. Maybe some bananas, oranges, or melons if I want variety or something was on sale/in season at the store. I have both the fruits and veggies cut and stored in one of those "green bags" that are supposed to keep produce fresh for a longer period of time, and in the mornings I grab a handful of either to put on a plate.
Personally, I like a bit of a "fresh bite" when I wake up in the morning, so I don't need to have something hot in my belly. I love the taste of fruit smoothies and it's a bit of a psychological pick-up when I know I have a nice amount of greens in there, too. I also find red/yellow/orange bell peppers to be sweet-tasting and goes well with the fruit. Also, I'm lazy and dislike preparing food in the morning, so having everything chopped up or otherwise easily accessible is a bonus for me.
If you go with a raw veggie breakfast routine, you'll need more on your plate to fill you up, or you will get really hungry by mid-morning. I think my portions of raw veggies and fruits are double the amount I'd have with some meal like pancakes or omelets. The smoothies fill me up quite well, though, and it's easy enough to save it in the refrigerator if there's leftovers.
I also take a multivitamin in the morning to compensate for my preference of some of the lower-nutrient veggies, so if you're like me and love cucumbers you might want to consider supplements. I'm also not a dedicated vegetarian or anything, so my protein will come in the form of meats later in the day.
posted by CancerMan at 11:04 AM on February 24, 2011
On those early mornings when the sound of a blender would be detrimental to the sanity of the household, I opt for raw bell peppers or an entire cucumber, and some sliced apples, pears, or pineapples. Maybe some bananas, oranges, or melons if I want variety or something was on sale/in season at the store. I have both the fruits and veggies cut and stored in one of those "green bags" that are supposed to keep produce fresh for a longer period of time, and in the mornings I grab a handful of either to put on a plate.
Personally, I like a bit of a "fresh bite" when I wake up in the morning, so I don't need to have something hot in my belly. I love the taste of fruit smoothies and it's a bit of a psychological pick-up when I know I have a nice amount of greens in there, too. I also find red/yellow/orange bell peppers to be sweet-tasting and goes well with the fruit. Also, I'm lazy and dislike preparing food in the morning, so having everything chopped up or otherwise easily accessible is a bonus for me.
If you go with a raw veggie breakfast routine, you'll need more on your plate to fill you up, or you will get really hungry by mid-morning. I think my portions of raw veggies and fruits are double the amount I'd have with some meal like pancakes or omelets. The smoothies fill me up quite well, though, and it's easy enough to save it in the refrigerator if there's leftovers.
I also take a multivitamin in the morning to compensate for my preference of some of the lower-nutrient veggies, so if you're like me and love cucumbers you might want to consider supplements. I'm also not a dedicated vegetarian or anything, so my protein will come in the form of meats later in the day.
posted by CancerMan at 11:04 AM on February 24, 2011
miso soup, with or without silken tofu, with the vegetables of your choice added (spinach, carrots, celery greens, baby peas, and shiitake mushrooms are my favorites). You can make a lot one day and have it through the week. It's easy and quick to make, too.
posted by amtho at 11:05 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by amtho at 11:05 AM on February 24, 2011
Oh god yes miso soup! I could eat that for every meal, and it's very satisfying in the morning if you want something warm and satisfying. White miso soup in particular is mild but still satiating.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 11:19 AM on February 24, 2011
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 11:19 AM on February 24, 2011
I like the traditional Turkish breakfast: Pieces of Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Watermelon. Olives. Feta Cheese. Fresh yoghurt. And strong black tea (traditionally with lots of sugar). However, if you can't get good (ripe!) tomatoes, watermelons, cucumbers and olives, don't even try, it will be disgusting. In Turkey, they eat this with fluffy white flatbread, but it also tastes good without bread.
posted by The Toad at 12:21 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by The Toad at 12:21 PM on February 24, 2011
Seconding curry. Indians, Malaysians and Sri Lankans all have great curried breakfasts.
posted by rhymer at 12:32 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by rhymer at 12:32 PM on February 24, 2011
I like to take tomatoes, cut them in half, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then top with bread crumbs (and maybe a little Parmesan) and stick under a broiler until the breadcrumbs are slightly browned. Goes well with any meal but is a breakfast favorite at our house.
posted by TedW at 1:25 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by TedW at 1:25 PM on February 24, 2011
Fridge pickles! Buy cucumbers/green beans/pea pods/other crunchy vegetable of your choice. Make as brine with some sort of acid, some salt, and spices. Put it all together in a jar and stick it in your fridge for a few days. They don't last as long as actual processed, sterile-procedure pickles, but they should be okay for a week or two in your fridge. Good on toast or rice, and convenient for days when waking up and cooking a hearty breakfast is not feasible.
posted by kagredon at 1:48 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by kagredon at 1:48 PM on February 24, 2011
Lately I've been eating this every morning. Disclaimer: This is pretty spicy.
