Want to include more vegetables in your diet but are worried you’ll miss meat? You’re in luck. Depending on how you transform them, several fruits and vegetables can mimic the flavor and texture of meat.
Try these delicious, fiber-rich options, and you’ll be satisfied and full – you won’t miss the meat.
Mushrooms. Hearty mushroom varieties like portobello, porcini, oyster, and maitake are great substitutions for beef and chicken in burgers, pasta dishes, sandwiches, curries, and rice dishes.
Eggplant. This versatile vegetable is the star of noodle dishes, sandwiches, and casseroles. When stuffed with vegetables, fruits, cheese, and herbs, it will be the highlight of your meal.
Beans. If you think “blah” when you think about beans, you’re not imagining the potential of spices, herbs, and sauces to make legumes exciting. Paprika, harissa, cinnamon, oregano, garlic, lemon, and other pantry items can transform beans into flavorful additions for burgers, chili, Sloppy Joes, pasta dishes, chicken nuggets, and sauces.
Squash. Add extra vegetables and drop the meat in dishes where they usually work together. Because they are so filling and versatile, zucchini, pumpkin, and other squashes are easy to make the centers of many delicious meals.
Jackfruit. The increasing popularity of vegetarianism has made this fruit, native to India, more widely available in the United States. Its natural meaty texture makes it a popular meat alternative. Use it to make pulled “pork,” tacos, curry, and croquettes. Because working with fresh jackfruit can create a sticky mess, use jackfruit sold in a can or a vacuum-sealed package.
By experimenting with various cooking methods, spices, herbs, and sauces, you can transform fruits and vegetables to have textures and flavors similar to meat. Swap these tasty options for meat and discover new, delicious ways to enjoy your meals without meat.
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