Maya Kuzminichna Kopitseva
This is a joke.
Labels were made to organize & simplify systems. In the end, we are what we wish to be. People will say you’re either vegan or not. Well, I say you can be a fake vegan. I understand a fake vegan to be someone who chooses to have mindful eating habits, but not entirely set in changing their ways. Reasons and setbacks vary.
There are family parties, sacred gatherings, & other various circumstances which wane us off our self-disciplined lifestyle. Those moments when the individual transcends to a whole, it becomes circumstantial. Plainly, it may be rude to deny a meal with people you love and respect.
Here are a few ways we can share meals without sacrificing our diets or preferences.
Without exploring meat & cheese substitutes, I would like to touch on meals which may surprise you. Did you ever think this could be prepared without animal products? Open your mind to this.
First, the basics to every dish include butter which can easily be replaced by olive, coconut, avocado, or grapeseed oil. I’m sure there are some I missed, that’s how many options we have. It’s best to do research on the different oils at your local grocery store. Different dishes call for particular heat levels and other details which only certain oils can embody.
I hope to blow you away with a list of familiar recipes which don’t call for any animal products.
Cooking with Chickpeas:
1. Chickpea tacos with chickpea as the base ‘meat’ (cumin, paprika, cayenne)
2. Falafels made with herbs, onions, & flour. Pair with cucumber, parsley, tomatoes & more
3. Socca made with herbs, water & flour
Cooking with Mushrooms:
1. Black Bean Enchiladas go great with mushroom and bell peppers. Top with avocado & pair with salad
2. Mushroom & Red Wine Pasta paired with sage, trust me
3. Burger patties made with flour, herbs & black beans & mushrooms of course, it’s so good. Some like to add walnuts for extra texture
Cooking with Cauliflower :
1. GF Cauliflower Hashbrowns with a mustard dipping sauce
2. Cauliflower Gnocchi with a carrot top pesto sauce
3. White Bean, Cauliflower & Kale Soup with a side of GF bread
4. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings, great as leftovers on top of salad
Cooking with Eggplant :
1. Fried Eggplant Crisp paired with spicy marinara dipping sauce
2. Baked Eggplant fries
3. Baba Ghanouj, a creamy dipping sauce great with pita & wraps
4. Za Alouk, a savory tomato & eggplant dip perfect with bread or crackers
Cooking with Butternut Squash:
1. Butternut Mac n Cheez, be sure to use plenty of onion & I love to add yellow squash
2. Butternut, pear, & chili oil pizza
Cooking with Quinoa:
1. Quinoa Mushroom & Black Bean Burger, this is a good substitute to the walnut texture mentioned before. Be sure to use plenty of flour for adhesion
2. Quinoa & Strawberry Salad, very healthy I know
3. Quinoa Sushi, this is healthy alternative. I suggest seasoning your quinoa to bring extra flavor
Cooking with Oats:
1. Blueberry Pancakes, add cardamom & thank me later
2. Crepes, this is impressively easy
3. Crispy coat for fried vegetables
Vegan Sauces:
1. Carrot Top Pesto
2. Jalapeno Avocado Salsa
Desserts:
1.Snicker Date Bars (peanut butter & dark chocolate)
2. Date Fudge Bars
Breakfast:
1.Fruit Salad
2. Arugula salad with roasted tomatoes
I decided I will continue editing this post and add to the collection of recipes. If you guys want in-detail descriptions of certain recipes leave a comment below!
With each day comes greater wisdom and in this sharing energy I relish in the idea of how varieties of culture cuisines include a meat and dairy free origin. Long before veganism began its societal trend, authentic Asian, Latin, and African cuisines were enjoyed and carried on without any use of animal product. I believe its crucial we pay attention to the history of food and acknowledge where it comes from and what it may mean to particular cultures.
I would also like to stress the idea of unlearning western trends by searching for much deeper meaning in what we do and enjoy.
Edited on 18 March 2021. Again on 30 August 2021.
Moods & Moons 