It seems like only yesterday that the idea of phasing out the meat was met with skepticism or scorn from our friends, who thought we had become all crunchy granola. While we like granola (especially our homemade peanut butter granola), plant-based eating is totally common now, and we have to say … it’s a relief. No matter where we go, these days we have options at our disposal, whether it’s takeout, a Michelin-starred restaurant, or just a quick and easy dinner at home. Whether you’re a full-time vegan or a flexitarian with occasional forays into a delicious baked wild salmon recipe, there are now a plethora of options at your disposal. And that’s amazing!
And yet … some skeptics remain. Some people who don’t just wonder “Where do you get your protein?” (ugh …) but they also claim that “vegetarian food just isn’t filling / tasty / consistent enough”.
Of course, we all know that’s ridiculous, but in an effort to help you decisively prove your friends wrong (or just add a little more flavor and flavor to your regular meatless concoctions), we’re outlining five of our all time favorite ingredients. that make meatless meals even more filling and flavorful.
1. Nutritional yeast
Nutritional yeast has become a mainstay of many of our pantries, but it bears repeating: This flaky substance (which, yes, does look a bit like fish food) is an essential tool in any tool kit. plant-loving person looking to add a rich, umami flavor to their meals.
Nutritional yeast is a form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (try to say that five times faster). While unable to make your bread rise or ferment due to its inactivated nature, many of the health benefits of nutritional yeast are related to its abundant essential B vitamins, which are often lacking in diets of vegans and vegetarians. Some brands are even fortified with more vitamins and minerals. one.
Nutritional yeast wisely has a nutty, flavorful and tangy flavor that resembles that of Parmesan cheese. It’s no wonder it’s an essential ingredient in vegan béchamel sauces or vegan mac n cheese. Try it in our Creamy Cheesy Potato Soup or Vegan Mac and Cheese Enhanced with Sweet Orange Squash Recipe, or shake our Vegan Four-Ingredient Parmesan Recipe to sprinkle on everything from pasta to homemade pizza and more.
2. Eggplant
Vegetarians have long known that nine times out of ten, if you’re attending a wedding reception or just going to a restaurant, the vegetarian option will be eggplant. And that’s no surprise! Eggplant has the sweetness that most associate with meat without, well, meat. And when perfectly cooked, it also acquires a delicious creaminess that makes it the perfect star of any dish.
The secret to cooking eggplant well is to first season it generously with salt, to remove excess moisture. Pat it dry, removing any visible salt, and it is ready to cook. Whether you choose to bake or sauté it, just be careful not to add it to the cold oil – the eggplant is a sponge and will absorb quickly, becoming greasy rather than soft and tender.
Given the eggplant’s natural marriage of bitter and sweet flavors, it’s a no-brainer on the grill (see our guide to perfectly grilling eggplant every time); Top it with tomatoes and feta cheese (see our Grilled Eggplant, Tomato, and Goat Cheese recipe) for even more flavor. It’s also delicious in a traditional French (make our plant-based ratatouille recipe) or just diced, fried, and stirred in your favorite pasta sauce.
From the Archives of the Organic Authority
3. Lentils
Lentils are definitely one of those ingredients that feels stereotypically vegetarian, and they form the base of many veggie burgers. And why not? Mineral-rich lentils, not to mention protein-packed, are a phenomenal option for adding bulk and nutrients to your plant-based meals. And there are so many different types to choose from!
Yellow and red lentils, abundant in Indian dals, for example, tend to cook creamy and tender, forming a sauce rather than chewing the food. Use them in a five lentil dal, where they will provide creaminess to coat the most appetizing chickpeas, or simmer them in a creamy but non-creamy red lentil dal.
Brown and green French lentils, on the other hand, are much more likely to hold their shape once cooked, making them the ideal option if you want to chew up your recipe a bit more. Try them in a salad paired with other greens like chicory and carrots, or use as the base for a nutrient-packed plant-based shepherd’s pie. You can also simply top them with a flavorful minty, plant-based or other yogurt for a hearty vegetarian entrée that’s easy to make on a weekday night.
4. Seitan
Another classic of vegetarian and vegan recipes from time immemorial, seitan, also known as wheat gluten, is an incredible substitute for meat. With its mild yet flavorful flavor and chewy texture, it’s no wonder it’s a base ingredient for store-bought meat replacements, from turkey to bacon to sausage.
At home, you can use seitan in a variety of recipes, from curries to “chicken” wings for stir-fry. Since it doesn’t have much of a flavor of its own, it’s the perfect vehicle for soaking up spices, sauces, and more. We love it as a base for plant-based tacos or taco salad, and for a dinner party, especially around the holidays, it’s the ideal centerpiece thanks to this Vegan Seitan Roast with Chestnut Stuffing.
5. Sun-dried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes are one of the richest umami-rich natural ingredients out there. Tomatoes themselves already have a delicious quality that you can eat them all summer long, but when they are dried in the sun, this flavor intensifies, turning into a sweet and savory wonder that adds oodles of flavor to your favorite recipes.
Their concentrated flavor makes sun-dried tomatoes the perfect base for a raw marinara sauce, served over your favorite spiral noodles. They also add a lot of flavor to homemade veggie burgers, adding depth and richness to the lentil base. And of course, thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes are especially welcome in any salad you want.
Related to Organic Authority
11 cheesy ways to use nutritional yeast: the secret to vegan cooking
How to Increase Collagen When You Are Vegan or Vegetarian
How to cook lentils: 5 ways and 7 recipes for our favorite pulse
Sources:
1: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutritional-yeast#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
.