Getting started with vegan cuisine is a path dotted with taste discoveries and culinary pleasures, but which can also seem intimidating. Far from being reduced to flavorless dishes, this approach on the contrary favors the quality and variety of food, while respecting animals and the environment. Discover with us what you need to know to start creating delicious and tasty vegan dishes with peace of mind.
Essential Ingredients for Vegan Cooking
Do vegan does not mean giving up diversity in cooking. Here is a non-exhaustive list of products that do not come from animals and which will be your best allies in developing your recipes:
- Legumes: Like lentils, chickpeas, beans.
- Tofu: A must-have in vegan cuisine, it comes in many recipes.
- Cereals: such as rice, quinoa, bulgur.
- Fruits and vegetables: Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, they are the basis of your diet.
- Oilseeds: Nuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, they are an important source of good lipids and proteins.
- Plant dairy products: almond, soy, rice milks, soy yogurts. They easily replace traditional dairy products.
- Spices and aromatics: to give taste and flavor to your dishes.
Tips for successful Vegan Cooking
Switch to one vegan cuisine may require some adaptations. Here are some tips to help you:
- Learn to read labels: some products may contain ingredients of animal origin.
- Experiment with ingredients: vary flavors and textures to avoid monotony.
- Be creative: use ingredients you wouldn’t have thought of, like nutritional yeast for its cheesy flavor.
- Use egg and milk substitutes in your recipes: ground flaxseed and chickpea cooking water can replace eggs, while almond or soy milk can replace cow’s milk.
Some vegan recipe ideas
1. Vegan Vegetable Curry
A delicious dish rich in vegetables and flavors. Made from a blend of spices and vegetables, this vegan curry will be a treat for your taste buds.
2. Vegan Cashew “Cheese”
The creaminess and delicate taste of cashew nuts make this “cheese” an excellent alternative to the traditional dairy version.
3. Avocado chocolate dessert cream
Sweet lovers will not be left out with this avocado-based chocolate cream recipe, which will surprise you with its sweetness and creamy texture.
4. Smoothie with red fruits and chia seeds
Nothing like a good fruit smoothie to start the day. Add chia seeds for a boost of protein and omega 3.
Ultimately, get started with vegan cuisine does not require major upheavals. All it takes is a few adjustments, creativity and curiosity to discover a new world of flavors while respecting animals and the environment. So, don’t hesitate any longer and embark on this wonderful culinary adventure.