-half an onion
-a jalapeno
-a big handful of frozen peas (or other small frozen veggies)
I fry these in a pan with a teensy bit of oil or butter until the peas are hot; then add:
-2-3 TBS Nutritional Yeast
-A big squeeze of sriracha
-a little bit of turmeric and black pepper
-something creamy (tahini or full fat greek yogurt are my faves)
- a few splashes of soy sauce
Mix it all up, it's sort of like curry, but easier, and a little lighter.
I find as soon as you decide that something "is what you eat for breakfast" and get into the habit of it, it stops being weird. Decide on one thing you really like eating, eat it for a week or so, and your body will start expecting the veggies instead of expecting a plate of meat, dairy and grains.
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 3:28 PM on February 24, 2011
-half an onion
-a jalapeno
-a big handful of frozen peas (or other small frozen veggies)
I fry these in a pan with a teensy bit of oil or butter until the peas are hot; then add:
-2-3 TBS Nutritional Yeast
-A big squeeze of sriracha
-a little bit of turmeric and black pepper
-something creamy (tahini or full fat greek yogurt are my faves)
- a few splashes of soy sauce
Mix it all up, it's sort of like curry, but easier, and a little lighter.
I find as soon as you decide that something "is what you eat for breakfast" and get into the habit of it, it stops being weird. Decide on one thing you really like eating, eat it for a week or so, and your body will start expecting the veggies instead of expecting a plate of meat, dairy and grains.
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 3:28 PM on February 24, 2011
Get yourself a "Vita-Mix"...Best fruit-veggie smooothies ever! I live with mine everyday, and not just for breakfast!
posted by BVB at 3:37 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by BVB at 3:37 PM on February 24, 2011
I make a killer tofu scramble - it's basically a bunch of veggies - onion, tomato, spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, etc. sauteed in a bit of oil - add curry, turmeric, salt pepper, oregano, and what ever other spices you like. Then crumble in firm tofu and add something to make it a bit creamy, like hummus, cheese, milk or unsweetened soy milk, and stir until it's all mixed up and hot. If you've added liquid for creaminess, keep it cooking until it's not runny.
this could all be done with eggs instead of tofu, too
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 4:33 PM on February 24, 2011
this could all be done with eggs instead of tofu, too
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 4:33 PM on February 24, 2011
I sometimes like to put about a cup of frozen spinach in a bowl, add a teaspoon of sesame oil and some water, and microwave until hot. Mix it all up and eat it like a soup. It feels breakfasty to me, maybe because it reminds me of porridge.
posted by lollusc at 4:53 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by lollusc at 4:53 PM on February 24, 2011
With all the mentions of miso above, I'm surprised no one has mentioned natto, everyone's favorite fermented-bean breakfast food. Quite nutritious if you can tolerate the smell.
posted by caminovereda at 5:10 PM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by caminovereda at 5:10 PM on February 24, 2011 [1 favorite]
An entire avocado is the perfect breakfast. Cut in half, remove pit, squeeze lime, salt, voila!
posted by gillianr at 5:38 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by gillianr at 5:38 PM on February 24, 2011
Potatoes, onions, green peppers (and other veggies as you like, e.g., green beans, broccoli). Sliced and sauted. Salt and pepper to taste. If you want, when the veggies are cooked, scramble in an egg or throw on some cheese or both.
posted by fifilaru at 7:52 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by fifilaru at 7:52 PM on February 24, 2011
Chickpeas are great for breakfast. If you can't stomach the thought of something hot and spicy (a chickpea and potato curry with deep fried puri bread and a pat of sweet halwa is one of my hometown's traditional Sunday breakfasts), try a chaat: cook chickpeas, let them grow cold, and toss them with cubed boiled potatoes and tomatoes, lime juice, salt and cayenne to taste, plus a sprinkling of chaat masala (available at all Indian groceries, or leave out). To make it more interesting, you can add yoghurt, papri (an Indian cracker) and chutneys (look up khajoor and hari chutneys for a classic combo; both are easy to make at home). Chaat is a classic snack with afternoon tea, but it's a good breakfast too.
posted by tavegyl at 11:53 PM on February 24, 2011
posted by tavegyl at 11:53 PM on February 24, 2011
Miso soup with some soba noodles and vegetable (seaweed is good). Then poach an egg and add that to your soup. As an added bonus, this is a brilliant hangover remedy... promise!
posted by Alice Russel-Wallace at 3:24 AM on February 25, 2011
posted by Alice Russel-Wallace at 3:24 AM on February 25, 2011
I make omelets with: bell peppers, or slices of tomato, or spinach + feta. For each one, cook the vegetable in the frying pan until desired softness (since egg cooks really fast and the veggies won't have much time to cook once you add the egg on top), and then add the egg.
