Mastering Vegan Cooking: Tools, Ingredients & Techniques

Are you new to veganism and cannot seem to make it work? We can feel you. Veganism is a rapidly growing lifestyle choice emphasizing a plant-based diet and animal rights. As more people embrace a vegan lifestyle, the demand for delicious and nutritious vegan food is on the rise. Cooking vegan meals can seem daunting, but it can be easy, enjoyable, and delicious with the right tips and techniques.

This article will provide you with top tips for vegan cooking, including essential kitchen tools, stocking a vegan pantry, using flavorful spices and herbs, incorporating plant-based protein sources, meal planning and prepping, making meat and dairy alternatives, creative recipe ideas, and eating out as a vegan. So let’s get cooking!

1. Get Essential Kitchen Tools

Investing in essential kitchen tools can make vegan cooking more accessible and more enjoyable because you’re going to have a lot of dealings with veggies and fruits. High-speed blenders, food processors, and immersion blenders are great tools for making vegan soups, sauces, dips, and smoothies. A good quality knife, cutting board, and vegetable peeler are also essential for preparing fruits and vegetables.

Non-stick cookware, a cast-iron skillet, and a baking sheet are great for cooking vegan dishes. At the same time, a slow cooker can be used to prepare vegan stews, curries, and chili. Good kitchen equipment can not only make cooking fun but can also help you save a lot of time, especially if you have multiple things to do at a time.

Kitchen tools are an investment you only make once in a while, so make sure you’re spending on good-quality equipment. Do good research, watch online reviews, and keep your needs in mind before making a decision. If you’re doing good without a blender worth a handsome amount, there’s no need to buy it. Be mindful!

2. Stocking A Vegan Pantry

Stocking a vegan pantry with essential ingredients is the key to successful vegan cooking. Our prop tip for you here is to Google your favorite recipes, find out which products you already have and which you need, make a list, and then go grocery shopping.

Consider buying in bulk. Honestly, it saves you so much time and money, especially if you’re an impulsive buyer. Here are some essentials that should be in every vegan pantry:

· Grains

Grains such as rice, quinoa, and pasta are versatile & can be used in various dishes.

· Legumes

Legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas are excellent protein sources and can be used in soups, stews, salads, and dips.

· Nuts And Seeds

Nuts and seeds like almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds are great for making nut butter, sauces, and toppings.

· Nutritional Yeast

Nutritional yeast is a vegan-friendly ingredient that can be used to add a cheesy taste to dishes.

· Spices And Herbs

Spices and herbs such as garlic, onion, basil, and oregano can be used to add flavor and depth to your meals.

· Plant-based Milk

Plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk can be used instead of dairy milk in most recipes.

· Flour

Flour is essential for baking, and many vegan-friendly options are available, such as wheat and almond flour.

3. Flavorful Spices and Herbs

Using flavorful spices and herbs can take vegan cooking to the next level. Some of the most commonly used spices in vegan cooking include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder.

Herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary can add depth and complexity to vegan dishes. Experimenting with different combinations of spices and herbs can help you find your own unique flavor profile. Some of our top picks for any vegan kitchen include:

· Garlic

Garlic adds a pungent flavor to dishes and can be used in everything from soups to stir-fries.

· Onion

Onion is a multipurpose ingredient that can be used in soups, stews, and casseroles.

· Basil

Basil adds a fresh, aromatic flavor to Italian dishes such as pasta and pizza.

· Oregano

Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine and can be used in sauces, marinades,

4. Plant-Based Protein Sources

Incorporating plant-based protein sources into a vegan diet is essential for maintaining good health. Your body needs protein for many functions, including body process regulation, muscle building, and energy production.

· Biological Value Of Food

The importance of protein variety increases when following a plant-based diet because plant-based proteins have smaller biological value than animal-based proteins. By biological value, we mean the amount of protein absorbed after consuming it.

· Types Of Amino Acids

Another vital factor to keep in mind here is the type of amino acids in your plant-based foods. There are 2 main types of amino acids in your proteins:

Non-essential amino acids which your body can prepare on its own.
Essential amino acids, which your body cannot prepare on its own and, therefore, must be taken through diet.

A plant-based diet usually misses out on some essential amino acids, which makes it hard for your body to perform its regular functions. Including various plant-based protein sources in your diet can help ensure that you are eating all the essential amino acids your body needs.

Lentils, beans, and tofu are excellent sources of protein that can be used in a combination of vegan dishes. Nuts and seeds are also incredible protein sources; whole grains such as quinoa and amaranth provide a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.

5. Meal Planning And Prepping

Meal planning and prepping can be a lifesaver when it comes to vegan cooking, especially for moms and working people. Planning your meals for the whole week can help you stay organized and save time. Prepping ingredients, such as chopping vegetables, cooking grains and legumes, and making sauces and dressings in advance, can help streamline the cooking process.

Batch cooking is also a great way to save time and ensure you have healthy and delicious meals ready throughout the week. Make your foods on weekends, and store them in the refrigerator so you can take them out and enjoy them whenever you need them. You can also clean, cut, portion, and freeze fruits in plastic bags to make smoothies and juices. Quick vegan life hacks? Say no more!

6. Making Meat And Dairy Alternatives

Making meat and dairy alternatives at home can be a fun and rewarding experience. Vegan cheese, milk, and yogurt can all be created using simple ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and coconut. Meat alternatives such as seitan and tempeh can be made using gluten and soybeans.

Homemade meat and dairy alternatives can be healthier and more cost-effective than store-bought options. But store-bought options are also acceptable if you don’t have enough time and energy to make them at home. Also, the variety you’ll get with vegan milk is insanely delicious, like soy, coconut, hemp, cashew, oat, and many more.

Creative Recipe Ideas

Here are some creative vegan recipe ideas to inspire your next meal:

· Vegan Pad Thai

This Thai-inspired dish has rice noodles, stir-fried veggies, and a flavorful peanut sauce. Add some tofu or tempeh for extra protein.

· Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff

This comforting dish features tender mushrooms in a creamy, dairy-free sauce, served over pasta or rice.

· Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This classic dish gets a vegan makeover with a hearty lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.

· Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip

This popular appetizer can be made vegan with a mixture of blended cashews, spinach, and artichokes.

· Vegan Chickpea Curry

This flavorful Indian-inspired dish is made with chickpeas, tomatoes, coconut milk, and a blend of spices.

· Vegan BBQ Pulled Jackfruit Sandwich

This sandwich features tender jackfruit that has been slow-cooked in a smoky BBQ sauce and served on a bun with slaw.

· Vegan Sushi Rolls

These sushi rolls are filled with avocado, cucumber, carrot, and tofu or tempeh. They can be dipped in soy sauce or wasabi for added flavor.

· Vegan Chocolate Avocado Mousse

This rich and creamy dessert is made with avocado, cocoa powder, and sweetener and can be topped with fresh berries or chopped nuts.

Final Thoughts

Vegan cooking can be both nutritious and delicious when you have the right tools, ingredients, and techniques at your disposal. By stocking your kitchen with essential tools like a high-speed blender and non-stick cookware. And by filling your pantry with grains, legumes, and spices, you’ll have everything you need to create a wide variety of plant-based dishes.

Incorporating plant-based protein sources like tofu, tempeh, and beans, and experimenting with meat and dairy alternatives, can add variety and nutrition to your meals. You can make vegan cooking a regular part of your lifestyle by taking advantage of meal planning, prepping, and creative recipe ideas. With these top vegan cooking tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating healthy, delicious, and satisfying plant-based meals for yourself and your loved ones.