Veganuary Insights: 5 Top Plant-Based Chefs Spill Their Secrets

There is a new wave of plant-based chefs and cooks who are leading the way in creating delicious vegan meals that are not only healthy but also harmless to the environment. These chefs have shared their top tips for Veganuary, Rachel Ama suggests organizing your favourite recipes to get creative with the flavours you already love. You can avoid meat with things like jackfruit, cauliflower, butterbeans, or sweet potatoes in your go-to curry. Cooking in bulk can save time and reduce stress.

Image source MCA Insight on Google

Sticking to meals that are almost vegan anyway such as pasta with tomato and basil, ratatouille, dhal, or Mexican bean chilli. Chef recommend treating vegetables like meat, grilling them with a bit of smoke before seasoning them properly. Adding fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill and umami-rich ingredients like sundried tomatoes and miso just for the flavour of plant-based dishes.

Image source Commetric on Google

One-pot vegan recipes that are easy to make and nutrient-rich. She recommends using root vegetables, dark leafy greens, and citrus, which are in season, as well as lentils, dried pulses, nuts, seeds, and tahini to add depth to stews and dressings. Tomi Makanjuola, the author of Vegan Nigerian Kitchen, encourages modifying the foods you already know and love to make them vegan-friendly. She recommends trying dishes from different cultures, such as Nigerian cuisine, which has vegan-friendly dishes like jollof rice, okra stew, and stewed beans.

Finally, Tomi advises getting clued up on nutrition and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and healthy fats to ensure that you are meeting your dietary needs and getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Taking part in Veganuary is an excellent start, but it is essential to take things slowly and adjust to the lifestyle change. She suggests sticking to simple and accessible recipes, planning with meal prep, and stocking up on healthy vegan snacks to ensure that you're never stuck on what to eat.