Globally Inspired Vegetarian Recipes

This spring has turned out very differently than any of us might have expected—more so than any other year in recent history. For the past month and a half, the United States has essentially been on lockdown, and other countries longer than that. Our friends, family, and neighbors have been isolated, “sheltered in place,” self-quarantined, and socially distant due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

But despite the uncertain—and oftentimes scary—circumstances, humanity has had its moments.

People are coming together (while remaining physically distant) to offer their support and aid to those in need. Individuals are stepping up to help in whatever way they can. And humans everywhere are learning to have a bit more empathy for one another.

In the midst of it all—for the first time in a long while—we are all in this together.

It is with these principles in mind that the upcoming anniversary of Earth Day (50 years!) takes on a new meaning. While the primary focus is on the health and sustainability of our global environment, it’s also worth celebrating as a tribute to our fellow nations around the world who are struggling as much as ourselves in this current crisis.

That’s why our theme for this week’s blog—in honor of Earth Day—is international vegetarian recipes, using inspired flavors from world cuisines, combined with sustainable ingredients like plant-based proteins and plenty of fresh veggies!

Enjoy!

Global Plant-Based Recipes to Make for Earth Day

Celebrate Earth Day 2020 by exploring new veggie-filled and plant-based dishes, inspired by diverse cuisines from around the globe!

Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich

Mediterranean cuisine encompasses the numerous regions which border the Mediterranean Sea, therefore it varies much from one culture to the next. Some of the primary elements of this style of cuisine are olives, wheat, grapes, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and cheeses made from sheep’s or goat’s milk.

This delicious Mediterranean-inspired sandwich incorporates several of the above ingredients, along with an added Greek influence: Two slices of Martin’s 100% Whole Wheat Potato Bread, packed full of chickpea hummus, roasted red peppers, baby spinach, sliced cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and banana peppers.

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/mediterranean-veggie-sandwich/

Mexican-Style Grilled Veggie Sandwich

When you think “Mexican cuisine,” the majority of foods that come to mind (e.g., tacos, enchiladas, fajitas) most likely tend to include some sort of meat such as chicken, steak, or carnitas (pork). But these dishes, and other Mex-inspired foods can be plenty flavorful using veggies and plant-based ingredients.

Take this sandwich, for instance: roasted red pepper, grilled zucchini and onion, spicy pepper-jack cheese, and a Mexican-seasoned black bean spread (flavored with cumin, oregano, and lime), all stacked between two slices of Martin’s Old-Fashioned Real Butter Bread. (A fun twist on the classic Mexican torta.)

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/mexican-style-grilled-veggie-sandwich

Spicy Italian Flatbread

With ingredients similar to that of Mediterranean cuisine, Italian cooking often includes olives or olive oil, aromatic herbs such as oregano, basil, rosemary and marjoram, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a wide variety of cheeses such as parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta.

Create an Italian-style flatbread pizza using a sliced sheet of Martin’s Party Potato Rolls, topped with a selection of the elements listed above. Our recipe includes smoked provolone cheese, Italian seasoning, red onions, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil, and plant-based Italian “sausage” (to keep to the vegetarian theme). Feel free to make it your own by adding other favorites such as marinated artichokes, other varieties of cheese, or even marinara sauce!

https://potatorolls.com/recipes/spicy-italian-flatbread

More Veggie-Centric and Plant-Based Recipes

Can’t get enough veggies? Check out these other delicious options!

1. Falafel Sliders
2. Buffalo Cauliflower Burgers
3. Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers
4. Black Bean Burgers
5. Portobello Burger
6. Plant Based Burger with Chipotle Ketchup
7. Mediterranean Flatbread
8. Grilled Farmers Market Sandwich
9. Grilled Veggie Panini
10. Vegetable Sandwich with Dill Sauce
11. Hummus Vegetable Sandwich
12. Zucchini Grinders
13. Eggplant Parmesan Sandwiches
14. Mushroom Blend Meatball Sliders

To learn more about Earth Day or to find ways to participate digitally, visit www.earthday.org.