Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vegan. Show all posts

Wednesday 10 January 2024

Weeknight Dinners Made Easy With Two NEW Recipes From Squeaky Bean®

If you're looking for weeknight dinner inspiration, especially during Veganuary, look no further. Here's a great kitchen hack for making convenient meat-free meals in minutes from our friends at Squeaky Bean.

Squeaky Bean, famous for its ready to eat vegan products from Pastrami (YUM!) to Tikka pieces ALSO, YUM!), has created frozen Steak and Chicken Style Pieces with the same impressive taste and texture profiles. 

The pieces are perfect for a range of cuisines from Asian stir fries and curries to Mexican tacos and Italian pasta dishes, Squeaky Bean has got you covered. 

NEW Squeaky Bean Steak Style Pieces (240g) RRP £3.25, and Seasoned Chicken Style Pieces (240g) RRP £3.25, are available in Waitrose nationwide from January 2024.  

NEW Squeaky Bean Steak Style Slices (240g RRP £3.25

For a tasty, convenient mid-week meal; heat in a wok with some toasted sesame oil, crushed garlic and ginger for three minutes. Add in some pak choi and sliced tenderstem broccoli with lashings of soy sauce, stir fry for five minutes and serve garnished with chopped spring onion.  

Or try making quick and easy Mexican plant based steak tacos; Simply pan fry Squeaky Bean Steak Strips in oil, add Mexican fajita spices and pan fry for a further two mins. Add sliced red & yellow pepper and sliced red onion and stir fry until softening slightly. Serve in Tacos or tortillas with all your desired Mexican accompaniments, sour cream, guacamole and tomato salsa. 

Made with wheat and pea protein and frozen for convenience; pieces are low in saturated fat and a source of protein. (kcal: 189, 26g protein, 0.6g saturated fat, per 100g).

NEW Squeaky Bean, Seasoned Chicken Style Pieces (240g) RRP £3.25

Totally versatile, these tender strips are seasoned with salt and black pepper and can be enjoyed in a stir fry, one-pot pasta, or a curry from Brazilian to Thai, served on a bed of basmati rice or with noodles. Pieces can even be enjoyed in a wrap with salad. 

As well as being quick and easy, stir-frying is also a great healthy meal. What's not to love? tender, crisp vegetables coupled with your favourite protein. 

Made with wheat and pea protein and frozen for convenience; pieces are low in fat and a source of protein. (kcals 215, 26g protein, 0.9g saturated fat, per 100g).

Both products are suitable for vegans, high in protein and low in saturated fat. Cook from frozen in just three minutes, for a mid-week meal you can trust the whole family will enjoy; from little meat eaters or those who prefer to keep it plant based.

Teriyaki Beef Stir fry 

Ingredients

1 pack of Squeaky bean Steak strips

1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil 

1 clove of garlic, crushed

1 x 1cm piece of ginger finely diced

2 x Pak choi sliced in half

50g green beans, quartered 

2 x Finely sliced carrots 

50g baby corn, sliced in half 

4 tbsp of Teriyaki sauce 

½ a red chilli diced 

Method 

Heat the oil in a wok or large frying pan, add the garlic and ginger fry for 1 min

Add the chopped vegetables and stir fry for 5 mins until veg starts to soften slightly 

Add the Squeaky bean steak strips and pan fry for 3 mins 

Drizzle over the teriyaki sauce and mix thoroughly for 2 mins

Garnish with chopped red chilli and serve 

Serve with steamed rice or add noodles to the stir fry and mix through with a tbsp of sauce  

Squeaky Bean's new frozen range joins an impressive line-up of chilled products including: Chicken Style Pieces, Chargrilled Mini Fillets, Chargrilled Steak Style Strips, Sandwich Slices; NYC Deli Pastrami, Spanish Chorizo and Salami Style Slices.

Squeaky Bean® NEW Steak Style Slices and Chicken Style Slices are available at Waitrose nationwide from this month, January.

https://www.squeakybean.co.uk

Vegans, are you missing your Laughing Cow Cheese? Not any more! Laughing Cow has released a Vegan alternative

As we are moving through Veganuary, there's some exciting news about the cheese spread sensation The Laughing Cow. They have launched a NEW and utterly delicious plant-powered creation.

It's earned the approval of the Vegan Society and The Laughing Cow Plant Based Triangles bring their signature, spreadable goodness to everyone this year. 

Two in five of us are hungering for plant-based cheese options and The Laughing Cow is the first brand in the UK to offer a plant-based alternative to cheese triangles!

Not merely dairy-free; it's also packing a healthy punch with added calcium and Vitamin B12, only 34 calories per triangle, it's satisfying snacking at its finest.

The Laughing Cow Plant-Based 128g is vailable at both Sainsbury's and Asda stores at a RRP of £2.50.

Strong Roots unveils five tasty plant-based ready meals for Veganuary

Strong Roots, the pioneers of plant-based frozen food, have done it again! Setting out the next step in their mission to make tasty, plant-based food for busy people, they are launching five bold, veggie-packed meals. 

Absolutely delicious and designed for those living very busy lives, each features only the best quality ingredients that are all sustainably sourced.

With their belief that food can be better and that vegetables are the best way forward, Strong Roots' goal is to make eating them as easy and delicious as possible, while also reducing people’s carbon footprint. Making the perfect solution for a quick and healthy midweek meal, each takes just eight minutes to cook from frozen, so just pop in the freezer and you’ll always have a super convenient and super tasty, plant-based meal on hand.

Here’s a rundown on each of the new Good Made Easy Meals:

Thai Green Veg Curry

Combining crispy, crunchy veg with aromatics of lemongrass, Thai basil and kaffir lime leaf, this meal has all the greens, along with some tasty Thai flavours with a mildly spicy bite. Just 329 calories and a punchy 9.5g of protein per serving, this meal is also low sugar, low salt and low in saturated fat, with a climate footprint of just 1.5kg CO2e/kg.

Veggie Masala

This plant-based cauliflower and chickpea curry is full of goodness. Rich in flavour, it’s packed full of veggies and has up 12g of protein per serving, all with just 326 calories. What’s more it’s high in fibre, low in saturated fat and low in sugar. Climate footprint of 2.2kg CO2e/kg.

Creamy Mac

The Big Daddy of comfort food just got a plant-based glow up. A food favourite with a vegan twist, this meal features a great tasting vegan cheese sauce and has a great texture. It comes in at just 448 calories, is low sugar, with a climate footprint of 2kg CO2e/kg.

