Lady Magnon often complains that I (we) eat too much Meat. She seems to forget that humans are intrinsically 'Carnivores', and that the very concept of eating vegetables is a relatively new phenomenon in human evolution. However, I do partially agree with her about the Meat; it's expensive too!
She recently said she wants more Veggie meals; with actual Vegetables, rather than pasta or rice. Our lunchtime 'Scotch Broth' is 100% Veggie, made with a mixture of vegetables, but she wants even more.
So, I searched amongst my vegs, and came across a good selection which I seasoned, anointed, and roasted.
There was an Aubergine, red Pepper, Courgette, Potatoes, Pumpkin, Carrots, and onions. They were bathed in Olive oil, and given an hour in the oven.
As I'm sure you can see, this was simplicity itself, and I must say that it was delicious. It was made with just a selection of what I used to grow at Haddocks.
I would happily eat this every week. I can see us not only having our usual Veggie Wednesdays, but Veggie Mondays, and Saturdays as well.
As long as I can have my fill of Meat on the other days; I'm very happy.
Your contention that our ancestors ate meat and that vegetables came along later is very shaky. The stomach contents of all "bog people" who have been discovered in northern Europe reveal diets of grains, nuts, berries and vegetables. Meat would have only provided irregular sustenance boosts. The only reason that many westerners expect and get meat every day is quite simply - refrigeration.
ReplyDeleteEarly man simply threw rocks or spears to kill animals for their food. The whole idea of cultivating vegetables as a food source is comparatively modern. Most modern vegetables are hybrids of plants that no-one would eat today. You wouldn't have wanted to be a veggie in Neanderthal times.
DeleteNeanderthals were omnivores. They ate anything that would sustain them - including berries, nuts, seeds and edible plants. Successful "kills" would be intermittent. I know this because I am a Neanderthal. My name is Og.
DeleteAll my very distant ancestors lived on a exclusive diet of Wooly Mammoth.
DeleteBraised, sautéed, grilled, curried, and stewed.
DeleteEarly humans ate and prepared food in a much more elaborated way than people imagine. Meat was rare and plants , nuts etc. as noticed Yorkshire Pudding were the basis of their daily meals.There are really interesting studies and research results about our ancestors life.
ReplyDeleteAre you suggesting that Neanderthals ate Yorkshire Puddings?
DeleteCheck out Ottolenghi and Sabrina Ghayour for excellent middle eastern/persian Veggie suggestions. We do eat meat most days but very little of it and it’s mostly chicken or fish.
ReplyDeleteI do like Middle Eastern and North African flavours.
DeleteLes légumes au four sont un "must" au moins 2 fois par semaine. Je les macère 30 minutes dans de l'huile d'olive, zeste de citron, cumin et du piment d'Espelette ou du Ras El Hanout. Après 45 minutes au four selon la quantité et puis bonne dégustation avec une tranche de pain grillé, simple et vite fait.
ReplyDeleteHuguette
You have quoted some of my favourite flavours and spices. We are eating this every week now, with a different twist every time. What's not to like?
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