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Veggie Nite Out
By Jeff Becker Photography By Russell Bamert
 There are certain challenges that must be overcome by area residents who choose to disregard the ‘eat beef’ bumper stickers that are proudly displayed by area ranchers. But vegetarianism in southern New Mexico and west Texas is becoming more popular, so much so, that a new dining group, ‘Veggie Nite Out’ has taken root in Las Cruces.
An offshoot of sorts of the 13-year-old Vegetarian Society in El Paso, one of the country’s biggest and most active meat-free groups, Veggie Nite Out has been meeting monthly since earlier this year. Co-founded by Susan Alderman and LesLee Alexander, both of Las Cruces, Veggie Nite Out has proved to be very popular among longtime herbivores and novices alike.
Arecent get-together of the group was held at Las Cruces Lemongrass Thai Restaurant. Servers had to scurry, as 31 peopleshowed up for the dinner, exceeding Alexander’s expectations and reservations…
Alexander was the emcee for the evening, helping to coordinate seating, and started a go round for each attendee to introduce him or herself. Many added a line or two about why they were exploring the vegetarian lifestyle. “Health reasons,” cited one diner. “Vegetarian in training”, offered another, and another said that she had stopped eating meat, and was trying to become more conscience of her lifestyle. Still another shared that she had, “wanted to do this (exclude flesh from her diet) since [she] was 10 years old.”
 Although many people call themselves vegetarian simply because they do not eat certain kinds of meat, a true vegetarian, as Alexander says, “does not eat flesh, fowl, fish, or other sea life.”
Using that as a definition, a Harris Poll conducted in 2003 indicated that 2.8% of those surveyed were vegetarian. Some of the more noted vegetarians throughout history include Peter Sellers, Albert Einstein, and interestingly, country singer, Shania Twain, who fallsinto a subcategory of vegetarianism, since she is considered vegan.
About half of those in the Harris Poll could be labeled as vegan, those who eschew imbibing in any animal related products, such as dairy, eggs, and honey. Veganism also means that a person does not use any animal by-products, such as leather or use household products that had been tested on animals. Three of the guests at the Veggie Nite Out (VNO) meeting said they were enjoying a vegan lifestyle.
Another term that has gained popularity over the last few years is ‘flexitarian’, a term used to describe those who still had meat on their menus, but were cutting back on the consumption of it. That descriptor would fit many of the guests at the VNO meeting.
Previous meetings of VNO had been held at International Delights, Casablanca, Jaan (Las Cruces’ gently upscale East Indian restaurant) and Si Italian Bistro, which all serve a number of meat-free treats.
Other area restaurants that are very veggie friendly include The Greenery, The Magic Pan, and Thyme Matters, all located in
El Paso. Although Las Cruces once hosted a delightful little vegtarian café, The Herbal Hand, it closed about a year ago. Now the only true local veggie beanery is located in T or C, the White Coyote Café. But back to the meeting at Lemongrass, which was filled with much laughter amongst a group of people, many of who had probably just met and were delighted to have something in common- platefuls of animal free food. Another woman, during the introductions had shared with a sigh of relief and a smile, said that ‘it is nice to eat with people who don’t ask me a lot of questions.’
GREEK STYLE STEW WITH POTATOES, GREEN BEANS AND ZUCCHINI
6-8 small servings
A great early autumn dish, even better the next day. If fresh green beans are not available, use frozen organic. This is a vegan recipe, unless you top the servings with feta cheese, which is also quite delightful.
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup water
2 limes, juiced
1 large onion, diced
2 large baking potatoes - diced
(potatoes are better if not peeled, at least to me)
16 oz green beans, fresh if available
28 oz can of diced tomatoes (w/ liquid)
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4 cup each of chopped parsley
and dill (fresh)
1/2 tsp ground pepper
1 cup feta cheese (optional)
In a large pot, heat the olive oil, and add the onion, stirring often until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in potatoes, and the 1/2 cup of water. Simmer, then cover and cook until the potatoes are about halfway done, usually about 10 minutes. Stir in zucchini, beans, tomatoes, and oregano. Return to simmer, cover and cook for about 15 minutes, until veggies are just tender. Stir in parsley, dill, and pepper, blend well, and allow the stew to simmer for a couple of minutes. Serve in bowls, with feta crumbled and sprinkled on top (if desired). A crusty bread goesgood with this, especially if you are a ‘sopper.’
(Special notes- I do not use salt when cooking, and will usually use salt free tomatoes. Those who do might want to add a small amount. And whenever possible, I use only organic ingredients, which I find enhances the flavors.)
Veggie Nite Out generally meets on the first Tuesday of each month. For more information or to make reservations to attend the Nite Out, call (505) 524-9830 or (505) 522-0222. For information about the Vegetarian Society of El Paso, contact Sukie Sargent at (915) 877-3030.
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