Vegetarian Ham, Potatoes, and Beans

Comfort food without the guilt! I was craving for this comfort food, but the thought of how unhealthy it is made me put it off for some time. However, I was adamant on coming up with an alternative that is close enough but without all that really unhealthy frying, and luncheon meat/spam. Traditionally, this dish requires you to fry the potatoes in oil until softened, then fry the cubed up luncheon meat/spam. But in order to minimize the oil used and the sinful intake of fried luncheon meat, I did a couple of substitution. I was really pleased with the result, and the husband took to it as well. He commented on how comforting it was to have this dish, and how he liked the substitution. I was quite surprised as the hubs isn’t a big fan of soy based products. But I’m glad he liked it as much, or if not more than I did.

Here is a picture of what a vegetarian ham looks like.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• 1 large russet potato, diced
• 3/4 cup soy based vegetarian ham, diced
•  1 can baked beans
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 2-3 tbsp hot water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Heat pan on med high, add 1 tbsp oil.
When oil is hot, add in potatoes, and season with salt and pepper.
Brown them a little.

Add another tbsp of oil and pan fry the ham, browning it a little.

Add in the canned baked beans, ketchup, and 2-3 tbsp hot water.
Bring to boil. Check that potatoes are softened.
Serve with white rice.

Bon appetit!!