Vanderveldt Leah - The Vital Vegan More than 100 vibrant plant-based recipes to energize and nourish

ISBN: 978-1-78879-497-8 E-ISBN: 978-1-78879-530-2 A CIP record for this book is available from the British Library. US Library of Congress CIP data has been applied for. Printed in China Notes Both British (Metric) and American (Imperial plus US cups) measurements are included in these recipes for convenience; however it is important to work with one set of measurements and not alternate between the two within a recipe. All spoon measurements are level unless otherwise specified. Ovens should be preheated to the specified temperatures. We recommend using an oven thermometer.

If using a fan-assisted oven, adjust temperatures according to the manufacturers instructions. When a recipe calls for the grated zest of citrus fruit, buy unwaxed fruit and wash well before using. If you can only find treated fruit, scrub well in warm soapy water before using. Always use sterilized jars. For more information visit the Food Standards Agency (FSA) website in the UK or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) website in the US. contents introduction When wondering how to kick this whole thing off, I thought Id start with the truest thing I know: vegetables are badass. contents introduction When wondering how to kick this whole thing off, I thought Id start with the truest thing I know: vegetables are badass.

Theyre tough, beautiful and packed with flavour and nutrients. Something special happens when you blend good, fresh plant foods with great flavours you actually begin craving these dishes day after day, not only for how they taste but also for how they make you feel. Plant-based comfort food is all about combining healthful ingredients in ways that make you feel all warm and fuzzy on both a physical and mental level. Using robust flavours, varying textures and being generous with ingredients are some of the key secrets to creating meals that are the perfect combination of satisfying and nourishing. The concept of the new nourishing is about combining nutritious foods with rich flavours to capture the feelings of indulgence and balance simultaneously. Its a seasonal, vegetable-centric, flexible and flavour-focused way of preparing meals.

It makes me feel like Im taking care of myself in a very tangible way feeling well-fed and content is what I strive for in life, and this style of cooking is how I get there. Plant-based comfort is more than warmth, richness and nostalgia (although it can definitely be about those things, too), its also about fostering a healthy connection to the tastes that you crave and honouring them by making hearty dishes with vegetables, whole foods and herbs and spices at their centre. Before we start, Id like to highlight a few things that you will definitely NOT see in this book: 1. Counting calories I dont count calories. Personally, I dont think its a sustainable or joyful way to live. 2. 2.

Guilt-free food Guilt-free implies there should be guilt present in our relationship to food, an ethos which I strongly disagree with. I dont believe in associating good or bad connotations with food. I believe in eating what makes you feel truly good in the moment in a way that you find most enjoyable. 3. Banning foods (or dieting) While this book focuses mostly on plant-based and vegan cooking, and I encourage use of whole, unprocessed foods the majority of the time, the truth is that all food has a place in our lives. Sure, some foods are more nutrient-dense than others, but Im careful to say that those are not always the best ones for us.

As with anything, healthy eating can be taken too far. Stressing about eating the right or wrong thing doesnt feel good. I believe if its causing us stress, its not doing us much good in the long run anyway. Food is at the heart of our everyday lives and deserves to be fully embraced. Now that we have the nos out of the way, here are a few things I say a big YES to: 1. Plant-based whole foods Its pretty clear that vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and whole grains are good for our health and sustained well-being.

If we can base the majority of our meals around nourishing, nutrient-dense plants, were likely to reap all kinds of benefits that improve the quality of our lives like better digestion, more energy and clear headedness. 2. Seasoning and citrus Seasoning is the key to making vegetables and plant-based foods taste good. If youre cooking your own food from scratch rather than eating processed foods, you can afford to use a little more salt. I urge you to season to taste throughout this book. If something tastes a little meh, try adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to it.

Chances are, its one of those two things that can really make a dish shine. 3. Finding your feel-good point I guess this could also be classified as self-care, but self-care can sound like a vague chore that may or may not involve taking a bath. Instead, I think of Adriene Mishlers Yoga with Adrienes tagline: Find What Feels Good, because its applicable to pretty much everything in life. Finding your feel-good point is about tuning in to what makes you feel energized, satiated and happy, and doing more of that. Comfort should be about what makes you feel cared for and peaceful.