Plant-based cooking and recipe ideas

Plant-based cooking is gaining popularity and is linked to improved health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Tips include making a grocery list of staples like whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, and plant-based proteins and stocking the pantry with items like olive oil, coconut oil, balsamic vinegar, tamari, nutritional yeast, herbs and spices, canned tomatoes and beans, and plant-based milk. Recipes to try include roasted vegetable Buddha bowl, lentil tacos, coconut curry, veggie sandwich and smoothie bowl. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated.

 

The Basics of Plant-Based Cooking

The plant-based diet has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason: it has been linked to improved health and wellness, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Plant-based cooking is a great way to incorporate nutritious, delicious plant-based meals into your lifestyle. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, here are some tips to get you started with plant-based cooking.

Making a Grocery List

Before you start cooking, it’s important to make a grocery list of the ingredients you’ll need. Making a list will help you stay organized and ensure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here are some staples to include in your plant-based grocery list:

• Whole grains: quinoa, oats, brown rice, whole wheat pasta
• Beans: black beans, chickpeas, lentils
• Nuts and seeds: almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds
• Vegetables: broccoli, kale, spinach, carrots
• Fruits: apples, bananas, oranges, strawberries
• Plant-based proteins: tofu, tempeh, seitan
• Plant-based milks: almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk

Stock Your Pantry

In addition to having all the necessary ingredients for your recipes, it’s helpful to keep a well-stocked pantry with some basic items. This will make it easier to whip up quick plant-based meals. Some items to include in your pantry are:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Balsamic vinegar
• Tamari
• Nutritional yeast
• Herbs and spices
• Canned tomatoes
• Canned beans
• Plant-based milk

Plant-Based Recipes to Try

Now that your kitchen is ready, let’s get to the fun part – cooking! Here are some great plant-based recipes to start with:

• Roasted vegetable Buddha bowl – Start with a base of cooked grains, like quinoa or brown rice, and top with roasted vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, and sweet potatoes. Add a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh and a drizzle of tahini or olive oil.
• Lentil tacos – Start by sautéing onions and garlic in a pan. Add cooked lentils and season with taco seasoning. Serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings, like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and guacamole.
• Coconut curry – Heat some coconut oil in a pot and sauté onions and garlic. Add some vegetables, like broccoli, carrots, and peppers, and cook until tender. Add a can of coconut milk, some curry paste or powder, and cooked quinoa. Simmer until the sauce is thickened.
• Veggie sandwich – Layer some roasted vegetables, like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions, on a toasted whole wheat bun with your favorite condiments.
• Smoothie bowl – Start with a blender full of frozen fruits, like bananas, berries, and mango. Add some plant-based milk and blend until creamy. Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings, like nuts, coconut flakes, and chia seeds.

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve cooked up a delicious plant-based meal, you may have some leftovers. To make sure your leftovers stay fresh, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Leftovers can be enjoyed within three to four days.

Final Thoughts

Plant-based cooking is a great way to incorporate nutritious, delicious meals into your lifestyle. With some basic tips and recipes, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious plant-based meals. Try out some of the recipes above and get creative in the kitchen!