Making the move to a plant-based diet can seem daunting.
I am here to help you navigate the controversial world of "meat alternatives".
Many of these products are already widely available from supermarkets across the world,
but the cost associated with these products can be offputting.
Here I will provide you with three staple recipes that every new vegan should have in their arsenal!
How to make Crispy Tofu
Drain Tofu and pat dry
Press tofu to remove excess water
Cut tofu in to slices roughly 1cm thick
Tear slices in to bite sized chunks
Coat tofu in 1tbps soy sauce, 1tsp garlic powder and Salt&Pepper to taste
Coat tofu in Cornstarch and add to medium to hot oil
Keep turning until all sides are golden roughly 1-2 minutes per side
Remove pieces from oil and place in the oven at 180˚C for 10 minutes to firm up
How to make Meatless Mince
Add 1-2 tbsp oil to a large pan on a medium heat
Add finely diced onions and salt to prevent charring, cook for 4-5 minutes
Add 1tsp garlic and 1tbsp tomato puree and cook for 1 more minute
Finely chop 200g chestnut mushrooms and add to the pan and cook until soft
Add 200g of green lentils to pan and cook for 5 minutes
In a food processor, quickly blitz 70g walnuts and add to mince mixture
Mix together 250ml water and one vegetable stock cube, then add to the mince
Bring to a boil, place a lid on the pan and reduce to a simmer for 1.5 hours
How to make Meaty Seitan
Mix together 450g plain flour with 285mlcooled vegetable broth
Knead until mixture is smooth
Leave mixture to proof for roughly 1 hour
Fill a large mixing bowl with fresh water
Wash dough in water to remove the wheat starch
Replace water regularly and continue to wash mixture until the water remains clear
Shape dough into your desired shape
Steam dough in a large pan for roughly 20 minutes until cooked through
