Happy World Vegan Month! This month, we celebrate the founding of the first Vegan Society in November of 1944. Whether you are a raw food vegan, a junk food vegan, a diet only vegan, a full lifestyle vegan, or not vegan at all, this month is a great way to get out and explore all that the world of Veganism has to offer!
Vegan has a different meaning to everyone, but the most standard definition of a vegan is someone who does not consume animal products. A vegan diet consists of eating only plant based foods. But just because your meals are missing meat, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on flavor and nutrition! Below are three tasty vegan versions of meals you probably already make.
Simple Vegan Tacos with black bean and corn salsa
Ingredients
Tacos:
6 corn tortillas
1 package of ‘Meatless Grounds’ (you can get taco flavored)
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. taco seasoning
¼ cup of cilantro
Black Bean and Corn Salsa:
1 can of black beans
1 can of whole kernel corn
½ cup of premade pico de gallo
juice from ½ of a lime
sprinkle of salt to taste
Optional: For extra spice, add 1 tsp. of your favorite hot sauce
Directions
1. Heat up olive oil in a skillet. Add Meatless Grounds and seasoning. Cook according to the package directions.
2. Prepare black bean and corn salsa by mixing all of the ingredient together.
3. Warm up tortillas. Add cooked Meatless Grounds. Top with salsa and cilantro.
Grilled Portobello Mushroom Burger
Ingredients
2 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp. of steak seasoning
1 clove of garlic, minced
2 tbsp. soy sauce
2 ciabatta bread burger buns
1 cup of arugula
2 roasted red pepper halves
1 tbsp. whole grain dijon mustard
Directions
1. In a glass bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, steak seasoning, minced garlic, and soy sauce.
2. Poke holes into the portobello mushroom caps using a fork. Place the mushrooms into the glass bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and let them sit for 1 hour.
3. Grill your mushrooms for about 5 minutes using your favorite indoor or outdoor grill.
4. Spread the dijon mustard onto one of your burger bun halves. Top with arugula, roasted red peppers, and the grilled Portobello caps. Place the other bun half on top.
Three Bean Chili
Ingredients
2 tbsp. olive oil
½ onion chopped
½ red bell pepper chopped
1 can of black beans, drained
1 can of red kidney beans, drained
1 can of garbanzo beans, drained
½ a can of diced tomatoes
3 tbsp. of tomato paste
3 cups of vegetable broth
1 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. ground cumin
salt and pepper to taste
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook for 1 min.
2. Turn down the heat and add 3 cans of beans, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, and seasonings.
3. Mix all ingredients together and simmer for 15 minutes
Happy cooking (and eating)!
– Joshaunic Scott
