Are you thinking of becoming vegan? Or, adding more yummilicious vegan options to the menu? It can be difficult to switch to a vegan diet. Here are some alternatives.
If you want it to be a smooth transition from your regular diet to a vegan diet, start adding more of these foods to your meals.
Jackfruit
Jackfruit is versatile and inexpensive. You can buy cans of it, so you can have plenty in your cupboard. It has been a popular ingredient in Asia for many decades. This food mimics the texture of shredded non-vegetarian items. You can use it as a substitute for non-veg food in stir-frys.
Aquafaba
Water from canned chickpeas can be used for omelettes. You can also use it to make meringues and mousses. It also works well in baking, such as macarons, brownies, and sponges. You can make a lighter frosting by adding chickpea water and dairy-free buttercream. You can even make vegan royal icing by mixing it with lemon juice and icing sugar.
It can be used as the main ingredient in dairy-free batters and sauces such as mayonnaise.
Seitan
Seitan, also known as vital wheat gluten or wheat protein, is great for adding thickness. Use it as a seasoning in the dry form or create a wet mixture using alternative milk, tofu, and any other flavours you prefer (depending on what you want). Combine the ingredients and mix well.
It can be used in place of most non-veg items. However, it is most well-suited for Asian cuisines as it originated in China, where it has been used for centuries as a source of protein.
Alternatives to milk
Non-dairy milk options that are popular include hemp, hazelnut, almond, cashew and soy. You can also make your own milk by simply soaking the nuts and then blending them with water. Alternative milk options are not only great for subs in drinks, but can also be used in many recipes for baking and cooking.
Some types work better in different recipes, so experiment. Oat milk is a great choice for classic frothy coffees. Soy milk is a great substitute for buttermilk, and it can be soured using acids such as apple cider vinegar.
Alternative cheeses
Although it can be difficult to recreate the authentic thing, alternative cheeses are improving. There are many options to choose from, with most supermarkets offering their own brands. You can find a wide variety of ingredients in them, such as coconuts, aquafaba and nuts, along with solidified vegetable oils. You should choose one that is rich in vitamin B12 or calcium.
There are many cheese substitutes available, including cheddar, cream and mozzarella-style cheeses. There are now a number of vegan cheese brands that are artisan. Dried nutritional yeast flakes can be substituted for parmesan. It is a good source of B12, other B vitamins, and it pairs well with pastas and salads.
