If you have been eating meat less and less, perhaps even making the change to vegetarianism, then it can involve practically coming up with a whole new roster of meals. Meat is so ingrained in the western diet that it can take some time to find replacements that offer some variety beyond the salad and faux-meat products. Here are a few ways you can let the meatless diet truly shine with some meals from sources you might not have considered. It’s worth noting; however, not all of these recipes are suitable for vegans so pay attention to the ingredients.
A rich ratatouille without the meat
Despite the fact that it’s very easily compared to a ratatouille, Pisto is actually a traditional Spanish dish. While there are some that use meat, it’s easy to find vegetarian Pisto recipes, as traditionally, the only ingredients used are fried vegetables. It’s great for a summer day, as it can be served cool as well as warm. Usually, it’s also served with some bread as it’s not very filling on its own.
A delicious cheesy pan
The next cuisine we’re going to visit is that of the Indian kitchen. With a long tradition of keeping meat consumption relatively low, there are a ton of great vegetarian meals. Aside from classics like the masala dosa, this chili paneer recipe is a great choice for its savory flavors. Using soft, crumbly paneer cheese cubes with chillis and a Chinese-inspired sauce, it’s also a healthier recipe than many other cheese dishes, keeping things light and low-carb. What’s more, it can take under half an hour to make with a stir fry. If this gives you a taste for cheesy variants that are both rich but well balanced, you may even try this wonderful halloumi stroganoff.
Soulful soy soup
Another cuisine that offers plenty of great vegetarian cuisine is South Korea, which sets it apart from a lot of East Asian cuisine. Aside from kimchi, which can be quite addictive once you get the hang of the taste, there are some truly delicious stews that make for a very hearty vegetarian meal. Amongst their most popular dishes, even amongst the non-vegetarians, is this doenjang jjigae recipe. Using soybean paste to create a broth, you add tofu, mushrooms, and bean sprouts for a delicious umami taste and an eclectic mix of textures that makes it a lot easier to gulp down than many thick vegetable stews.
A mouthful of steamed bliss
If you’re a lover of Chinese cuisine, you might find it can actually be hard to find meals that are to be vegetarian. Many are just adaptations of meals that usually have some meat. However, steamed dumplings can be made with any filling of your choosing, and this delicious vegan bao recipe not only uses pickled vegetables as the filling but also adds a nice kick with spicy tofu. Good for a family meal or to roll out at parties to make sure that everyone has something delicious that suits their dietary needs.
Sometimes, it’s worth taking a little look outside of your own culture and tradition for meal ideas, especially when it comes to vegetarian meals.
