My July Sainsbury's vegetarian/ vegan food haul

Hi veggie food fans! Thought I'd share with all of you some of what I picked up on my July trip to Sainsbury's in Newry. For those living in NI (or indeed anywhere Sainsbury's exist) or on the border like myself, then I strongly suggest taking a trip in to your local store who have upped their serious vegan/ free from game the last couple of years. Most of these items were vegan friendly, with a couple being only vegetarian.

For those in the know, Veganuary has became a popular phenomenon in which usual meat eaters or vegetarians decide to transition to an all animal-free diet for the month of January. With the decline of meat eating during this post-holiday diet season, naturally the bigger food chains would pick up on the trend and produce what the consumers want to see - A varied range of food suitable for those who don't, or can't, consume dairy, eggs, gelatine and other every-day meat byproducts. This includes meat alternatives, which are particularly a transitional favourite to many who have consumed meat their whole lives and are going cold turkey (excuse the pun), as well as general "junk food" favourites. After all, being vegan or vegetarian is not about being "boring" or healthy or denying treats for many. It's about finding a comfortable balance between your ideology (love for animals, wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle, and so on), while feeling you and your family can easily adapt. It shouldn't be hard and only for the elite.

Following on from January each year, store bosses obviously decide to take many of these products off the shelf, as numbers in veganism decline again for another year. However many of us have noticed a trend the last couple of seasons -higher proportions of those who try the change for the month either remain as vegan, or drastically adapt their normal meat product consumption. Each January, we are seeing more and more products saved from the February chop. Hence the growing number of delicious and versatile alternatives to test out.

Vegan aubergine lasagna

Loving aubergine lasagna at the mo. It's light yet tasty, perfect dish for any spoonie who can't deal with much pasta or heavy dishes. This is a basic recipe, so perfect if you're only transitioning from meat eater and still a bit cautious -All very normal ingredients that you'll already be acquainted with. Also easy to buy in Irish shops... I get so disappointed with American, even English vegan recipes that require things you haven't a hope in hell buying here. "Now add the Flogerddergabu to elder flower dew and beat in dried ugloblili berries as your egg substitute " -eh yeah mate, I'm having issues even finding meat free bread around these parts, but ok... But even though it's quick and easy, it's still full of great flavours. A real comfort food.

Ingredients

1. One large aubergine -this will be the pasta sheets.
2. Tomato based sauce -simply make your own with some passata or a tin of tomatoes, or I suggest one from Lidl by Batts, red Thai curry (see my photo below, oddly enough cannot find an image online of the product). It's got a creamy taste which I personally prefer for a dish like this as the more sharp sauces have my reflux going crazy. At the same time, it's not a sickening creaminess and is vegan too.
3. Hummus -this will be your white sauce substitute. You can of course simply make a béchamel with a milk alternative, or even buy Tesco's free from white sauce or similar (which Dundalk now have, by the way!), but I personally love the thickness of hummus. It's the perfect sauce really, doesn't turn to water when cooked.
4. Your veggies. LOADS of course. I went for: Cherry tomatoes, peppers and onions. Mediterranean vegetables work best in any lasagna, obviously.
5. Garlic and herbs. You can really use any herbs, go for your favourite flavors or use a simple dry mix.
6. Grated vegan cheese. Currently where I live, north-east, the most readily available vegan cheese are Violife and Nature & Moi. Both have grated versions, or simply buy the block and grate it yourself. You can usually purchase from Tesco and Dunnes Stores. I went for the Violife block from Tesco.
7. Meat alternative. NOTE: I did not add this, and I would suggest you don't either. Unless you are transitioning and still getting used to life without meat, or just trying this out for "meatless Monday"... I just don't think it's that nice for this recipe, or needed in it. Really just see it as a vegetable lasagna, fully packed of veggies. A light, yet filling dish.

For me adding in the meat alternative would probably be too much (on top of the cheese and sauces). If you have stomach issues relating to your chronic illness too, then consider just having plain, ol' veg. If you do wish to add in a meat substitute, I suggest a dry soya protein mince like this one from Tesco. It's really handy in the press as it lasts ages, and quick to make up.

Tip - For a dish like this, simply soak the protein granules in a bowl with plain water. Cover only until water is slightly visible -don't drown. Wait a few minutes for them to expand/ soak the water, then add in flavourings -soya sauce and dry herbs are good. Then add to whatever food you are making. Add to oven dish with your vegetables in this case, or simply fry up and have with some mash spuds. Yum. It's pretty versatile. 

Veganuary: quick and easy vegan meals

For those of you out there who are contemplating dropping meat and animal products from your diet (even if just for the month of January -something apparently named "veganuary") but aren't sure where to start (especially if you live in Ireland -the bigger chains are getting better, but finding things like vegan snacks and frozen goods can still be hit and miss), here's 3 quick/ idiot proof vegan meals. Simple, ridiculously quick to cook, and nutritious too. Making the transition (even if just for the month, or simply "meatless Monday") doesn't have to be complicated.

I often hear people say they would be veggie or vegan, but they "can't afford it", or "don't have the time to cook like that". And I'm over here nibbling on me Tesco value potatoes, like:


You'll notice I am both terrible with keeping track of portion size and relaying recipes (Bicky can contest to this, the "I don't know what happened, I made it like you said but it tastes shite"). But just be thoughtful -think about how many people you are cooking for. If you accidentally make too much, you can freeze it or refrigerate, and will know for next time! The main thing to note is that because there is no meat, you will want to have extra vegetables. So take that into consideration -you should be replacing your meat, not simply going without it. In some cases this can be done with the carbs portion, if not the vegetable portion of the meal, but I would suggest a balance. E.g., you're having your Sunday roast, but with no meat. If you don't fancy any meat alternatives like Linda McCartney or Quorn (FYI, Linda McC is nicer), then simply have some extra spuds and some extra vegetables (not just extra spuds, on top of extra spuds... as tempting as that sounds).

While on the subject of meat alternatives -you might hear (especially in online groups) some silly noise about it all. Look, they aren't super healthy, you know that. They're mostly frozen foods, same as most frozen, convenient foods. But they aren't the devil either. Some believe "pretending to eat meat" or anything that looks like meat (like when we say veggie burgers, or vegan cheese) somehow takes away from our efforts. Seriously, it's dumb. Who cares what you call it. Plus this thinking gives outsiders the impression that they could never be veggie and vegan, that somehow you aren't allowed miss meat. Just because I don't, doesn't mean I can't understand why some would indeed miss the taste of meats. Honestly, most people who turn to vegetarianism or veganism do so because either a love of animals or they are an environmentalist -rarely simply because they don't like the taste of meat. So it's ok to say you miss it, to find alternatives that might taste similar.  If they help you transition, all the better! Worry about tofu and seitan later (nom nom). You'll get there, you little veggie rebel you!

But for now, lets cheat. On the cheap. These recipes are not only designed to be super quick to make up, but I also reference easy to find ingredients anywhere in Ireland...