<p>Yes- rice and beans together/in the same meal will contain complete proteins. We don’t BBQ so “contaminated grill” doesn’t arise. I can’t see going to the trouble of grilling veggies unless the grill is used for meats- too much cleanup.</p>
<p>Indians often are vegetarians (it is not required for Hindus, btw) but many make adaptations here. My mother in law doesn’t eat eggs but will eat cakes, pies and cookies containing eggs (part of it may be never acquiring a taste for them, she fed them to her H when he needed extra protein many years ago). A vegetarian Indian friend likewise would eat egg bakery products but her visiting mother wouldn’t (banana bread I made we warned her about several years ago). </p>
<p>When you think of WHY people have their dietary habits consider geography/climate history as well as culture. It is interesting to see some European Americans embrace vegetarian diets but mainly by using soy protein substitutes for the same meat dishes instead of embracing dishes for which the plant based protein is a natural. I’m thinking ground beef et al substitutes that are meant to be cooked and taste like the real thing. </p>
<p>We really like eggplant parmesan. </p>
<p>This summer we’ve been enjoying corn roasted on the grill. (For a crowd you may prefer to cook tge corn on the stove if the grill is busy with other food). It’s yummy with a lime/butter sauce or plain. </p>
<p>As a vegetarian for about 13 years, I think it’s important to remember that there are many different reasons that people make this choice - from religious to health concerns to moral beliefs about animal rights to moral beliefs about use of resources. When I first made the change, I didn’t want to have stress when I went out to eat or eat with others, so I decided to eat fish if necessary. It wasn’t my preference however and I have throughout described myself as vegetarian. </p>
<p>The lunch you described sounds lovely (and yummy)! It’s great to have lots of choices. Vegetarian fajitas and tacos substituting beans are among my favorites. </p>
<p>One of my worst vegetarian experiences was at a conference in Las Vegas where they were serving breakfast and instead of just bringing me a plate without the sausage, I got a plate of cold fresh vegetables!</p>
<p>Just a note: When a woman is going through menopause and wants a natural remedy for symptoms they often turn to tofu. Tofu helps to boost estrogen and handle the symptoms. Survivors of breast cancer do not want to boost estrogen levels…ever. </p>
<p>But, as seen there are so many choices that don’t include tofu. And while we aren’t vegetarians, I found that, there are always options that doesn’t point out…ohhhh you’re different.</p>