Give Meatless veg Monday: a chance

R esolved to get healthy? Meatless Monday’s a simple way to start, and chef Joseph Solar may be all the inspiration you need.

“A lot of people have this concept of what vegan is, and I’m shattering it,” said the owner of The Greyhound Cafe in Malvern, where his plant-based menu features “no labels, just great food.”

Think vegan versions of wings, burgers and cheesesteaks, plus Mexican and Italian favorites like “life-changing chimichangas” and penne alla vodka with cashews for creaminess.

“I’m a Texas boy. I love steaks, and I love barbecue. I love all that stuff. We’ve been able to veganize all the stuff that I love,” explained Solar, who lost 45 pounds after making the switch. “I opened because I feel so passionate about introducing the possibilities of what’s available.”

Also passionate about health: Ashvini Mashru, a registered dietitian and author of “Small Steps to Slim: A Simple, ‘No Diet’ Lifestyle System for Busy Moms.” In her house, meatless dinners hit the table twice a week.

“It’s all about adding spices and making it interesting,” she said. “Vegetarian meals can make you feel full as long as they’re nutritious.”

Her family loves rajmah and rice, a “very quick, easy” mix of beans, onion, ginger, garlic, tomato, turmeric and other seasonings. Cool it down with fresh yogurt or spice it up with homemade cilantro chutney.

“My husband can’t even tell it’s a vegetarian meal because it’s so tasty,” Mashru described. “You can get more fiber. You can get more antioxidants. The spices that I add have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.”

Another good source of antioxidants: mushrooms.

“Mushrooms are a nutrient powerhouse,” according to Amanda Zessin, spokesperson for the Mushroom Council. “They contain potassium, B vitamins, a range of antioxidants and are the only source of Vitamin D in the produce aisle.”

Try marinated mushroom bowls with lentils and wild rice, “a savory, filling meal” that’s “flavorful,” “versatile” and “highly Instagrammable.”

Back at The Greyhound Cafe, its Instagram feed’s full of dishes you may mistake for meat. But instead of Meatless Monday, Solar offers Omnivore Monday with “a special (plant-based) menu geared for omnivores.”

“The textures will be great. The flavor profile will be great, and they’ll enjoy it,” he said. “We get a lot of meat eaters who come in here because they love the food.”

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP Banish the bland with turmeric and other spices.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSHROOM COUNCIL On trend: Savor the flavors of marinated mushroom bowls with lentils and wild rice.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHVINI MASHRU “When it comes to vegetarian meals, I try to cook more Indian food,” says registered dietitian Ashvini Mashru.

PHOTO BY EMILY RYAN - FOR MEDIANEWS GROUP At The Greyhound Cafe, penne alla vodka is “a very popular dish,” says chef Joseph Solar.