Introduction
Veganism is a real trend, but it’s nothing new. It has rebranded itself with a new name, but throughout history, no meat or meat by-product has existed. Vegan has gained more and more traction nowadays with the advance of social media and access to information. Nadine Gourkow looks into veganism as a healthy alternative to our more traditional western diet.
What is Veganism Exactly?
The vegan diet is strictly vegetarian. No meat, no fish, no dairy, no eggs, and no animal-derived products. True veganism will attempt to exclude from consumption, any product that was made or derived from the exploitation of animals. It starts with a diet, and goes as far as clothing, transportation etc. We will explore the diet portion here, and ways to swap meat-based protein, for plant-based protein, in an effort to make this diet more attainable.
1 – Tofu. This soybeans curd is formed into blocks of varying firmness to create tofu. In it of itself, tofu is bland. However, the culinary applications of tofu are surprising. Extra firm tofu is created by pressing the curds into molds, much like you would do with hard cheeses. A wonderful substitute for chicken, Tofu can be grilled, absorbing flavours from the flame, as well as any sauce it is cooked in. My favorite dish is “butter chicken” using Tofu and coconut milk. I would recommend this dish to anyone who is giving veganism a try. Soft tofu lends itself wonderfully for any desserts, adding a creaminess to your dishes.
2 – Lentils. This hearty legume is nothing new. It is amongst one of the oldest cultivated food in the world and has been prepared in a variety of ways. The most popular being hearty meal soup. With a surprising 18 grams of protein per cup and a great number of fibers, they are a wonderful, healthy and flavourful alternative to ground beef. This tiny nutritional powerhouse will surprise you. Try a lentil walnut burger, mixing lentil, rice, and walnut along a few spices to give it some kick. It is not your traditional burger but will leave you wanting more!
3 – Chickpeas. Garbanzo or chickpeas are a cheap, plentiful source of protein. Their nutty flavours are a great addition to any recipes. Left whole, ground into a paste or oven roasted, they can be a main, side or snack! We have by now all heard of hummus. This wonderful vegan dip is a great addition to any lunch. Try a surprisingly satisfying chickpea stew with dates and almonds. It is a showstopper, delicious evening meal. For a healthy tv snack, try barbecue flavoured (or your favorite chip flavour) oven roasted chickpeas. The crunch is really satisfying!
Conclusion
Proteins are a crucial part of our diet. We need protein to function day to day, but we hope you will, with Nadine Gourkow, consider some vegan options. Swapping even one meal per week is a good start to a healthier diet, and a step towards a more ethical lifestyle.
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