5 ingredients every chef should use in vegetarian recipes - Fast Casual

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5 ingredients every chef should use in vegetarian recipes - Fast Casual


5 ingredients every chef should use in vegetarian recipes - Fast Casual

Posted: 05 May 2021 03:00 AM PDT

Certified Master Chef Daryl Shular, owner of Farmed Kitchen & Bar and the Shular Institute, reveals five things all vegetarian meals should have.

5 ingredients every chef should use in vegetarian recipesCertified Master Chef Daryl Shular, owner of Farmed Kitchen & Bar and the Shular Institute, is the first black American chef to pass an eight-day test to become one of 66 certified master chefs.

In this age of plant-based cooking, more and more restaurants and chefs are searching for that one ingredient that will help them connect with the fast-growing clean eating community. Throughout my career, creativity and innovation have been the keys to offering my vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian patrons an experience I can be proud of. The hardest part about being a high achieving chef is redefining what we as chefs do to constantly stay ahead of current trends and plant-based demands.

In 2004, I was National Champion in Nutritional Cooking, having to prepare a four-course meal in two hours for a team of universally recognized Certified Master Chefs, and it was a pivotal moment in my young career. What I learned as I prepared for this competition was that when fresh ingredients are brought together in a melody of taste, texture, and proper technique, the result is a great experience. Today as a CMC, I continue to uphold those core principles I learned many years ago as I partner with Meatless Farm to create new-age modern dishes for those who desire a healthier lifestyle through food.

Based on these experiences, I found that there are five key ingredients all food lovers and pro-chefs should use when creating plant-based meals. I have used these techniques throughout my career from young culinarian to Olympic Champion to Certified Master Chef. These key principles will take your next plant-based dish to that next level.

1. Go Umami
Umami is one of the five essential taste profiles found in foods. This unique savory compound is characterized as to have the flavor of broth and meats. Because of the uniqueness of this flavor profile, chefs should include ingredients like mushrooms, tomatoes, sea moss and corn in their creations. This brings a rich and robust depth of flavor plant-based diners crave when dinning at home or in top rated establishments. You can also avoid the MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) typically used to enhance umami in some Asian cuisines by experimenting with fermentation instead, which also plays well with layering those rich flavors of umami.

2. Use oils
While oils are a vital element with the vegan and plant-based community, knowing which oil to use is important to supporting a healthy lifestyle. One of the most used oils in American households and kitchens is olive oil. The calorie-rich and nutrient-light oil is a fan favorite for its taste, versatility, and high smoke point. However, chefs and home cooks should consider other nutrient-rich oils that are more beneficial for a healthier lifestyle. Oils such as avocado, coconut, corn, and grapeseed are wonderful choices for clean eating and plant-based diets.

3. Fresh citrus
Citrus fruits have been a part of my diet for many years. Having grown up in Florida, the use of citrus fruits like oranges, tangerines, kumquats, and limes was as common as drinking water. One of the first techniques that was taught to me by my mother was to utilize the three key elements of any citrus fruit. First is the zest, which contains the oils that provide the fresh aroma and enhances the flavor when used as a finisher for any dish, salad, sauce, or relish. Second is the fruit, which we segment into individual sections to separate the sweet, plump texture body of the fruit for various uses in the kitchen. Finally, there's the juice which provides important rich, sweet flavor that carries most of the essential vitamins and nutrients. They key to applying citrus to a dish, whether it's hot or cold, is to use it towards the end and to always use the zest.

4. Spice it up
Spices are a great way to elevate any plant-based dish. Whether it's a spin on an international classic or a family recipe, using spices will kick up the flavor of any dish. I recommend using whole spices that have been toasted in the oven at moderate heat for a few minutes to enhance the flavor. If ground spices are used, chose ones that are vibrant in color and with a rich aroma. While spices last for a long time, they do lose flavor as time goes on, so freshness is key. Spices such as allspice, cinnamon, cardamon, and cayenne pepper are an excellent way to make any plant-base dish pop with flavor, taste, and soul!

