Another way we’re Keeping it Weird: Meatless Mondays in Austin.

Everyone knows Austin as the place in Texas where residents and visitors revel in the “weird.” In this context, ‘weird’ really means country-alt-reggae-hiphop music cults, local artists specializing in giant iguana sculptures and polka dot lawns, and a dedicated following for the iconic armadillo. Naturally, it’s the one place in Texas where you are bound to find bizarre food and peculiar eaters. The Austin music scene is known for pioneering many eccentric curiosities, including marrying music to recipes, although some of the recipes created by the Austin-based band Hugs are a little questionable in terms of flavor.

In Texas, vegetarianism can qualify as weird; why would you not eat meat when you’re in America’s cattle ranching capital? But, leave it to Austin to embrace vegetarians and deliver the goods. In the spirit of Meatless Mondays, Foodily is serving up vegetarian fare, Austin-style.

Rachael Ray created a veggie Mac ‘n’ Cheese at South by Southwest one year, after hosting one of her annual feedback parties. This Mac ‘n’ Cheese is hearty enough to satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike.

Emeril knows how to step it up a notch when serving black eyed peas; he adds his Southwest Essence spice mix.

You can’t go wrong with this vegetarian staple: Vegetarian Chili.

What are you eating for Meatless Monday?

Photo by Kim Miller