Eating vegan can be enjoyable and delicious. Many plants provide sustainable, nutrition-packed meals that can be made with fewer resources than most animal-based products. With some creativity and careful planning, it’s possible to create vegan recipes that tantalize the tastebuds, satisfy hunger and provide a powerhouse of nutrients.
Plant-based diets are becoming increasingly popular world-wide, due to their environmental and health benefits. Here, we’ll look at several vegan recipes designed to boost nutrition and tantalize taste-buds.
The Benefits of Eating Vegan
Eating a more plant-based diet can provide numerous benefits for both individuals and the environment. Here are some noteworthy advantages to consider:
• Less impact on the planet: To produce animal products such as meat, dairy and eggs, a significant amount of resources is needed, including water, land and energy. Eating plant-based means these resources are available to be used in a more sustainable manner.
• Health benefits: Plant-based foods are typically rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Additionally, research suggests that vegetarian and vegan diets may reduce risk for certain health conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.
• Create variety: Plant-based eating can be highly enjoyable and interesting. With so many fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes, the possibilities for cooking and baking tasty dishes are virtually endless.
Vegan Recipe Ideas
Creating flavorful vegan dishes can seem intimidating at first, but can be made enjoyable with a few go-to recipes. Below, you’ll find several simple, yet tantalizing vegan recipes.
Ginger-Mango Wonton Soup
This delicious vegan soup is creamy, sweet and tangy, and provides nutritional benefits that come with eating its main ingredients.
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons peeled and chopped fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 5 cups vegan vegetable broth
• 1 cup diced mango
• 2 cups shredded bok choy
• 1 (8-ounce) package vegan wontons
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Heat the vegetable and sesame oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the ginger and garlic and sauté, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
- Add the soy sauce and vegetarian broth, stirring to combine.
- Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the mango and bok choy, and then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Carefully add the wontons to the soup and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the wontons are cooked through and tender.
- Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve the soup topped with sliced green onions.
Tofu Korma
Tofu Korma is a flavorful and indulgent dish, traditionally made with ghee & cream. This vegan interpretation uses almond butter and cashews to create a creamy and rich sauce that’s sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons peeled and minced ginger
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoons ground garam masala
• 4 cups diced tomatoes
• ½ cup raw cashews
• 2 cups vegan coconut milk
• 2 cups rinsed and drained chickpeas
• 2 cups diced extra-firm tofu
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Instructions:
- Heat the almond butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and ginger and sauté, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
- Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, and cardamom, and stir to combine.
- Add the garam masala and tomatoes, and simmer 5 minutes.
- Place the cashews and vegan coconut milk into a high-powered blender and blend until creamy and smooth.
- Add the cashew-coconut mixture to the skillet, stirring to combine.
- Add the chickpeas, tofu, and lime juice, and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve with cooked basmati rice for a complete meal.
Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge
This vegan take on the classic peanut butter fudge is the perfect balance of sweet and salty, and is a real treat for both vegan and non-vegan alike.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups vegan dark chocolate chips
• ½ cup peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions:
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Line a 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
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Place the chocolate chips, peanut butter, vegan butter, and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl, and microwave on high for one minute.
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Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir until the ingredients are well incorporated.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
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Sprinkle with sea salt, and then place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, until firm.
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Cut the fudge into small squares and enjoy.
Vegan recipes are an excellent way to create nutritious, flavor-packed meals. Not only are they a great option for those looking to transition to a fully vegan diet, but they can be enjoyed by anyone looking to reduce their impact on the planet and enjoy a healthier eating style. The recipes above are just a few of the countless vegan recipes that exist out there. Whether you’re looking for a creamy soup or a decadent dessert, plant-powered recipes can be surprisingly delicious and satisfying.