It’s National Vegetarian Week from 1st to 7th October. Embrace the meat-free lifestyle with some of our recommendations for turning your favourite meaty meals into a vegetarian triumph with delicious meat-free alternatives.
A report from National Food Strategy in 2021 found that we should be eating 30% less meat by 2030 to better our health and the planet. For the daily meat eater, this reduction only requires two meat-free days a week. Whether you’re looking for a lifestyle switch to vegetarian or are just looking for meat-free inspiration, we’ve got you covered with some of the best substitutes for your favourite traditionally meaty dishes, and where you can find them if you’re not in the mood for cooking.
Tofu
Tofu doesn’t have to be the bland and tasteless ingredient it’s sometimes thought of as. The variety of textures mean it’s at home in an extensive range of dishes. When marinated, medium to firm tofu absorbs flavours amazingly, making it a great protein source in flavourful meals such as stir fries and curries. Super firm tofu is perfect for pan or deep frying. Add it to a tasty sauce, put it in a burger or simply serve it by itself for a crispy chicken alternative.
Nut roast
It doesn’t get more classic than a Sunday dinner, where meat is often the star. This doesn’t always have to be the case as making a nut roast is just as delicious and nutritious. The great thing about making a nut roast is that it can be tailored to your tastes, you can pack it with a range of ingredients, including lentils, mushrooms, and nuts.
Fake meat
Designed to replicate conventional meats, fake meats are made from a host of different ingredients that are created to mimic the appearance, taste, and sensory experience from eating meat. These alternatives are the best place to start your with meat-free products as they can be used directly in place of meat, with no fuss. Use these instead of beef mince in pies, chilli, and lasagne, or to replicate your favourite cheeseburger.
Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a versatile ingredient that can be used across the board in snacks, sides, and main dishes. Whether they’re used in a stew, pressed into burgers or pureed into spreads and dips, chickpeas are an all-round ingredient. They’re not only used in savoury dishes but great for desserts and sweet treats as well. The water that chickpeas are stored in can be turned into aquafaba, a plant-based alternative to egg whites used in baking for meringues and mousses.
Where in Manchester?
Salt & Pepper | Manchester Arndale
You’ll find tasty crispy tofu chunks that can be flavoured with salt and pepper or served in a sticky Chinese sauce.
On Instagram @saltpeppermcr
Elnecot | Ancoats
A delicious nut roast with all the trimmings, including vegan gravy and gluten free stuffing.
Vegan Shack | Collyhurst and Piccadilly Gardens
Whether it’s loaded fries, a burger, or chick’n nuggets, your cravings will be covered at Vegan Shack with their mock meat alternatives.
Campo Blanco | Whitefield
Chickpeas are the star in multiple dishes, including the hummus and a tapas dish that’s cooked with spinach, a red pepper sauce, and topped with feta cheese.
Celebrate Rosh Hashanah with some vegetarian alternatives!
Soup
Looking for chicken soup flavour without the chicken? Adding a generous amount of olive oil will create a golden broth, typically provided by chicken skin. Using herbs such as dried onion powder will add savoury depth without meaty stock.
Brisket
Seitan is a popular meat substitute made from whole wheat flour or vital wheat gluten and is an excellent brisket alternative. Make sure the seitan is as delicious as traditional brisket by infusing it with as much flavour as possible through its braising liquid with ingredients such as red wine vinegar, vegetable broth, and garlic powder.
Chopped liver
Mushrooms, lentils, and walnuts can give this plant-based version of a traditional classic it’s unique flavour. The vegetarian chopped dip is perfect paired with fresh celery and some fresh challah.