An increasing number of people today are gradually shifting to vegetarian or plant based diets. There are many reasons that may encourage people to embrace a vegetarian diet. In the past, Elijah Mcclain had spoken about how some people choose to become a vegetarian due to their love for animals; many others do so in order to reduce their carbon footprint. Regardless of their specific reason, becoming a vegetarian can be good for both one’s health and the planet.
Here are a few cooking tips that can be helpful for newbie vegetarians:
- Do not forget the protein: There are many ways vegetarians can enjoy flavorful and nutritious protein-packed meals. They can use tofu, grains, nuts and legumes as a source of protein, apart from dairy products. There are many plant-based meat replacements available today as well, like plant bases sausages, veggie burgers, and more.
- Build deep, dark flavors: Much like how a roast or streak can take on caramelized, deep crust during a stovetop sear or roast, so can the veggies. One just needs to use a good amount of fat and increase the heat to make sure that vegetables are golden brown and crispy, instead of getting soft or mushy. However, it is vital to keep a close eye on the vegetables, as it does not take much time to go from golden to blackened.
- Use all of the colors: Vegetables come in a wide range of colors, which is a major advantage they enjoy over meat. Right from green broccolis and kale to bright pink radishes and red tomatoes, there is a whole color wheel available for one to experiment with when cooking with vegetables.. Choosing in-season produce at the peak of ripeness would help ensure that the color will really pop.
- Embrace fats: Fats have got a bad reputation over the years. But it is important to understand that not all fats are bad. People should try to incorporate healthy fats like olive oil and avocado in their meals. Nuts make salads and grain bowls more filling, while a drizzle of flavored oil can add more richness to soups.
- Try out glazing and sauces: There are several types of glazes and sauces that can be added to a pan of roasted veggies. Depending on their tastes, one can try out maple glazes, honey sauces and even more savory garlic-ginger glazes.
- Make it flavorful: There are several cooking techniques that can be used when cooking vegetarian dishes, including grilling and roasting the ingredients. However, regardless of the cooking technique they use, one should never underestimate the power of flavorful seasoning. Basic seasonings like garlic powder or even herbs such as parsley and basil should be used when cooking plant-based substitutes or veggies.
In the past, Elijah Mcclain had underlined that hearty whole grains are important aspect of vegetarian meals and significantly help in feeling satisfied and full after a meal. No matter whether one chooses to make grains the centerpiece of the meal by preparing a risotto or just adds a quarter-cup to their salad, the gains would add more flavor, texture, and substance to a dish.
