Cooking is a passion for many people because it is fun, relaxing, and therapeutic. Cooking as a vegan can be a little more challenging as you aim to find tasty recipes to satiate your hunger. However, you don’t need to go through a period of trial and error as you prepare some vegan recipes. Instead, follow these basic tips and tricks from the experts to make an envy-inducing vegan kitchen.
SPICE IT UP
Spices are what make a dish. A combination of the right spices enhances the flavor to create the most mouth-watering meals. Any vegan cook will tell you that the right seasoning is all you need to make a meal spectacular. So, have a little taste of various spices and experiment with your options. In addition to that, don’t be stingy with the seasoning; you want to cover your food with deliciousness. Some of the best flavors to add are garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and nutmeg. Don’t forget to include herbs as well. For extra freshness, grow your own herbs such as oregano, basil, parsley, and sage in your garden. You’ll quickly discover how herbs and spices transform a meal. For instance, adding oregano, thyme, garlic powder, and paprika to roasted potatoes makes for one tasty dish.
GET CREATIVE WITH VEGGIES
You will be relying on vegetables in many vegan meals, which is why it’s time you learn just how amazing veggies can taste. In a blog post on Kathy’s Vegan Kitchen, it’s explained how you can find ways to make healthy, plant-based recipes that are suitable for the whole family by turning vegetables into deliciously scrumptious meals. Most people tend to start a vegan lifestyle by eating copious amounts of steamed vegetables, which doesn’t titillate your taste buds. Instead, sautéing, stir-frying, and roasting can provide you with variety. Don’t forget to include oil and salt to add flavor.
GET CHEESY
Let’s face it, most of us just can’t resist cheese. It provides so much better that you’ll want to include it in your cooking. Luckily, including vegan parmesan makes for some succulent meals; you should always have some on hand to sprinkle over your dishes for a finishing touch. Moreover, you can buy nutritional yeast flakes to add the same texture and flavor to your meals. This combination of nutty and cheese flavors is a great addition to popcorn. Don’t worry if you find cheese to be the ultimate tease; you don’t have to give it up as there are so many great vegan cheese options out there to satisfy your cravings.
GET SAUCY
A dish is incomplete without a creamy, thick sauce, which is why the expert vegan cooks won’t leave you hanging. Many vegan sauces will ensure your meals are extra tasty. Luckily, making these sauces, such as vegan Alfredo and pesto sauces, is very easy, and they taste fantastic. You’ll never have to give up your desire for creamy pasta as a vegan.
LIME IS A DIME
Always keep some citrus goodness on hand to give your meals a boost and include vitamin C in your diet. The best pro tip is to squeeze a lemon over your salads for a fresh and tasty, low-calorie salad dressing. Of course, while we’re on the subject of what you should keep in your kitchen, lime or lemon should always be within reach for those margarita Mondays and tea time.
ADD A DOSE OF SAVORY
Satisfy your savory tooth by including some staple ingredients in your recipes. The vegetable broth will give your soups a kick, and white wine can transform your chili. Vegan Worcestershire sauce and tomatoes are other great additions to enhance your savory dish. Vegan Worcestershire sauce also provides an element of meaty flavor that will enhance your dinners and ensure you don’t feel deprived.
BE KEEN ON BEANS
Dried and canned beans will be your best friends. So, always keep both on hand. Adding beans such as chickpeas and kidney beans will provide your meals with some appetizing flavors and a healthy dose of fiber. Beans are very versatile and can be roasted, tossed into pasta, stuffed in sandwiches, or mixed with sautéed green veggies.
A pro tip is to avoid relying on meat substitutes. This usually backfires and makes you crave the real thing. Instead, go for foods with a meaty texture and flavor, such as mushrooms and artichokes. Moreover, substituting cream and milk for almond milk and coconut cream will prove to be just as effective in making dishes creamy and delicious. So, try new ingredients, season your meals correctly, and get crunchy with nuts and seeds. Follow the expert recipe tips and tricks above, and you’ll soon be making the most incredible vegan meals.