White Bean & Lentil Tomato Stew

This white bean and lentil tomato stew comes with a protein punch that’s sure to sate your winter comfort food cravings. It’s vibrant with veggie colours and rich in wholesome flavour. Packed full with protein, at 19g per serving, it has just 280 calories, contains 3 of your 5 a day and, once more, is low in saturated fat and sugar, with a climate footprint of 1.6kg CO2e/kg.

Mediterranean Orzo Bake

Featuring grilled Mediterranean vegetables, premium Orzo pasta (which is rarely seen in the frozen aisle) and rich tomato sauce - this meal is pure comfort. Once heated it releases a bloom of spices that deliver big fresh flavour, and it also delivers on low calories (329), protein (12g) as well as being low in saturated fat and sugar. Climate footprint on this dish is calculated at 1kg CO2e/kg – the lowest in the range.

Sam Dennigan, Founder of Strong Roots says “We believe in going back to our roots to secure our food future by making easy and delicious veg-forward frozen food that is good for you and good for the planet. 

"With the time pressures of modern life it can be hard to make good choices all the time but that’s where we come in. Our five new plant-based meals deliver exciting flavour profiles and provide healthy and convenient plant-based options, all made with sustainable, quality ingredients. It’s ‘Good Made Easy’.”

On a mission to fix the freezer aisle, Strong Roots prides itself on providing a gateway to easier plant-based consumption, revolutionising the food industry in a sustainable and responsible way. A certified B Corp, its range of delicious plant-based options, are all sustainably farmed, shipped and sold, better for people and the planet. The brand also proudly displays its climate footprint on front of pack, showing all emissions generated from soil to shelf, ensuring it is fully accountable as a business and to its consumers.

In the UK the RRP. is a (in our opinion!) very reasonable £3.50.

In the UK all meals are available now from Ocado, Booths, Amazon and selected independent retailers.

Thai Green Veg Curry and Veggie Masala launch into Sainsbury’s during Veganuary.

In Ireland the RRP is €3.99

In Ireland meals are available in Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu, Centra & Spar stores nationwide.

Find out more: https://strongroots.com


Nutritionist Dr Naomi Beinart writes on ’Seven things to consider if you’re going to embrace Veganuary'

That's food and Drink would like to thank Dr Beinart for writing this feature for us as part of our series of Veganuary features.

1. Don’t neglect your thyroid health

Your thyroid is a small gland at the front of your neck. It uses iodine to make thyroid hormones, but if you are deficient in iodine then your body can’t make enough thyroid hormones. 

When this happens, your thyroid starts to work overtime to make these vital hormones and can result in overgrowth of the thyroid gland, called goiter. Luckily, if caught soon enough this can be reversed by improving iodine intake. 

Thyroid hormones are vital for so many of our body’s natural processes including bone health, metabolism, reproductive health, and brain health. As a nutritionist I have seen numerous women over the years who struggle with low energy, weight gain, dry skin and feeling cold all the time. While there is a lot to consider when someone presents with these symptoms, iodine status is the number one place we start and is often found to play a role in some of these issues. 

The primary sources of iodine are white fish and dairy making it challenging for vegans.  Seaweed is the only natural and plant-based source that provides adequate amounts of iodine for optimal function. Try Doctor Seaweed’s Pure Organic Seaweed.  Each 500mg capsule contains similar levels of iodine as one portion of haddock.

2. Make sure you are eating a good diet

Eat lots of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables which are high in antioxidants, which help to to protect against free radicals and keep us healthy. We tend to eat less fruit and veg in Winter, but there are so many tasty Winter vegetables and brightly coloured root vegetables (e.g. butternut squash, sweet potato and carrots) contain carotenoids which reduce inflammation and boost immune function by increasing disease-fighting cells in the body. 

So, if you enjoy being outside on these cold, sunny, Winter days, don’t forget your root veg soup.. One of the main challenges with a vegan diet is getting enough good quality protein. Vegans can get protein from plant based sources like peanut butter, seeds, grains, and legumes, and alternative products like tofu and soymilk also provide protein. 

Include healthy starches like  potatoes, rice, and pasta (choose wholegrain where possible) and have some fortified dairy alternatives, such as soya drinks and yogurts (choose lower-fat and lower-sugar options).

3. B12 is one of the most important vitamins for Vegans

Ensuring you have enough B12 you can make a big difference to how you feel, your energy levels and your overall well-being. So how can you make sure you have enough B12? This is far easier for people who eat animal products, such as meat, fish and dairy. However, even if you are eating the right foods, Vitamins B12 is notoriously hard to absorb. 

Also, B12 can be difficult to find if you are vegetarian or vegan. Some vegan foods and drinks are fortified with B12, and you can find some in vegan foods like nori and nutritional yeast. However, research shows that our B12 needs cannot be met from vegetarian / vegan sources alone (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5188422/) So, what can you do to make sure you are getting enough B12? Since your body can’t make B12, I always recommend a good quality B12 spray.  BetterYou B12 Spray - uses the most bio-available form of B12 (methylcobalamin) which is a naturally active form found within human metabolism. It is really easy to use and can be applied directly onto the inner cheek of the mouth. 

4. Ensure your immunity isn’t compromised 

If you’re someone who works long hours, with busy personal and family schedules, travel and frequent commuting, you will find that you are more susceptible to any viruses that are going around. Taking care of your immune system by ensuring that you aren’t lacking any vital vitamins and minerals, is essential. 

Public Health England recommends that we all supplement with Vitamin D to support and strengthen our immune defences and to support energy levels and mood throughout the Winter. Plus, Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, muscles and teeth. Mushrooms are one of the best sources of Vitamin D, together with some fortified foods. But it's best to ensure you have adequate Vitamin D levels by taking a good quality daily supplement, especially throughout the Winter months.  I like BetterYou Vitamin D Oral Spray

5. Don’t let your energy levels fall

Due to the absence of red meat in a plant-based diet, vegans (and vegetarians) are typically deficient in vitamin B12 and iron. This can lead to fatigue, headaches, dizziness and if left untreated, anemia. As well as eating a healthy diet, as outlined below make sure you are eating lots of energy dense foods that are rich in iron - nuts and nut butters are especially good for this. As well as diet, make sure you are adapting lifestyle changes to make sure you are staying healthy and well. 