5. Essential herbs
For me, herbs are the best way to invigorate any dish whether it's plant-based or not. Nothing takes food to that ultimate level like fresh herbs. I highly recommend using herbs toward the end of the cooking process just before serving your dish, as heat will impact the final taste of herbs and weaken the flavor. If you are able, start your own in-house urban cultivator or garden. This way fresh herbs will always be readily available for the final serving. I love grinding herbs into a paste, such as a chimichurri or a pesto mixed with mustard greens and toasted pecans.

The goal is to be creative in all things plant based, but make sure to use ingredients at their peak to maximize the overall flavor profile. By using these techniques, plant-based cooking can be just as exciting and challenging as any other style of cooking. So, push yourself and your creativity by incorporating these five natural flavor enhancers and take your next Meatless meal to the ultimate level.

15 Fabulous Vegan Brunch Recipes for Mother's Day - One Green Planet

Posted: 07 May 2021 06:00 AM PDT

Moms deserve to feel appreciated for all they do every day of the year! However, it's extra important to make sure they feel special on Mother's Day. One of the best ways to show your appreciation for mothers and mother-figures in your life is to make them a fabulous meal full of tasty vegan dishes. From vegan eggs benedict to champagne waffles, these recipes will make the mothers in your life feel like the queens that they are!

We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App  — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help you get healthy! 

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1. The Best Mimosa

mimosa

Source: The Best Mimosa

Mimosas are a great celebratory drink. They are light, fizzy, and easy to sip as you chat with your besties. And, it's pretty much the only drink that's acceptable to have before 11 a.m.! So, let's start popping some bottles. No doubt, this is an easy mimosa recipe that everyone will love. But there are a few tips/tricks to ensuring that you have the perfect sip every time. It all comes down to ratio and preparation. Get the details here for making Hannah Sunderani's The Best Mimosa!

2. Polenta Frittata With Mushroom, Tomato, and Basil

Polenta Frittata With Mushroom, Tomato, and Basil [Vegan, Gluten-Free]

Source: Polenta Frittata With Mushroom, Tomato, and Basil

This vegan Polenta Frittata With Mushroom, Tomato, and Basil by Hannah Sunderani is here to answer your savory breakfast prayers! Polenta mixed with spices, fresh cherry tomatoes, and white mushrooms are baked in the oven until crisp on the outside, and indescribably "eggy" on the inside. The end result was savory bliss that resembles egg frittata bakes.

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3. Chocolate-Filled Croissants

Vegan chocolate-filled croissants

Source: Chocolate-Filled Croissants

These Chocolate-Filled Croissants by Abby Thompson are the best croissants you'll ever have, all thanks to coconut oil! When baked, the dough becomes so light and flaky and the chocolate becomes melty. You won't be able to resist trying one of these fresh out of the oven.

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4. Buckwheat Spinach Crepes With Mushrooms, Pesto and Tahini Dressing

Buckwheat Spinach Crepes With Mushrooms, Pesto and Tahini Dressing

Source: Buckwheat Spinach Crepes With Mushrooms, Pesto and Tahini Dressing

Did you know that buckwheat is traditionally used for crepes in France? Buckwheat flour has an earthy taste, high amounts of nutrients and it's naturally gluten-free. These Buckwheat Spinach Crepes With Mushrooms, Pesto and Tahini Dressing by Niki Webster are gorgeously green with spinach, but you can add in any herbs or leaves you want.

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5. Peach Cobbler Muffins With Toasted Oat and Brown Sugar Streusel

Vegan Peach Cobbler Muffins With Toasted Oat and Brown Sugar Streusel [Vegan]

Source: Peach Cobbler Muffins With Toasted Oat and Brown Sugar Streusel

These yummy Peach Cobbler Muffins With Toasted Oat and Brown Sugar Streusel by Amanda Froelich are an awesome addition to your weekly brunch menu. Filled with sweet juicy peaches and topped with a crisp oat and brown sugar streusel, these are an awesome way to start the day, or afternoon!

6. Biscuits and Gravy

biscuits and gravy

Source: Biscuits and Gravy

Biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast dish in the South. Fluffy biscuits are covered in a creamy white gravy that is traditionally filled with sausage. This vegan version uses textured vegetable protein (TVP) to replace the sausage. The creaminess of the gravy combined with the flaky layers of biscuits make this the perfect comforting breakfast. You will love Francesca Bonadonna's Biscuits and Gravy!

7. Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes With Coconut Whipped Cream

vegan Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes With Coconut Whipped Cream

Source: Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes With Coconut Whipped Cream

This is something to make for a special Sunday morning treat. It's perfect for those lazy days when you want to take the morning slow and indulge in an amazing breakfast with the people you love! You have to try making Kennedy Kitchings' Strawberry Shortcake Pancakes With Coconut Whipped Cream!

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8. Vegan Carrot Lox Toast with Herbed Cheese

Vegan Carrot Lox Toast with Herbed Cheese

Source: Vegan Carrot Lox Toast with Herbed Cheese

This Vegan Carrot Lox Toast with Herbed Cheese by Loubna is a delicious brunch or snack idea. It's packed with smoky flavors from the carrot lox and paired with creamy herbed cheese. This vegan carrot lox and herbed cheese pair well with crackers or rice cakes, and it can go on top of salads too!

9. Raspberry Champagne Waffles

Raspberry Champagne Waffles

Source: Raspberry Champagne Waffles

The raspberry champagne in these waffles is a great way to kick off the weekend right! It adds a perfect and subtle sweetness to these brunch delights. These Raspberry Champagne Waffles by Gina Fontana are great for guests or when you feel like especially treating yourself.

10. Shakshuka Dip

Shakshuka Dip

Source: Shakshuka Dip

Garlicky, savory, a bit of smoke and spice, and overall pure satisfaction. This Shakshuka Dip by Kristen Genton is so perfect for sharing with friends (or keeping all to yourself!) It's amazing.

11. Balsamic Strawberry Brioche French Toast

Balsamic Strawberry Brioche French Toast

Source: Balsamic Strawberry Brioche French Toast

This Balsamic Strawberry Brioche French Toast by Shanika Graham-White pulls together all flavor as a great option for breakfast or brunch. This French Toast is thick, delicious, uses a handful of ingredients, naturally sweetened, and completely dairy-free and vegan. Fully laced with decadent balsamic flavor, this french toast dish comes completely ready to be your family's new staple.

12. Potato Hash

potato hash

Source: Potato Hash

Hearty vegan oil-free breakfast potatoes that use russet potatoes, mushrooms, kale, and chickpeas to leave those bellies full!  They don't have to be for just breakfast, eat them for lunch, dinner, or because potatoes are amazing. They're a blank canvas just waiting for some delightful seasoning concoction to add some flavor and they're incredibly satiating. You will love Allison Reynaud's Potato Hash!

13. Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls

Source: Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls

This monkey bread is like lots of baby cinnamon rolls stacked together. Each piece of dough rolled into a little ball, dipped into cinnamon sugar, and then baked into a mountain of sticky, gooey, fluffy, tender, and oh so delicious bread and to top it all off a drizzling of cinnamon icing. To eat, simply tear off the balls, kind of like how monkeys tear and pick at their own food. The smell of this bread, as it cooks, is incredible as the fragrance of cinnamon drifts through the kitchen. You will love Lauren Wright's Monkey Bread Cinnamon Rolls!

14. Grilled Asparagus and Smoked Tofu Benedict

Grilled Asparagus and Smoked Tofu Benedict

Source: Grilled Asparagus and Smoked Tofu Benedict

This vegan version of eggs benedict is everything that you would expect from this classic brunch dish and more. The smokey tofu and grilled asparagus provide a perfect foundation upon which a luxurious, creamy, dairy-free hollandaise sauce is poured over. You will love Rebekah Waters' Grilled Asparagus and Smoked Tofu Benedict!

15. Overnight French Toast Bake

french toast bake

Source: Overnight French Toast Bake

This Overnight French Toast Bake by Hannah Sunderani is cozy, cinnamony and so very comforting! It's a great way to use up day-old baguette, and makes for a delicious brunch recipe to please a crowd.

Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!

vegan crepes

Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammationheart healthmental wellbeingfitness goalsnutritional needsallergiesgut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acnehormonal imbalancecancerprostate cancer and has many side effects.

For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Here are some great resources to get you started:

For more Animal, Earth, Life, Vegan Food, Health, and Recipe content published daily, subscribe to the One Green Planet Newsletter! Lastly, being publicly-funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!

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