While 5 recipes will never go all the way to preparing you for life on a plant-based diet, I hope these will cover some of the basics. What are some of the best recipes for new vegans? Look no further.
We’ve rounded up some of the best recipes for new vegans
Are you new to the world of veganism? Or have you recently opted to convert to a plant-based diet? If so, fear not: you are among friends!
Now, there may be several foods that you are concerned you might miss. Whether your decision to eat a plant-based diet is based on moral, ethical or environmental principles, or indeed on financial constraints, you shouldn’t have to miss out on your favourite foods. Sustainable eating doesn’t mean major sacrifices.
It may be that your morning routine involves tea and toast, granola and coffee, or pancakes and a glass of milk. In the past, all of these meals have traditionally involved dairy products – like cow’s milk and butter – or eggs (whites are often used as a binder in granola).
However, with technological advancements on the one hand, and a fresh reverence for ancient methods of food preparation on the other, you can still eat all those delicious foods!
A plant-based diet opens new culinary doors
That being said, choosing to eliminate animal products from your diet needn’t be all about emulating those meals you used to enjoy. Sure, you can eat tofu scrambled egg instead of chicken eggs, fake bacon (‘facon’) instead of real salt-cured pork, or sausages made of soy.
But, as acclaimed film director Orson Welles famously said, “The enemy of art is the absence of limitations.” Translated into culinary terms: Limiting what ingredients you can use makes you cook more creatively! It also encourages you to look further afield for more interesting ingredients.
If done right, a plant-based diet can revolutionise so many aspects of life. You will likely be fitter, happier and more active. Moreover, by buying fresh fruits and vegetables from local producers, or products from health food shops, you support small businesses.
With just a few basic dietary changes, you can work towards addressing inequality. Switching to a plant-based diet is one of those changes you can make.
Believe it or not, you can make perfectly good pancakes without a cow’s help, or indeed a chicken’s. So, without further ado (because I’m feeling hungry already), let’s get to those recipes!
Here are some of the best recipes for new vegans
Homemade oat milk
We’ve all said it. Some have challenged it. Nevertheless, it will always hold some truth. Eating breakfast well is an essential step towards leading a healthy lifestyle. And starting the day with a plant-based breakfast is a great way to stake your claim on the day.
That’s why I’m starting off with this delicious, easy and adaptable oat milk recipe, from Minimalist Baker – How To Make Oat Milk.
All you need are oats, water and salt (plus dates, vanilla or cocoa as optional extras). In 5 minutes, you’ll have homemade oat milk. This makes a perfect addition to tea, coffee, granola or muesli, and it is freezer friendly for up to 1 month.
Vegan creamy mushroom pasta
Next up, from the Conscious Plant Kitchen is a brilliant recipe for Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta. Because we all need some creamy pasta in our lives, don’t we?
Making use of the naturally sweet, nutty creaminess of cashews (remember to soak them overnight), this recipe certainly satisfies a craving. Quick, easy and delicious – definitely one of my recommended recipes for new vegans.
Easy hummus recipe
A staple in any plant-based household (certainly in ours!), hummus is one of the tastiest and easiest accompaniments to just about any meal.
Hummus recipes are a dime a dozen, but this Easy Hummus Recipe, from The Mediterranean Dish, is one of the most comprehensive.
Make sure to check out the Top Tips section for how to make really exquisite hummus. And remember, you can adapt this recipe to suit your tastes! Love lemon? Add more. Love smoky foods? Add half a teaspoon of smoked paprika. Delicious.
Fudgy vegan beetroot chocolate cupcakes
Beetroot and chocolate? Okay, so hear me out. Beetroots are nutritious and naturally sweet. If you boil or steam them, they lose their tough crunchiness and make a great addition to chocolate cake. I used to make this recipe in an 8-inch cake tin, but it works great as cupcakes too.
Another favourite from the Minimalist Baker, these Fudgy Vegan Beet Cupcakes are moist and cakey, fudgy and addictive, and almost unbearably delicious. What’s more, they involve a key culinary technique for vegan bakers – making vegan ‘buttermilk’ by mixing nut milk with cider vinegar.
Bombay burrito, aka ‘frankies’
Finally, these Bombay Burritos from Feasting at Home are perfect for a dinner party. Made extra zingy with coriander (cilantro) and mint chutney, they are sure to go down a treat. And they might just help you convince your friends to go plant-based, too!
Best recipes for new vegans – do you agree?
This list is by no means exhaustive. There are so many great recipes for new vegans. All it takes is a quick internet search.
Hopefully, this list will help you find your feet in the world of plant-based cooking. While it may feel like a daunting step, switching to a plant-based diet doesn’t need to consist solely of eliminating foods. With a vegan diet, you can really spread your wings, expand your palette, and live well.
So, what are you waiting for? Get cooking, and share your experiences in the comments below!
