Lazy Vegetarian in Spain

Anyone who has witnessed me surviving living independently at some point during the past 5.5 years knows that I am utterly incapable of eating properly for more than a day or two in a given week. Very occasionally, I have a burst of inspiration where I buy good groceries and cook up a delicious and nutritious storm, with leftovers. If we have ever shared a meal together, then you know that I eat as if I have never seen food before and as though I am never going to see food again.

The problem:

• Time (Prep +Cook + Clean) = 1 hour
• Time (Eat) = 7 minutes

And that's if I don't eat straight out of the frying pan.

I still have to play airplane to get myself to eat vegetables. And if you have ever tried to feed me broccoli, I probably dislike you a little bit, and always will.

Now, Spain is famous for its delicious food, but unfortunately, 90% of that deliciousness is found here:

15 new words I have to learn just to avoid ordering pig off the menu.

My saving grace right now is my love for good bread, eggs, cheese, and potatoes. I present to you bocadillo con tortilla española:

The only thing I order at traditional Spanish eateries.

It's pretty good, but very bland for taste buds that have grown up with South Indian and California Mexican food. I might start carrying around a bottle of Tabasco sauce in my purse, like Nong does.

Most people here react with disbelief, pity, or confusion when I say that I am a vegetarian. Friday, one waitress stared at me with grave concern before declaring, "Well, at least you like eggs."

I'm not exactly struggling to find food here, but being a lazy vegetarian in the United States (where there are Trader Joe's) is significantly easier. I really want to use my time in Madrid to get better at eating well at home so that I don't look like this in two years:

Prince Gerhardt on his 25th birthday

In the next installment of Lazy Vegetarian, I will take you grocery shopping in Madrid!