Different plant based recipes are becoming more popular as people are looking for healthier ways of eating. If you’re interested in trying out a vegan diet, these dishes are great ones to get started with.
From hearty soups to flavourful pasta dishes and veggie stir-fries, there’s something to enjoy. And best of all, these recipes are all relatively easy to make. So, you won’t spend hours in the kitchen slaving over a hot stove. So what are you waiting for? Let’s all get cooking now!
Top reasons to go vegan
There are many compelling reasons to go vegan and here are some of the top reasons:
To protect animals from exploitation and cruelty
Factory farming is responsible for immense animal suffering. Animals on factory farms are routinely subjected to horrific conditions. This includes extreme confinement, routine mutilation, and a lifetime of deprivation. Going vegan is the best way to help prevent animals from being subjected to this suffering.
To help preserve our environment
Animal agriculture is one of the leading causes of environmental degradation. This includes habitat loss, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing plant-based foods, we can help reduce the negative impact on the environment.
To improve our own health
Having a vegan diet has been shown to be beneficial for our health in many ways. It can lower our risk of developing heart disease, cancer, and other chronic diseases. Additionally, a plant-based lifestyle helps maintain a healthy weight to avoid obesity.
To set a good example for others
By choosing to live a vegan lifestyle, we can show others that it is possible to live without harming animals. We can also lead by example in terms of eating healthier and more sustainable dishes. Hopefully, such an example inspires others to make similar choices in their own lives.
Because animals deserve our respect and compassion
Animals are sentient beings who feel pain, fear, and happiness just as we do. They deserve our compassion and going vegan is one of the best ways to show them that we care.
Best vegan recipes to try at home
Vegan Lentil Bolognese
In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery then stir to coat with the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened. Make sure that you are stirring occasionally for even cooking. Add the cooked lentils and crushed tomatoes then stir well. Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa.
White Bean Soup
In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until desired texture is achieved. Add white beans, vegetable broth, water, and seasonings. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to low which you continue simmering for 30 minutes. To make the soup thicker, you can mash some of the beans with a potato masher or blender. Serve topped with fresh parsley or other herbs.
Stir-fry Tofu
To make this tofu stir fry, simply sautĂ© some cubed tofu in a bit of oil until it’s golden brown. Then, add in your favourite vegetables and cook until they’re tender but not too mushy. Use broccoli, bell peppers, and mushrooms. However, you can really add any vegetables that you desire.
Once the veggies are cooked, add in your preferred sauce. It is recommended to use a store-bought stir fry sauce which you can easily find in Asian stores. Better yet, try making your own with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Vegan Shepherd’s Salad
It’s packed with flavourful vegetables and a creamy mashed potato topping. This makes it a hearty and satisfying meal that anyone can enjoy, vegan or non-vegan alike. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead of time so you can enjoy it any time of the week!
To make this Shepherd’s Pie, start by sautĂ©ing some onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil. Then add in some garlic, fresh thyme, and a few other seasonings. Next, stir in some cooked lentils and frozen peas. Once everything is heated through, spoon it into a baking dish and top it with mashed potatoes.
Bake the pie for about 25 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown. This vegan dish is so hearty and filling, but it’s also surprisingly light. The vegetables and lentils provide a good amount of protein and fibre. On the other hand, the mashed potatoes keep things creamy. It’s the perfect balance of flavours and textures making it a dish that everyone will love.
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and cook macaroni noodles according to package instructions. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat since it burns easily. Add onion and garlic powder, and cook until onions are translucent or opaque.
Add vegan cheese sauce and nutritional yeast flakes while whisking until smooth. The cooked macaroni noodles then make their way to the pot and stir until evenly coated with cheese sauce. Pour into a baking dish, and bake for 15-20 minutes.
Hearty Vegan Stew
In a large pot heat the oil over medium heat so it does not burn (especially if using olive oil). Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender or firm but cooked through.
Add the broth, tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans and quinoa. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is cooked through. Add the zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until everything’s cooked to your desired consistency.
Vegan Pesto Pasta
This vegan pesto pasta recipe is so easy and flavourful, that you’ll want to make it again and again! It’s made with a simple homemade pesto sauce and can be on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty dish for a potluck, this one is sure to please. And because it’s vegan and gluten-free, everyone can enjoy it!
To make the pesto sauce, simply combine fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt in a food processor or blender. Then just add your favourite pasta and some steamed vegetables or a salad on the side. Voila! Then, you’ve got yourself a complete meal that’s simplistic yet so delicious!
In conclusion
As we conclude this series, surely you’ve found some inspiration on how to incorporate more plant based recipes into your diet. Whether you’re looking to be meatless once in a while or go entirely meat-free, try the dishes provided to still enjoy your meals.
What’s even better is that you can also go guilt-free even with desserts! Yes, and all thanks to Pana Organic. Our vegan specialties will surely be a big hit for you and your family. Look, they don’t even have to be vegans to appreciate our range of products. Visit our website and choose from our healthy sweet offerings and discover snacking without feeling bad.