As more and more people are choosing to adopt a plant-based lifestyle, vegan cooking has become increasingly popular even among meat-eaters too, as individuals focus on saving money and reducing their consumption of meat products.

If you're new to veganism or simply interested in exploring new culinary options, it can be daunting to know where to start. Fear not, as this beginner's guide to vegan cooking will provide you with all the basics you need to know to get started on your vegan culinary journey.

First and foremost, it's important to understand what veganism entails. Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to reduce harm to animals and the environment by avoiding all animal products. This means no meat, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. But that doesn't mean that vegan cooking has to be bland and boring. In fact, there are countless delicious and nutritious plant-based options available.

One of the most important aspects of vegan cooking is understanding the role of protein. Many people believe that a vegan diet lacks protein, but this couldn't be further from the truth. There are plenty of plant-based sources of protein, including beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and seitan. It's important to incorporate these protein sources into your meals to ensure that you're getting all the nutrients your body needs.

Another key component of vegan cooking is understanding how to substitute animal products. For example, instead of using butter in your cooking, you can use vegan margarine or coconut oil. Instead of using cow's milk, you can use plant-based milks such as almond, soy, or oat milk. There are also numerous vegan cheeses available, made from ingredients such as nuts and soy.

When it comes to flavor, herbs and spices are your best friends. Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and parsley can add a burst of freshness to any dish, while spices such as cumin, paprika, and turmeric can add depth and complexity. Experiment with different flavors and find what works best for you.

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Jackfruit Vegan Burger Photo by Nadine Primeau on Unsplash

One of the great things about vegan cooking is that it can be incredibly versatile. You can take traditional meat-based dishes and give them a vegan twist, such as using jackfruit instead of pulled pork in a BBQ sandwich. You can also experiment with different cuisines, such as Indian, Thai, or Mexican, to discover new and exciting flavors.

Finally, it's important to remember that vegan cooking doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. Many vegan meals can be prepared in under 30 minutes, and there are countless resources available online for vegan recipes and meal planning. Don't be afraid to start small and gradually build up your skills and repertoire. Also, you may find that you'll start to consume meals that require less cooking more regularly. This is great because cooking (i.e. the application of heat to ingredients) often destroys valuable nutritional benefits.

To sum it up, vegan cooking is a rewarding and delicious way to explore new culinary options while reducing harm to animals and the environment (as well as saving a ton of money!). By understanding the basics of veganism, incorporating plant-based protein sources, experimenting with flavors and substitutions, and starting small, anyone can become a confident and creative vegan cook. So why not give it a try and see where your culinary journey takes you?