How to Prepare a Hearty Vegetarian Meal

Preparing a vegetarian meal is no different from preparing a non-vegetarian meal. All the basic cooking techniques still apply to vegetarian cooking; like baking, roasting, braising, stewing, steaming, grilling, boiling and frying.

The only difference is there is no meat involved in vegetarian food preparation. So, how do you prepare a vegetarian meal? How do you get that same satisfaction of a meaty meal from vegetarian cooking?

Vegetarian Dishes

When you make the transition to vegetarianism, you need to change your attitude to what constitute a meal. For a long time meat has been the pivotal anchor in our cooking tradition, and vegetables have always been relegated as side dishes or accompanying dishes.

But how do you change that outlook? In vegetarian cooking there is no one central vegetable around which a meal is based upon. A vegetarian meal is made up of many different vegetables, in addition to grains, lentils and pulses, which is not that dissimilar to non-vegetarian cooking. In fact most meat-based dishes can be easily adapted to a vegetarian version.

Tempeh, which is made from fermented soybeans, is very versatile. It holds it shape very well while being curried, grilled, stewed, baked, fried and even barbecued. It is also rich in beneficial enzymes, amino acids and protein. This makes it a perfect substitute for many meat-based dishes.

Tempeh can be crumbled to resemble minced meat and used in pasta sauce as a meat alternative. For a classic Tempeh au Vin, cut it into chunks and stewed in red wine along with carrots, celery and potatoes, It can also be thinly sliced marinated with soy and honey and grilled until golden and crispy. Grilled sliced tempeh makes great sandwich filling.

Crumbled tempeh also works well in other meat-based traditional dishes like lasagne, moussaka and shepherd's pie. Cut into bit-size cubes for a hearty vegetarian version of steak and kidney pie. Tempeh is also good in vegetable curries and stir-fries.

By substituting meat with tempeh it is possible to create that satisfying meaty feeling in vegetarian cooking. Over time, the meat craving will dissipate and by then tempeh will become a staple item in your vegetarian fridge.

Zainil Zainuddin
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How to Prepare a Hearty Vegetarian Meal

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