While reading this book (review here), I had the idea to ask AI to help me use some vegetables that were in my fridge.
So, I asked ChatGPT if he could suggest a recipe that used peas, cucumbers, black olives, bell pepper, red onion, garlic, tomatoes, and feta.
Here was his (lightning fast) answer. Along with the ingredients she had listed, she also added olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper, and optional fresh basil leaves. She was out of lemon so I asked Chat if she could use lime instead. He Said he certainly could and let me know this would be a 1:1 substitution!
Richard joined in the slicing and squeezing of the lime.
Very quickly we had this delicious and super crunchy salad that, following the instructions, we let marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
This gave us more than enough time to heat up an “emergency pizza” from the freezer. Everyone has emergency frozen pizza in their freezer, right? The results of the salad were so delicious that I only ate a small bite of the pizza (a true record for me).
This just in!
Just before leaving for a brief home exchange, my fridge, freezer, and pantry were thinner than ever. I rhymed some frozen ingredients which I had plus a small amount of rice and half a tomato. CHATGPT instantly came up with this Vegetarian Patty Bowl. Richard had two generous helpings (shhh, don’t tell him I told you so)! He loved the combination of flavors and asked me not to lose the recipe. As if he did! ❤
Ingredients:
- vegetarian empanadas
- 1/2 tomato, diced
- avocado, sliced
- White onion, chopped
- frozen mixed vegetables
- chopped garlic
- Spices (such as cumin, paprika, salt and pepper)
- Olive oil
- Cooked rice or pasta (whatever you prefer)
- Grated cheese
- plain yogurt (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook veggie patties according to package directions.
- In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped white onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes transparent.
- Add the frozen mixed greens to the skillet and cook until heated through and tender.
- Season the vegetable mixture with your favorite spices (such as cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper) to your liking.
- Once the veggie patties are cooked, crumble them into small pieces and add them to the pan with the vegetable mixture. Stir everything and let it cook for a few more minutes.
- While the mixture is cooking, prepare the cooked rice or pasta according to the package directions.
- Once the rice or pasta is ready, divide it among bowls.
- Pour veggie burger mixture over rice or pasta in each bowl.
- Top with diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, and a tablespoon of plain yogurt if desired.
- Serve and enjoy!
This recipe creates a delicious and nutritious bowl using the veggie patties, mixed vegetables, and other ingredients. Adjust the seasonings and toppings to your liking and make it your own.
What’s been on your plate lately? Share in the comments or use the handy link below. I look forward to your suggestions.
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Before retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing, China for fourteen years (high school principal/Deputy Principal of Beijing Western Academy). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope you enjoy reading these reflections and that you are willing to share your own.
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