Natural Meat Alternatives
Some people, when switching to a vegetarian diet, quickly begin to miss the chunky texture that meats add to their foods. While there are “artificial” meat substitutes, a lot of folks prefer to stick to all-natural ingredients without added flavorings or preservatives. If this sounds like you, don't despair! You can still get that texture without turning to food products that may be foreign to you, like TVP, tofu, or tempeh.
Portobello mushrooms are a very popular meat alternative in many dishes, and on sandwiches as well. These large and meaty mushrooms, when used whole, are excellent substitutes for steaks, pork chops, or any other large whole piece of meat. They can be sauteed as is, or seasoned with any spices that you prefer. Portobello mushrooms can be baked, fried, eaten raw... any preparation you like. Eggplant is an equally popular and desirable meat replacement on par with portobello mushrooms. Eggplant parmesan, fried eggplant sandwiches, eggplant spaghetti... all tasty and nutritious.
Many other types of mushrooms, and other hardy vegetables are commonly used as meat replacements as well. In casseroles, pastas, and soups, you can use almost any vegetable imaginable. The truth is, vegetables provide much more flavor to dishes than meat anyway. Meat only takes its flavor from spices, and most of these spices are plant-based!
If you enjoy tacos or burritos, many varieties of beans provide the same texture and satisfaction as beef or chicken. Pinto beans, refried beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans... you can cook up the beans and add them whole, or mash them and spread them on your tortillas. Top with lettuce, vegan cheese, and salsa, and enjoy a yummy meat-free meal.
Next time you make stew, throw in some carrots and mushrooms instead of chicken and beef. Have a hankering for a burger? Try an eggplant or portobello mushroom sandwich. Instead of a ham and turkey hoagie, chow down on a veggie sub. Like stir-fry? Try it with broccoli, snow peas, and water chestnuts rather than steak or pork. Rather than a meat and cheese dip with potato chips, munch on some crackers dipped into spicy bean hummus. If you have a craving for chicken wings, grab some deep-fried okra. These alternatives are absolutely delicious, and healthier too! Give them a try; you'll be surprised at the wide span of flavor profiles and texture available.