Are you beginning Veganuary or Dry January? Have you ever determined to have a brand new yr’s well being kick? In that case, chances are you’ll be on the level of searching for new choices so as to add to your meals repertoire and new meals to attempt.
This yr, within the lead-up to Veganuary and Dry January, it may be a good suggestion to take a while to spotlight a number of the extra obscure meals that vegans, vegetarians, and different meals lovers can get pleasure from.
You’ll be able to attempt new sources of protein, fiber, and vitamins and in addition begin taking a look at some meals that you’ll have been skipping over – there are such a lot of advantages to consuming different chicken, or incorporating extra greens into your eating regimen – so why not attempt one thing new?
Wholesome However Scrumptious Alternate options to Common Meals
Different meals have been round for a very long time, whether or not for medical use like Merely Thick Nectar taste thickeners used for individuals with dysphagia, or for private alternative reminiscent of switching out actual meat for meat substitutes.
Listed below are just a few nice choices for meals options.
Seitan
Seitan is without doubt one of the most versatile meat options on the market.
It may be used because the star ingredient in numerous dishes – from stir fries to roasted rooster and every part in between. It’s well-known for getting used as an alternative choice to meat, but it surely additionally works properly when used rather than fish too.
The feel of seitan bears loads of resemblance to that of rooster, though it additionally has its personal distinctive taste profile too.
Quorn
Quorn is a well-liked model of veggie-based meals that has turn into extremely well-known over the previous few years and has been particularly designed to cater to vegetarians.
It’s a standard ingredient in vegan and vegetarian dishes and can be nice when used rather than meat by itself. It’s gluten free, so can be utilized on the identical foundation as tofu or soy.
It is available in a variety of flavors too – together with mushrooms, tomatoes, rooster, and bacon – so there’s one thing for everybody.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a conventional Indonesian meals that’s historically comprised of soybeans and served as a sandwich. It’s low in energy, excessive in protein, and has a nutty taste – it tastes quite a bit like meat.
Tempeh is usually seen because the “meat different” of its soy counterpart. It’s used as the primary ingredient in some nationwide dishes, reminiscent of Indonesian mie kering (scorching seasoned noodles) or sambal tempeh (a spicy shrimp-like tofu dish made with tempeh).
It additionally works properly when mixed with different meals too, together with eggplant and tuna – so there are infinite choices to check out.
Agave Nectar
Agave nectar is a sweetener that has turn into fairly common over the previous decade or so. It’s comprised of the identical crops that produce tequila and is usually utilized in drinks and as a substitute for sugar in some recipes.
Because it’s naturally sweeter than sugar, it’s greatest used sparingly – nevertheless, you should utilize agave nectar to exchange sugar in most of your favourite recipes.
Whether or not you’re making some vegan chocolate chip cookies, cupcakes, or different baked items – agave nectar is a good substitute in your common granulated sugar.