Becoming Vegan: Here Are Some Vegan Recipe Ideas you Must Try

A vegan is an individual who follows a lifestyle and dietary choice known as veganism. Veganism is a plant-based way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of animal exploitation and cruelty, not just in diet but also in other aspects of life. Here are key aspects of veganism:

1. Plant-Based Diet:

The core of veganism is a plant-based diet. Vegans abstain from consuming all animal-derived products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Instead, they focus on plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

2. Ethical and Environmental Considerations:

Vegans are motivated not only by personal health but also by ethical and environmental concerns. They reject the idea of using animals for food, clothing, experimentation, or any other purpose that involves exploitation. Additionally, many vegans choose this lifestyle to reduce their environmental footprint, as animal agriculture is a significant contributor to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental issues.

3. Animal Welfare Advocacy:

Vegans often engage in animal welfare advocacy, promoting the well-being and rights of animals. They may actively support initiatives that aim to eliminate animal cruelty and improve conditions for animals in various industries.

4. Lifestyle Beyond Diet:

While diet is a central aspect, veganism extends beyond food choices. Vegans aim to avoid products that involve animal exploitation, such as leather, fur, silk, and cosmetics tested on animals. They may opt for cruelty-free alternatives and seek out products that align with their values.

5. Health Considerations:

Many people adopt veganism for its potential health benefits. A well-balanced plant-based diet can provide essential nutrients and may contribute to lower risks of certain health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. However, it’s crucial for vegans to plan their diet carefully to ensure they obtain sufficient nutrients like vitamin B12, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids.

6. Diverse Approaches:

There are various approaches to veganism, and individuals may choose the lifestyle for different reasons. Some may focus primarily on health benefits, while others prioritize environmental or ethical concerns. The degree of strictness in adhering to vegan principles can also vary among individuals.

7. Vegan Community:

Vegans often connect with a supportive community of like-minded individuals. They share recipes, tips, and information through social media, local meet-ups, and online forums. This sense of community helps individuals navigate their vegan journey and stay connected with others who share similar values.

8. Growing Popularity:

In recent years, veganism has gained popularity globally, with an increasing number of people adopting this lifestyle. The availability of plant-based alternatives, growing awareness of animal welfare issues, and concerns about environmental sustainability contribute to the rise of veganism.

In essence, being a vegan goes beyond dietary choices; it reflects a commitment to a compassionate, sustainable, and cruelty-free lifestyle that seeks to minimize harm to animals and the planet.

Here are some vegan recipe ideas:

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Vegan cooking can be just as flavorful and satisfying as any other type of cuisine. Experiment with different ingredients and flavors to find your favorite vegan recipes.

• Vegan Lentil Soup: Cook lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and vegetable broth in the Instant Pot. Add tomatoes, spinach, and seasonings for a healthy and satisfying soup.
• Vegan Chickpea Curry: Cook chickpeas with onions, garlic, ginger, curry powder, coconut milk, and vegetable broth in the Instant Pot. Serve with rice or naan bread for a delicious, Indian-inspired meal.
• Vegan Mushroom and Lentil Bolognese: Cook mushrooms, onions, garlic, lentils, and tomato sauce in the Instant Pot. Serve over pasta for a hearty and flavorful vegan pasta dish.
• Vegan Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas: Cook butternut squash, black beans, onions, garlic, and enchilada sauce in the Instant Pot. Stuff the mixture into tortillas and bake for a delicious and satisfying vegan enchilada dish.
• Vegan Stuffed Peppers: Cook quinoa or brown rice in the Instant Pot with vegetable broth. Combine with black beans, corn, onions, garlic, and seasonings. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake for a healthy and filling vegan meal.
• Vegan Chocolate Brownies: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and vegetable oil in the Instant Pot. Add non-dairy milk and vanilla extract. Bake in the Instant Pot for a delicious and decadent vegan dessert.

Read Also: Exploring the Flavors of Ghana: Vegetarian and Vegan Ghanaian 3 Best Recipes

This hearty Vegan Lentil Soup is a perfect combination of nutritious lentils, vibrant vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. The Instant Pot makes the preparation a breeze:

1. Vegan Lentil Soup:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• Handful of spinach
• Seasonings: salt, pepper, cumin, paprika

Instructions:

1. Rinse lentils and add them to the Instant Pot.
2. Add diced onions, chopped carrots, sliced celery, and vegetable broth.
3. Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.
4. Quick release pressure, stir in diced tomatoes, spinach, and seasonings.
5. Let the soup simmer for a few minutes until spinach wilts.

Enjoy this nutritious and satisfying Vegan Lentil Soup, perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a comforting bowl of goodness.

2. Vegan Chickpea Curry:

Indulge in the rich flavors of Indian cuisine with this delightful Vegan Chickpea Curry prepared effortlessly in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 2 cans chickpeas, drained
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp curry powder
• 1 can coconut milk
• 1 cup vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in the Instant Pot.
2. Add chickpeas, curry powder, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
3. Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 8 minutes.
4. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release.
5. Serve this aromatic Vegan Chickpea Curry with rice or naan bread.

3. Vegan Mushroom and Lentil Bolognese:

For a hearty pasta dish, try this Vegan Mushroom and Lentil Bolognese prepared effortlessly in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• Italian seasonings, salt, and pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in the Instant Pot.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until softened.
3. Stir in lentils, tomato sauce, and seasonings.
4. Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 15 minutes.
5. Serve this flavorful Bolognese over your favorite pasta.

4. Vegan Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas:

Savor the fusion of flavors in these Vegan Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas, made effortlessly in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash, cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups enchilada sauce
• Corn tortillas

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic, add cubed butternut squash, and cook until tender.
2. Stir in black beans and cook for a few more minutes.
3. Fill corn tortillas with the mixture, roll them up, and place in the Instant Pot.
4. Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas.
5. Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 10 minutes.

Indulge in these Vegan Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas for a delicious and satisfying meal.

5. Vegan Stuffed Peppers:

For a wholesome and filling vegan meal, try these Vegan Stuffed Peppers filled with quinoa, black beans, and flavorful seasonings:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Bell peppers

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth in the Instant Pot.
2. Sauté onions and garlic, add black beans, corn, and seasonings.
3. Combine the quinoa and bean mixture.
4. Stuff bell peppers with the mixture and place in the Instant Pot.
5. Set Instant Pot to high pressure and cook for 8 minutes.

Enjoy these Vegan Stuffed Peppers, a colorful and nutritious addition to your plant-based repertoire.

Read Also: Green Goodness: A Vegetarian Meal Plan & Shopping List

6. Vegan Chocolate Brownies:

Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent Vegan Chocolate Brownies, effortlessly baked in the Instant Pot:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
2. Add vegetable oil, non-dairy milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
3. Pour the batter into a prepared Instant Pot.
4. Set Instant Pot to bake mode and cook for 25-30 minutes.

Indulge in these Vegan Chocolate Brownies for a delightful and guilt-free dessert.

These vegan recipes showcase the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cooking in the Instant Pot. Experiment with these ideas and let your taste buds savor the goodness of wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.