Also, broiled tomatoes are excellent for breakfast, and aren't too dinner-food-y: Cut a tomato in half, add a pinch of salt + italian herb mix + parmesan if you wish, broil it until its all mushy inside. Let sit so it doesn't burn the roof of your mouth. Delicious!
My friends make smoothies and juice their own juices with raw kale and/or spinach. It comes out green, but you can't really taste it. Speaking of which, juicing! Beets, carrots, kale, spinach, are all vegetables that can be used with fruit without it tasting too much like veggies in the morning.
I also find cucumbers to be pretty inoffensive for morning and deliciously crunchy. Cut them into pickle-wedges, add some salt, eat with your omelet. Or!! Make little sandwiches with bread + cream cheese + lox + cucumber slices.
Cauliflower. The way my mom cooks it makes it acceptable as a breakfast food. Boil the whole head until desired softness. Once cooled, cut the good parts into pieces (make sure you cut the bigger pieces, the sliced edge makes the frying part easier). Dip into an egg mixture, then dip into a flour mixture that has some salt, and fry on all sides until the outside egg layer is cooked and slightly browned. Comes out sort of omelet-y, and is still relatively healthy, when you don't use too much oil.
English muffins + tomato slices + cheese, toasted. Also delicious for breakfast.
OK, I think I'm done now.
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 4:12 AM on February 25, 2011
Also, broiled tomatoes are excellent for breakfast, and aren't too dinner-food-y: Cut a tomato in half, add a pinch of salt + italian herb mix + parmesan if you wish, broil it until its all mushy inside. Let sit so it doesn't burn the roof of your mouth. Delicious!
My friends make smoothies and juice their own juices with raw kale and/or spinach. It comes out green, but you can't really taste it. Speaking of which, juicing! Beets, carrots, kale, spinach, are all vegetables that can be used with fruit without it tasting too much like veggies in the morning.
I also find cucumbers to be pretty inoffensive for morning and deliciously crunchy. Cut them into pickle-wedges, add some salt, eat with your omelet. Or!! Make little sandwiches with bread + cream cheese + lox + cucumber slices.
Cauliflower. The way my mom cooks it makes it acceptable as a breakfast food. Boil the whole head until desired softness. Once cooled, cut the good parts into pieces (make sure you cut the bigger pieces, the sliced edge makes the frying part easier). Dip into an egg mixture, then dip into a flour mixture that has some salt, and fry on all sides until the outside egg layer is cooked and slightly browned. Comes out sort of omelet-y, and is still relatively healthy, when you don't use too much oil.
English muffins + tomato slices + cheese, toasted. Also delicious for breakfast.
OK, I think I'm done now.
posted by never.was.and.never.will.be. at 4:12 AM on February 25, 2011
Apologies if someone already suggested this, but:
sweet potato hash! Basically, saute cubed or thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a little oil or butter, along with bell peppers (diced) & red onions (thinly sliced half-moons), add a little cumin, some crushed red pepper, a little salt, some chopped green onions -- voila!
posted by oh really at 5:47 AM on February 25, 2011
sweet potato hash! Basically, saute cubed or thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a little oil or butter, along with bell peppers (diced) & red onions (thinly sliced half-moons), add a little cumin, some crushed red pepper, a little salt, some chopped green onions -- voila!
posted by oh really at 5:47 AM on February 25, 2011
If eggs are on the table I highly recommend Shakshouka. Basically it's eggs cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.
posted by Deathalicious at 3:00 AM on February 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Deathalicious at 3:00 AM on February 26, 2011 [1 favorite]
Roasted asparagus (from last nights' dinner) maybe with an over easy egg is the ultimate breakfast IMO. Same with any roasted veggies, especially tomatoes and eggplant. I like them cold or hot.
Same for leftover (or canned) black beans. A squirt of lime and cumin, then a spin in the microwave.
It's been said up thread, but miso soup is great too. You can keep homemade instant miso "balls" in your fridge. I'll also keep chopped green onions next to the box of miso, take a spoon full of each, and add hot water to a mug.
posted by fontophilic at 8:47 AM on February 26, 2011
Same for leftover (or canned) black beans. A squirt of lime and cumin, then a spin in the microwave.
It's been said up thread, but miso soup is great too. You can keep homemade instant miso "balls" in your fridge. I'll also keep chopped green onions next to the box of miso, take a spoon full of each, and add hot water to a mug.
posted by fontophilic at 8:47 AM on February 26, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Eat what you want. Proscribed food groups for different meals are regional notions.
posted by L'Estrange Fruit at 9:00 AM on February 24, 2011 [2 favorites]