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Vegetarian food does not just have to be healthy. There's absolutely no reason at all why it should not look, smell and taste fantastic too - especially when you are cooking in the comfort of your own home. |
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If you're new to vegetarian cuisine, here's a few useful tips to help you cook up a storm in the kitchen...
Always make sure that you use only free-range eggs when cooking and that the cheeses you use are suitable for vegetarians. Be on the look out for hidden animal ingredients, some of the most common of which you might encounter are highlighted further on in this book. With a little knowledge, you will soon get to learn just what to avoid. As a general tip, where the option exists, try to grill and steam your food. If you have to fry, always use vegetable oils and use as little as possible. Vary your methods of cooking by using a wok for stir-fries, or why not have a veggie barbecue? It is always best to have the right tools for the job, but you will not have to invest huge sums of money in a vast array of weird and wonderful utensils or electric gadgetry. Try and make sure you have a couple of sharp knives, a mixing bowl, two or three saucepans, oven-proof dishes and baking tins for cakes, quiches and flans. A blender or food processor is a definite advantage in the kitchen and once again need not be too expensive. A lot of the equipment you will require will depend on the recipes you are cooking. Check in advance that you have the necessary things you will need. |
| Most of your favourite recipes can be adapted to become suitable for vegetarians. Mushrooms, pulses and grains all make excellent substitutes for
the bulk and texture of meat.
Should you prefer, there is also an excellent range of meat substitutes now on offer. These are not expensive or difficult to use and taste quite authentic, if that is what you are after. Add them to casseroles, curries, pasta and rice dishes instead of the meat or fish. |
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Vegetarian food does not have to take a long time to prepare and it does not always have to be 'something and two veg'. Why not utilise rice or pasta instead? While the pasta or rice is cooking, you can quickly whip up a vegetable, tomato or cheese-based sauce and there are other ingredients you can add to the mix.
Of course you can also use the wide selection of vegetarian ready-made sauces available and it is possible to prepare a simple and delicious meal in no time at all. The beauty of vegetarian cooking is that you make it whatever you want it to be, from the simple, effortless snack right through to meals that offer more of a challenge. Do not limit yourself in terms of your choice of vegetarian recipes. Be adventurous with your ingredients and explore the full range of spices and herbs on offer. The choice is large, the possibilities endless, so get to know what ingredients create the flavours you like best. Try as many different dishes as you can -- there is a great wealth of food out there. Invest in one or two decent vegetarian cook books. You might be amazed at just how many there now are and they contain some excellent recipes for every occasion, taste, season and budget with influences coming from all over the world, combining the traditional and the new. Contact The Vegetarian Society for a list of those that come most highly recommended. Share your new found cookery skills and knowledge. There are few things more enjoyable than sitting around a table with friends or family enjoying excellent food. Why not turn the page and make a start with the recipes included over the page? Above all, enjoy your cooking -- it should be fun! |
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| www.vegsoc.org/21cv : 21st Century Vegetarian |