Thinking of adding more vegan options to your repertoire? Switching to a vegan diet can be daunting, but to ease the transition, here are some accessible substitutes.
Jackfruit
Versatile and surprisingly cheap, jackfruit is a non-processed ingredient that you’ll often find in cans, meaning you can stock up in the cupboard. It makes a great replacement for chicken, perhaps in a stir-fry, but can also be prepared to resemble tuna.
Aquafaba
The water from a can of chickpeas is a superb substitute for egg white. It can be used to make meringues, mousses, macarons, and brownies. It can even be a central ingredient in dairy-free batter and sauces like mayonnaise. You may find it useful in cocktails, too – a vegan can have a whisky sour after all!
Milk Substitute
Popular non-dairy milk includes oat, hazelnut, cashew, soy, almond, and hemp. It’s also easy to make your own by soaking raw nuts, blending with water and straining. Alternative milk not only is great subs for drinks but also can be used in many recipes for cooking and baking.
Alternative Cheese
It's tricky to replicate the real deal, but alternative cheeses are really improving. They’re made using a variety of ingredients, including coconuts, aquafaba, nuts, and solidified vegetable oil. It’s best to opt for one fortified with vitamin B12 and calcium.
Tofu
Made from soybeans, tofu is a less-processed substitute for meat as it’s a complete protein. The firm variety is best for cooking in savory dishes, and you can use the softer types for things, like tofu scramble in place of an egg, or add to puddings and bakes.
As the saying goes, knowledge is power – and, at The Westport Apartments in Norfolk, Virginia, we couldn’t agree more! We hope that this blog has presented you with valuable, need-to-know information.