Fresh air is always the best thing when you're feeling a little lethargic or mentally low. Getting outside and going for a walk in green space will allow you to clear your mind and get a bit of exercise whilst you're at it. Dr Naomi recommends, if you live in a city, try to head to a park or a larger green space so you can really immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the sunny weather, and perhaps listen to a motivational or inspirational podcast whilst you're out and about. 

Most likely you will come home feeling more positive and upbeat.  Also if you are just starting a vegan diet, try a  relaxing exercise like a yoga class, which is gentle but can leave you feeling really energized, upbeat and centered. Swimming is also a great relaxing exercise that is low impact and you can take as gently as you like - swim in the morning to feel energised for the rest of the day

Readers might like to check out the following links for further help and inspiration:-
https://shorturl.at/KY135 (Link for Vitamin D 3000 IU Oral Spray)

Now Vegan kids and adults don't have to miss out, because Swizzels has vegan-friendly sweets!

Now nobody has to either go without or, perhaps even worse, compromise their principles, because Swizzels has asked That's Food and Drink to reminds our readers that they have a range of vegan-friendly confectionery available not only for Veganuary but for the rest of the year, too.

And British sweet manufacturer Swizzels has already seen a significant surge in demand for its popular vegan range for Veganuary 2024.

So big is the demand that Swizzels has had to increase production to cope during Veganuary 2024, set to be the biggest yet.

Refreshers, Love Hearts and Drumsticks are just some of the vegan sweets flying off the production lines at Swizzels.

Other popular sweets from the range include Scrumptious Sweets, Curious Choos and Luscious Lollies (also known as Variety Bags).

Now in its fifth year, Swizzels’ vegan campaign “All These, All Vegan, All Year” celebrates all things vegan and encourages sweet lovers to opt for a vegan treat all year round, not just during Veganuary.

The vegan range is available to buy now from all major retailers and convenience stores, starting at just 15p.

You can learn more here https://swizzels.com.

Higgidy has the perfect range of products for your foray into Veganuary

Higgidy, the veg led everyday food brand and official sponsor of Veganuary, has the perfect range of products to help you enjoy your mission to go meat-free in 2024.

Over 75% of Higgidy’s tasty pies, quiches, rolls and muffins are veggie or vegan friendly and their plant based, planet-friendly range focuses on delicious and innovative flavours, top quality ingredients and real veg (there are no fake meat substitutes anywhere in sight).

Higgidy’s vegan range includes new Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices - butternut squash puff pastry packed with sweet potato and cauliflower, and bite-sized Spinach and Red Pepper Mini Vegan Muffins - with pine nuts and basil, made using oat milk, basil oil and butternut squash puree to create a deliciously moist muffin texture.

Higgidy’s tasty vegan range also includes a first to market Spinach & Roasted Tomato Sharing Quiche, made using oat and coconut milk, a Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Little Quiche, Vegetable Samosa Vegan Rolls, Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls and Mini No-Pork Pies which are packed with veggie and red lentils.

Stockists and RRP’s are as follows:

Sweet Potato Katsu Curry Little Lattices – 160g, RRP £3.85, available at Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco

Spinach and Red Pepper Mini Vegan Muffins – 160g, RRP £3.85, available from Ocado, Tesco, Waitrose and Abel & Cole

Spinach & Roasted Tomato Vegan Quiche -380g, RRP £4.85, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Booths and Abel & Cole

Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Little Quiche – 155g, RRP £3.20, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco and Abel & Cole

Vegetable Samosa Vegan Rolls – 160g, RRP £3.30, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Booths and Abel & Cole

Porcini Mushroom & Spinach Rolls – 160g, RRP £3.30, available from Sainsburys, Ocado, Waitrose, Tesco, Booths and Abel & Cole

Mini No-Pork Pies – 176g, RRP 176g, available from Waitrose, Ocado and Tesco

To learn more please visit https://www.higgidy.co.uk.

If you want sweetness in Veganuary, you need Sweet Freedom

Why? Because Sweet Freedom specialises in producing 100% ethical, sustainable, plant based products, and the sweetness from all of their products comes from fruit.

What's more, their products are free from the main major allergens and are free from any refined sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Over the years they have won many accolades including highly prestigious Great Taste Awards.

Their products are becoming increasingly popular amongst the home-professional baking community, for using in replacement of cocoa/sugar.

Reasons to choose Sweet Freedom:

No refined sugar or artificial sweeteners

All natural ingredients – the sweetness comes from fruit (specifically apple and carob, but also grape in their Fruit Syrup)

Made without allergens

No palm oil

Only uses Fairtrade cocoa

Vegan friendly

Low calorie indulgence – only 13 calories per teaspoon

Available on the Sweet Freedom website, Amazon, Ocado and major supermarkets/health shops

And you can celebrate and enjoy Veganuary with Sweet Freedom’s versatile, award-winning syrups and spreads!

Because Sweet Freedom, the brand known for their award-winning vegan syrups and spreads, is set to add some sweetness to Veganuary with their versatile range of plant-based delights. Their exceptional lineup of products stands out for being entirely plant-based and all natural. From delicious, indulgent syrups to heavenly spreads, each item is carefully crafted to provide a totally guilt-free treat for every palate.

Sweet Freedom maintain a no nasties policy, ensuring each bottle and jar contains only natural ingredients. Their entire product range is sweetened only with fruit.

It's superbly versatile, from drizzling over porridge, pancakes, to using in home baking and more besides.

There are simply loads of delicious recipes on the Sweet Freedom website, but read on for a few, here:

Honeee pancakes

Makes up to 10 pancakes, serves 2-3

Ingredients

    • 120g wholewheat flour

    • 240g unsweetened dairy free milk of your choice⁠

    • 1 tbsp baking powder

    • 1 tbsp Sweet Freedom VEGAN HONEEE⁠

    • oil for cooking

Toppings: your favourite fresh fruit, vegan butter⁠ and Sweet Freedom VEGAN HONEEE⁠.

To make:

    1. Add the flour and baking powder to a large bowl and whisk to combine.⁠

    2. Add the milk and VEGAN HONEEE, mix until just combined, please don’t overmix.⁠

    3. Heat a pan with splash / spray of oil over medium heat, once hot, ladle your batter to make pancakes approx. 4 inches round.⁠


Sweet potato pie porridge

Serves 2

Ingredients:

    • 90g rolled oats⁠

    • 420ml water⁠

    • 3 tbsp sweet potato purée*⁠

    • 30g Sweet Freedom FRUIT SYRUP⁠

    • 50ml dairy free milk⁠

    • Sweet Freedom CINNAMON SYRUP

To make:

    1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.⁠

    2. Once boiling add your oats and reduce heat to medium. Continue cooking until the oats have absorbed most of the water.⁠

    3. Once your oats are just about done cooking, stir in sweet potato purée, FRUIT SYRUP and milk.⁠

    4. Divide oats between two serving bowls and top with pecans, pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of CINNAMON SYRUP.⁠

*Next time you have the oven on, roast a large sweet potato until soft. Once cooled, peel the potato and place the flesh in a food processor. Blend until smooth.⁠

To learn more and to find even more great recipes please visit https://sweetfreedom.co.uk.

Coconut Tree Sri Lankan restaurant share vegan recipes for Veganuary

The Coconut Tree, the vibrant Independent Sri Lankan restaurant group with nine sites throughout the UK has lots of options for Vegans this Veganuary, including some delicious new recipes that you can even try making yourself at home.

And here are two of them:

Beetroot Mallum 

Difficulty: easy 

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Cook time: 30 minutes 

Serves: 

4  

This shredded salad-style dish is naturally vegan and promises a simple yet delicious at-home foray into some uniquely Sri Lankan flavours. The preparation is easy to follow, and the combination of spices makes this lightly-sauteed dish a standout. It’s a versatile addition to any recipe stack – try it for lunch, dinner, or even a savoury breakfast for something different. 

Ingredients 

50ml coconut oil  

500g beetroot, freshly grated 

1 large onion finely sliced 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

6 fresh curry leaves 

1 fresh chilli, finely chopped 

Spices 

1/2 cinnamon stick 

1 tsp chilli flakes 

1 tsp curry powder 

1/2 tsp fenugreek 

1 tsp salt 

1/3 tsp turmeric 

1/2 tsp chilli powder 

Method 

Place a large saucepan on a medium heat and add coconut oil. 

Add the curry leaves, fresh chillies, onion and garlic to your pot. Fry for 2 minutes. 

Bring those spices into the mix; add each one to the pan and cook for a further 3 minutes. 

Add the beetroot, mix well and let simmer for 25 minutes. Serve and enjoy! 


Tempered Pineapple 

Difficulty: easy 

Prep time: 5 minutes 

Cook time: 30 minutes 

Serves: 4 

Description: This Sri Lankan spiced pineapple is as easy as it is delicious – it’s the perfect dish to whip up if you’re short of time or have some spare pineapple to make use of. The savoury style of the dish brings a fresh perspective to this popular fruit and makes it a must try for those looking to explore Sri Lankan cuisine at home.  

Ingredients 

1 medium pineapple, chopped  

1 medium onion, sliced 

2 cloves of garlic, minced 

1-inch of ginger, chopped 

10 fresh curry leaves 

1 fresh chilli finely chopped 

3 tbsp coconut oil 

Spices 

1/2 cinnamon stick 

1 tsp chilli flakes 

1 tsp salt 

1/3 tsp turmeric 

1/2 mustard seed 

Method 

Place your pot on a medium heat and add the coconut oil. 

Fry the mustard seed, curry leaves, fresh chillies, onion, ginger and garlic for 2 minutes. 

Add the chili flakes and cinnamon. Cook for a further 2 minutes. 

Finally, add the pineapple, turmeric and salt. Mix well and cook for 25 minutes, then serve and enjoy! 

You can learn more about The Coconut Tree here https://www.thecoconut-tree.com.

You will find their restaurants at: Bath, Birmingham, Bristol Clifton Triangle, Bristol Glos. Road, Bournemouth, Cardiff, Cheltenham, Oxford and Reading.


Bonne Maman has some wonderful recipes for you to try for Veganuary

Vegan Strawberry & Orange Traybake

For the cake

Finely grated zest of 1 large orange

25g poppy seeds

225g golden caster sugar

225g sunflower spread

275g self-raising flour

2 tsp baking powder

12 tbsp aquafaba

4 tbsp oat or soya milk

For the topping

335g jar Bonne Maman Strawberry Intense

grated zest and juice of 1 large orange

50g shredded fresh or desiccated coconut

Heat the oven to 160C, 140C fan, gas 3. Grease and line a rectangular cake tin approximately, 26 x 20 x 5cm, with baking paper.

Put all the ingredients into one large bowl and beat together for 2-3 minutes until smooth, preferably with an electric whisk but a wooden spoon will be fine too.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and level off the surface lightly.

Bake for about 45-55 minutes or until a skewer pushed into the centre comes out clean.

For the topping, mix together 75g of Bonne Maman Strawberry Intense with the orange juice. Skewer the top of the warm traybake all over and spoon on the strawberry mixture, spreading it to the edges and corners. It will sink down into the sponge. Leave to cool.

Stir in the orange zest through the coconut. Spread the remaining Strawberry Intense over the cake and sprinkle with the zesty coconut shreds.


Apricot Intense Overnight Oats

two teaspoons chia seeds

150ml almond milk or apple juice

50g rolled oats

generous spoonful Bonne Maman Apricot Intense

sprinkle of toasted granola

For the speediest breakfast, put two teaspoons chia seeds into an empty jar.

Stir 50g rolled porridge oats into 150ml almond milk or apple juice and spoon onto the seeds.

Leave overnight and top with a generous spoonful of Bonne Maman Apricot Intense and a sprinkle of toasted granola.


Vegan Apricot Crêpes with Toasted Nuts & Seeds

For the crêpes

150g plain flour

pinch of salt

1 tbsp caster sugar, optional

250ml oat milk

1 tbsp melted sunflower spread or coconut oil, plus extra for the pan

splash of vegan beer, about 2tbsp

For the filling

60-100g mixed nuts and seeds such as hazelnuts, almonds, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin

pinch ground cinnamon or mixed spice

400g tub Greek-style, vanilla, non-dairy yoghurt

335g jar Bonne Maman Intense Apricot

Spread the nuts and seeds for the filling on a foil-covered baking sheet and sprinkle over the cinnamon. Toast in a hot oven or under the grill until golden brown. This will only take a minute so keep an eye on them. Set aside.

To make the crêpes, sift the flour into a large mixing bowl with a good pinch of salt and the sugar, if using. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking gently as you go, then whisk in the melted spread or oil. Set the batter aside for about half an hour if time allows, then finally whisk in the beer.

Heat an 18-20cm crêpe pan and wipe over the base lightly with butter or oil. Stir the batter - it should be the thickness of single cream - and pour a small ladle of batter into the pan. Working quickly, tilt the pan so that the batter runs all over the surface then hold the pan over the bowl of batter and let the excess tip out. Trim the lip of cooked batter away from the edge and return the pan to the heat. The base should be covered in batter but not quite thin enough to see through.

Let the crêpe cook for a minute or so until the underside is golden and comes easily away from the pan. Lift one edge up with a palette knife and carefully flip it over. Cook for a further 1-2 minutes. The flip side will only cook in spotted brown patches, not as evenly as the first side. Tip the crêpe carefully on to a plate. Wipe the pan with a little more oil and continue until you have used up all the batter. Keep the crêpes warm, covered with foil in a low oven.

When ready to serve, spread the warm crêpes generously with the vanilla yoghurt, add large spoonsful of Intense Apricot and finally sprinkle with the toasted nuts and seeds. Enjoy!

To learn more about the Bonne Maman range of products and to check out their other recipes please visit them at https://www.bonnemaman.co.uk

Pizza lovers looking for a Veganuary fix? Dr Oetker has you in mind!

Because this Veganuary and for the rest of the year, too, Dr Oetker has introduced two utterly delectable vegan pizza flavours that are sure to make your mouth water!

There is Dr. Oetker Ristorante Pizza Vegan Pepperoni-Salame pizza, plus the equally delicious Dr. Oetker Ristorante Pizza Margherita Pomodori.

They are easy to cook at home, just follow the instructions on the pack, but in general all you need do is to preheat your oven, remembering to remove all film from your pizza.

Then bake the deep-frozen pizza on the rack in the bottom shelf of your oven. 

Conventional 220°C 10-12 mins. Fan 200°C 11-13 mins. Gas mark 6 10-12 mins.

More detailed instructions will be provided on the packaging of your particular pizza. 

And then enjoy it either with your family, friends or by yourself for that little bit of essential self-pampering!

Incidentally, check out their other pizzas including gluten free varieties and if you are a keen home cook, don't forget the Dr Oetker range of essential cooking ingredients.

You can check out their entire range here https://www.oetker.co.uk

Incidentally I love adding Dr Oetker chocolate chips to my drinking chocolate at night, but that's probably just me!

And in case you are wondering Dr Oetker was a real person and in 1891, Dr. August Oetker founded the  family business by opening a pharmacy in Bielefeld, Germany where he perfected his first culinary product, which was a baking powder that assisted cooks to be able to bake perfectly. And the rest, as they say, is history.  

Don't want to give up burgers for Veganuary? Don't worry! Beyond Meat has your plate covered!

Here are some awesome Veganuary burger recipes because life is too short to give up beautiful burgers in January!

Leading plant-based meat brand, Beyond Meat, has revealed their ultimate winter burger recipes for Veganuary.

These recipes, made with Beyond Meat’s range of iconic burgers, are designed to look, cook and taste like meat and will allow meat-eaters, veggies and flexitarian’s to eat more of what they love, without having to compromise on taste or sustainability. They are the absolute perfect choice when looking for indulgent comfort this winter, these recipes will also provide inspiration for those looking to pop a burger on their weekly dinner menu this month and beyond, too.

Beyond Meat’s ultimate winter burgers include:

Brazilian-style Beyond Burger with Chimmichuri – made with the iconic Beyond Burger, this recipe is packed with sunshine flavours to brighten up dark January days. Sure to add a little zing, this recipe will appeal to carnivores this Veganuary due to its great meaty taste. The Beyond Burger is the winner of several taste tests including the Good Housekeeping UK’s Best Vegan Burger.

The Beyond Chicken-Style Katsu Burger – featuring the new Beyond Chicken-Style burger, that’s crispy on the outside thanks to the golden breading, and incredibly tender and juicy on the inside. This plant-based burger packs a punch with 15 grams of protein per 100g. The burger is loaded with even more goodness, a homemade slaw and a mouthwatering warming katsu sauce – sure to take the chill out of any cold January evening.

Double Caramalised Onion Smash Burger with Chilli Jam Relish – made with the Beyond Smash Burgers – for a thin, juicy and crunchy burger, this recipe is the ultimate Friday Night fakeaway treat. Loaded with plant-based cheese and bacon, before being topped with onions and a chilli jam relish to give brilliant comfort.

For more delicious plant-based Veganuary recipe inspiration please visit Beyond Meat, here https://www.beyondmeat.com/en-GB


That's Food and Drink would like to thank Gemma and Beyond Meat for their helping in bringing these delicious recipes to you, our readers.

Veganuary feasts with Napolina, Princes Fruit, Princes Plant Based and Trex

Veganuary is here and Napolina, Princes Fruit, Princes Plant Based and Trex have got you covered, with eight tasty, vegan treats to help get you through the month and beyond.

Spiced Ragu Style Vegan Lentil Lasagne

Serves 6, 1 hour 30 minutes prep

Ingredients:

1 tbsp Napolina Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Napolina lasagne sheets

2 tbsp Napolina Tomato Puree

1 can Napolina Chopped Tomatoes

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 large carrot, grated

2 sticks of celery, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tbsp oregano

½ tsp nutmeg

½ tsp cinnamon

½ tsp chilli flakes

3 tsp sea salt flakes

2 tsp cracked black pepper

150ml red wine

2 cans Napolina Lentils

50g plant based butter

500ml oat milk

½ tsp sea salt flakes

½ tsp black pepper

1 tsp english mustard

150g grated plant based cheddar cheese, plus more for topping

100g grated plant based parmesan cheese

Method:

In a frying pan on a medium heat, add the extra virgin olive oil, onions, garlic, carrot, celery, oregano, chilli flakes, cinnamon, nutmeg, sea salt and cracked black pepper and cook for 5 mins until the onions have turned slightly translucent.

Next deglaze your frying pan by adding the red wine then add the tomato puree, chopped tomatoes and lentils. Mix together well then leave to simmer for 30 mins.

In a separate saucepan on a medium heat, add the plant based butter until it has melted then add the plain flour and mix together until fully incorporated then add the oat milk.

Add the plant based cheddar, plant based parmesan cheese, 1 tsp cracked black pepper, 1 tsp sea salt and mustard and mix together well until the cheese has melted and the bechamel sauce is thick and creamy then set aside.

Next it is time to start layering the lasagne, begin by spreading a third of the lentil ragu out in a baking dish then place enough lasagne sheets on top to fill your baking dish then add a third of the bechamel sauce on top and top with another layer of lasagne sheets and repeat two more times so you have three layers.

Top with more plant based cheddar cheese and bake in the oven at 190°C for 45 mins until golden brown.

Remove from the oven and leave to rest for 10 mins then serve immediately with an Italian side salad.

Recipe by Napolina


Vegan Toffee Pudding

Serves 5, 40 minutes bake time

Ingredients:

100g Trex

100g Light soft brown sugar

200g Pitted dates

200ml Almond milk

1 tsp Vanilla essence

200 g Self-raising flour

1 tsp Baking soda

100g Chopped walnuts

Method:

Preheat oven to 180C/ 350F/ gas mark 4.

Prepare a grease lined tray.

Cook the dates in water for around 5 minutes, until soft.

Beat the Trex, sugar, flour, baking soda and vanilla. Add the almond milk, dates and chopped walnuts. Once mixed fully, pour in to a greased tin.

Bake at 180C for 40-45 minutes.

Meanwhile, create the sauce by simmering the Trex, brown sugar, almond milk and vanilla essence for 5 minutes.

Serve the pudding warm with the sauce poured over, and a dollop of vegan vanilla ice cream.

Recipe by Trex


Vegan Rocky Road

Serves 5, 40 minutes bake time

Ingredients:

140g Trex

5 tbsp Golden syrup

650g Dark chocolate

200g Apricots

150g Brazil nuts

125g Raisins

300g Malted biscuits

Method:

Grease an 18-20cm square brownie tin with grease proof paper.

In a large pan, melt the Trex, chocolate and golden syrup over a gentle heat until smooth. Remove from the heat and leave to cool.

Crush the biscuits by placing them in a food bag and bashing them with a rolling pin. Take the biscuits, apricots, nuts and raising and add to the chocolate mixture until all fully covered.

Pour the mixture in to the lined tin and leave to chill for 2-3 hours before cutting in to pieces and serving.

Recipe by Trex


Tahini Cookie

Serves 30, 15 minutes bake time

Ingredients:

260g Self raising flour

1 tsp Baking powder

1⁄2 tsp Salt

100g Trex

150g Sugar

3 tbsp Honey

120g Tahini

30g Toasted sesame seeds

Method:

Preheat oven to 350F/ 170C/ Gas Mark 4.

Place the sesame seeds in a small bowl and set aside.

Whisk flour, baking soda and salt in a bowl and put aside

In a separate bowl, mix Trex, sugar and honey until light and fluffy before slowly beating in the tahini. Add the dry ingredients to this bowl, beating continuously.

Roll the mixture in to balls – roughly 1 tbsp dough each. Dip the top of the balls in to the pre- prepared bowl of sesame seeds. Place sesame side up in to the baking tray and flatten. Bake cookies until golden brown for 15 minutes.

Recipe by Trex


Princes Plant Based Topped Bombay Potatoes

Serves 2

Ingredients:

360g cooked baby potatoes cut in half

4g cumin seeds

1g garam masala

2g curry powder

4g brown sugar

30g rapeseed oil

1 can Princes Plant-Based Chunky Vegetable Curry

1 naan bread cut into 4 inch pieces

salt and cracked black pepper to taste.

Method:

Boil potatoes, cool and cut into halves.

Spread the oil onto the naan bread and sprinkle with salt & pepper. Place naan bread onto a non-stick baking tray and into a preheated oven at 160c fan for 10 – 15 minutes until crispy.

Toss the potatoes in the cumin seeds, curry powder, garam masala, salt and brown sugar.

Heat the oil in a non-stick frying pan and fry the potatoes until piping hot and browned in colour.

While the potatoes are frying, heat up the Princes Plant-Based Chunky Vegetable Curry.

To serve, pile the potatoes into a serving dish, top with the vegetable curry and finish with the crispy naan breads.

Recipe by Princes Plant Based


Plant Based Mexican Mixed Bean Burrito

Serves 3

Ingredients:

225g thinly sliced red cabbage

180g grated carrot

120g red onion

9g chopped coriander

3g salt

Juice and zest of 3 small limes

6g white sugar

3 x Tortilla wrap

1 can Princes Plant-based Mexican Mixed Bean Chilli

1 pouch microwave rice

225g guacamole

Method:

Mix the cabbage, carrot, onion, coriander, salt, lime juice, lime zest, & white sugar – leave to one side.

In a saucepan, heat up the Princes Plant Based Mexican Mixed Bean Chilli, while you heat the rice in a microwave.

Pour the rice into the chilli and stir it in well.

Take a tortilla wrap, spread the guacamole onto it, followed by the chilli & rice mix.

Top the chilli & rice with some of the slaw (drain any excess liquid from it). Wrap in the tortilla wrap and serve.

Recipe by Princes Plant Based


Plant Based Lentil & Mushroom Bolognese Lasagne Serves 1

Ingredients:

405g oat milk

4g salt

1g nutritional yeast

30g cornflour

20g water

1 x can Princes Plant Based Lentil & Mushroom Bolognese

3 x lasagne sheets

25g vegan grated cheese (optional)

Method:

In a saucepan, add the oat milk, salt, white pepper and yeast and bring to a simmer.

Mix the cornflour with water then stir into the saucepan to thicken the sauce. Simmer for two minutes and then leave to cool.

In an ovenproof baking dish alternate layers of 1/3 Princes Plant Based Lentil & Mushroom Bolognese with the dried lasagne sheets. Finish with the bechemel sauce on top.

Place into a preheated oven at 180c fan for 30 minutes, until piping hot and pasta is cooked.

Recipe by Princes Plant Based


Fruit Smoothie Bowl

Serves 4, 10 minutes prep

Ingredients:

1 x 432g can Princes Mango Slices with Juice, drained

2 x 220g cans Princes Peach Chunks with Juice, drained

400g soya-based yogurt

1 x 227g can Princes Pineapple Chunks with Juice, drained

1 x 298g can Princes Mandarin Segments with Juice, drained

50g granola

Method:

Put the mango slices and half of one can of the peach chunks into a blender with the yogurt and blend until smooth. Alternatively, use a hand-held stick blender.

Share the smoothie between four wide bowls.

Arrange the remaining fruit neatly over the surface, sprinkling the granola in between. Serve immediately or cover and chill to serve within 1 hour.

Recipe by Princes Fruit

That's Food and Drink would like to thank Napolina, Princes, Trex and Adam for helping put this feature together. 

Please check out our other Veganuary features to source suitable vegan-friendly drinks to accompany these fine recipes. 

If you are a vegan who's missing their Amarula, here's good news for you!

Because Amarula has launched a Vegan Cream Liqueur!

It's time to put the margaritas to one side, because the hottest drink this January is the Vegarita. 

Perfect for warming up wintery days and adding a touch of South African sunshine. Have a try at experimenting with this simple and delicious cocktail recipe (see below).

Hailing from sub-Equatorial Africa, Amarala is made from the delicious Marula fruit which is distilled and aged in French oak for two years. This lactose-free treat is then blended with a velvety vegan cream to create the smooth taste of Amarula.

Given a 5/5 for flavour by Sudi Piggot, Amarula Vegan has won multiple awards including a Great Taste and a Double Gold at The Spirit Awards.

Try this recipe and impress everyone, even those who aren't taking part in Veganuary!

 The Vegarita

Ingredients: 

50ml Amarula Vegan 

20ml pistachio syrup

10ml lime juice

50ml white rum 

Recipe:

- Pour all ingredients in a shaker

- Add 6-8 ice cubes into the shaker 

- Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds

- Single strain into a rocks glass over ice

- Garnish with some crushed coconut bits


And That's Food and Drink says: And enjoy, repeating as often as desired!

Amarula Vegan Liqueur is available to purchase for £15.18 from Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amarula-Vegan-Liqueur-Plant-Gluten/dp/B09LQYT11P

Thursday 4 January 2024

Previous only available on restaurant menus, now you can Redefine Meat, too!

Because they have just launched into UK retail for the first time with Ocado.com.

Redefine Meat are the plant-based meat brand pioneering new-meat product for meat lovers, veggies and vegans alike. Previously, only available on restaurant menus, their first ever retail launch now makes it possible for shoppers to recreate their favourite meaty dishes, at home.

And what makes it even more tempting is the fact that throughout most of Veganuary (until 23rd January to be precise) Redefine Meat products will be 50% off on Ocado!

What do you do with Redefine Meat products? Redefine Meat have very kindly asked That's Food and Drink to share their Veganuary feasting recipes with our readers.

This January, take on Veganuary with a meatless twist. Redefine Meat’s New-Meat range from Ocado makes it even easier to eat plant-based meals without sacrificing on either flavour and texture. 

Try the warming chilli con carne, an easy one pan recipe that will have the whole family looking for seconds or the lamb kebabs that are perfect for your Friday nights in this January. The classic premium burger will have you salivating with a combination of melting cheese, pickles and red onion to make the perfect vegan burger, and there’s the showstopping steak and ale pie that makes for the ultimate winter warmer. 

Give Veganuary a go with a little helping hand from Redefine Meat’s step by step recipes.

Chilli Con Carne

Ingredients

1 package Redefine Beef Mince (250 g), defrosted

2 tbsps. (30 ml) oil

½ (60 g) medium onion, diced

1 (6 g) clove of garlic, chopped

1 (20 g) red chili, diced

1/2 tbsp. (8 g) tomato paste

1 cup (200 g) of chunky tomatoes

A pinch (1 g) of cayenne pepper

A pinch (1 g) of paprika powder

A pinch (½ g) of chili powder

Salt and pepper to taste

A pinch (3 g) of sugar

Tabasco

2/3 cup (120 g) kidney beans (canned)

1/4 cup (50 g) corn (fresh or canned) 

Method

    1. Heat oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the Redefine Beef Mince and stir well, separating any clumps of mince. Cook for 9 minutes. You may refer to the cooking instructions found on the product packaging as a guide. 

    2. Add paprika, tabasco, cayenne, chili, salt, and pepper. Mix well 

    3. Add peppers and tomato paste to the pan. Stir for 3-5 min.  

    4. Add tomatoes to the pan and season with sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes. 

    5. Shortly before the end of the cooking time, remove the beans and corn from the can, rinse thoroughly and add to the meat mixture. Cook them for just a few minutes.  

    6. Correct seasoning to taste.  

    7. Serve the Chili sin carne in a deep plate or bowl, with a crusty baguette, tortillas or nachos. 

    8. Bon Appetite! 


Lamb Kabab

Ingredients 

1 pack of Redefine Meat Lamb Kofta mix

1 Skillet Pita bread (see recipe below)

Tahini-Yogurt

70g (1/4 cup) tahini

40g *yogurt (1 1/3 fluid oz)

10 ml (2 tsps.) lemon juice

20 ml (1 tbsp plus 1 tsp) water

1 g (1/16 tsp) citric acid

Salt and pepper, to taste

Onions in Sumac

50g (1/2 medium) red onion

5g (1 tsp) sumac

20 ml (1 ½ tbsp) vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Charred Tomatoes

2 ripe medium tomatoes

Olive oil, to taste

Salt, to taste

Skillet Pita Bread

280g (2 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour

3g (1/2 tsp) instant yeast

6g (1 tsp) sugar

240 ml (1 cup) hot water

4 ½ g (3/4 tsp) salt

15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil 

Method

    • Mix all the ingredients for the tahini-yogurt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Transfer the prepared sauce to a squeeze bottle and set aside.

    • Prepare the sumac onions. Finely slice the onions and in a small bowl mix with the sumac and vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Put aside for later. (The sumac onions can be prepared ahead of time and stored under refrigeration).

    • Charred Tomatoes: Core the tomatoes and cut into 6 pieces. Place the tomatoes on a flameproof dish or surface.  Using a blow torch, char till brown, but not burnt.

    • Grill or broil the kebabs over medium heat for 4 ½ minutes on each side.

    • Place the skillet pita on a serving dish and spread with a generous amount of tahini-yogurt. Place the cooked kebabs on top. Garnish with sumac onions, and charred tomatoes. Serve.

For Skillet Pita Bread (Laffa)

    • In a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, knead all the ingredients at low speed for 10 minutes.

    • Place the dough in a clean, dry bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise for an hour.

    • Quarter the dough and form into four balls.  Let the dough balls rest for 10 minutes, covered and on a lightly floured surface.

    • Roll each ball into a circle 3 mm (1/10 of an inch) thick.

    • Heat a skillet or griddle on high until the pan smokes. Cook the pita on the red-hot pan one minute per side.

    • When ready, remove each pita from the skillet, and immediately place in a plastic bag until ready to use.


Premium burger 

Ingredients

1 package Redefine Premium Burger (2 burgers, 120 g each), frozen

2 hamburger buns

2 tbsps. (30 ml) neutral oil

1 cup (200 g) red onion, sliced

1/2 cup (100 ml) cider vinegar

2 dill pickles, sliced

1/2 cup (100 g) cheddar sauce (any commercially available)

1/2 tsp. (3 g) coarsely grounded black pepper

Preparation

    1. Mix the sliced red onions and vinegar in a small bowl. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. 

    2. Mix the coarsely ground black pepper with the cheddar sauce in a small bowl and set aside. 

    3. Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for 10 min in a covered pan, flipping them from time to time, until they are nicely browned and cooked through. You may refer to the cooking instructions found on the product packaging as a guide. 

    4. Build the burger. Spread both sides of the buns with the cheddar sauce. Place a cooked burger on the bottom half of each bun and layer with onions and pickle slices. Top with the other halves of the buns and serve. 

    5. Bon Appetit!


Lasagne

Ingredients

1 package Redefine Beef Mince (250 g), defrosted

7 sheets of lasagna sheets (ready to use)

2.5 cups (600 g) Polpa tomatoes

1 small onion, diced small

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1/4 cup (60 ml) dry red wine / vegetable stock

1 tbsp. (15 ml) olive oil

1/6 tsp. dried thyme

1/6 tsp. dried oregano

1/3 tsp. maple syrup / brown sugar

1.5 tbsps. finely chopped parsley leaf

1/3 tsp. sea salt

1/6 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

2 cups (200 g) grated mozzarella / vegan cheese

Bechamel Sauce:

1 L whole milk / vegan milk (unsweetened)

¾ cup (90g) all-purpose flour

1 large egg (to be 100% Vegan, substitute the egg with 4 tsp. of ground chia seeds dissolved in one cup of water. Use vegan dairy products, instead.)

1 tsp. (2 g) ground nutmeg

Preparation

    1. Prepare the new-meat sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium/high heat. Add the diced onion and Redefine Beef Mince. Cook for 9 minutes making sure that the new-meat does not clump, but browns evenly and the onions become soft and translucent.  You may refer to the cooking instructions found on the product packaging as a guide. 

    2. Strain off any liquid in the pan and return to the heat. Add the garlic to the new-meat and onions, sauté for one minute. 

    3. Add the red wine and cook for two minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, pepper, maple syrup and chopped parsley. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm till ready to build your lasagna. 

    4. Prepare the bechamel. Place all the sauce ingredients in a deep sauce pan. With a whisk, constantly stir the sauce over low heat, cooking until the bechamel has thickened and is smooth. Remove from heat. Pass the sauce through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. Reserve and keep warm. 

    5. Build your lasagna. Preheat an oven to 180° C. Prepare the lasagna sheets al dente, according to the package directions. 

    6. Prepare the lasagna. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 cm baking dish with olive oil. Line the bottom with a single layer of cooked lasagna sheets. Spread ½ a cup of the reserved new-meat sauce evenly over the sheets of lasagna. Cover with a single layer of lasagna sheets. Spread ½ a cup of new-meat sauce evenly on top. Sprinkle with grated mozzarella and top with half of the reserved bechamel, spreading evenly. Repeat this process using all the lasagna sheets and mince filling, end by topping the lasagna with the remaining half of the bechamel and mozzarella. 

    7. To prevent sticking during baking, skewer the lasagna with toothpicks. Tent the lasagna with a sheet of aluminum foil supported by the toothpicks, making sure the foil is not pressing up against the top of the lasagna. Seal the lasagna around the edges and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. 

    8. Remove the foil from the lasagna and bake for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Serve. 

    9. Bon Appetit! 


Rendang Pulled Pork

Ingredients

1 package Redefine Pulled Pork (200 g), defrosted

2 tbsps. (30 g) oil

1.5 (225 g) onions, chopped

1 cloves of garlic (7 g), chopped

1 packet (45 g) of rendang curry paste (Boemboe)

1 tsps. (7 g) sambal (or other hot sauce)

1 3/4 cups (400 ml) coconut milk

2 kaffir lime leaves

1 slice 3.5 inch (28 g) of fresh ginger

1 lemongrass stalk (Sereh) (55 g), braised

Salt to taste

1/2 (13 g) red chili, sliced

1 lime, cut to wedges

2 tbsps. (2 g) coriander

Preparation

    1. Prepare the rice according to the instructions on the package 

    2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the onion until transparent. Add the Redefine Pulled Pork and cook, stirring until browned (about 5-9 minutes.) You may refer to use the cooking instructions found on the product packaging as a guide. Add garlic at the last minute. 

    3. Add the curry paste, sambal, coconut milk, lime leaves, ginger and lemongrass stalk. 

    4. Let the rendang simmer gently for 15 minutes. 

    5. Season the rendang with a bit of salt. 

    6. Remove the lime leaves, lemongrass stalk, and ginger before serving. 

    7. Optionally, add more sambal to taste. 

    8. Serve the stewed new-meat rendang with rice, red chili, lime and fresh coriander. 

    9. Bon Appetit! 


Steak and ale pie

Ingredient

1 package Redefine Pulled Beef (200g), defrosted

2 tbsps. (30 ml) mild vegetable oil

1.5 cup (200 g) onion, finely chopped 

3/4 cup (85 g) carrot, finely chopped 

2.5 tbsps. (20 g) garlic, finely chopped 

1 bay leaf 

3 juniper berries, crushed  

Salt and freshly ground black pepper 

2.5 tbsps. (20 g) flour,  to thicken the sauce

2.25 tbsps. (30 g) tomato paste 

1 cup (250 ml) Guinness, stout, porter, or bitter dark beer (or beef stock for an alcohol-free alternative) 

1 slice of bread, spread with English / Dijon mustard 

1 rosemary sprig 

Pie Assembly 

1 Kg store-bought short crust pastry * 

2 egg yolk *

1 tbsp. milk *

*To make this recipe vegan, use a plant-based alternatives for the dough or milk. Substitute the egg with 4 tsps. of ground chia seeds dissolved in one cup of water.

Preparation

Making The New-meat Filling   

    • Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Redefine Pulled Beef and cook, stirring, till browned, about 6 minutes. You may refer to use the cooking instructions found on the product packaging as a guide. Set aside. 

    • In a clean saucepan heat 2 tbsps. of oil. Add onion and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, for 5-7 minutes. