we need to get serious about our protein.
I have beef with meat...
Last month,
I went to the doctor for the first time in two or three years, and received the diagnosis to “eat more meat/protein”.
I think it’s easy to say as a culture, protein is the newest health it-girl.
But Protein and I have never really been good friends…
Even growing up, I was never a big meat-eater. All my favorite foods centered around carbs, a good sauce, or something incredibly cozy.
When I got home, I began researching the carnivore diet as inspiration to add more protein to my life. Honestly, I don’t need to do that specifically; an easy solution is just to eat more meat.
And yes, there’s the argument of getting protein from other non-meat sources, but meat works for my wallet, my conscience, and my convenience.
Keeping it simple, go back to the basics.
Which reminded me of Friday night dinners at my Siti and Gido’s growing up.
For the most part, when I think of my Siti’s cooking, I only speak about her Lebanese recipes.
But about three times a month, we’d have dinner at my Siti and Gido’s, which contained the following,
Protein
This included fried fish, fried chicken, the rare meatloaf, and even rarer steak fingers.
Something starchy
Corn (a big family favorite)
Mashed potatoes
Peas (less of the family favorite but did make appearances)
Syrian Salad
The formula
iceberg lettuce
carrots
celery
cucumber
tomato
Syrian dressing (neutral oil, mint, garlic, salt, lemon)
PERFECTION
Syrian Bread
served with a sad container of “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter” t’was the early 2000s.
Creamy Creations Ice Cream and Frozen “Uncle David” Cookies
There were always at least three gallons in the freezer at ALL times.
mint chocolate chip
strawberry (for Gido)
and a rotating chocolate (plain, Mexican hot chocolate, intense chocolate, java chip, rocky road, you name it it’s been there at least once)
Uncle David (my Siti’s brother) was a GREAT cook and baker.
His chocolate chip cookie recipe was perfect frozen solid, loaded with bittersweet chocolate chunks and lots of warmth (ironic because you know…frozen).
These dinners were sweet in how mundane they were. Always the same formula, followed by some nostalgic TV from the 80s or 90s. As a kid, I remember hitting my cap most nights and being ready to leave, and now I’d give anything to soak up another one of these nights.
I think I have to go more Americana: bringing protein as the star of the dinnertime.
Pray for me, this won’t be easy.
With Love,
Cara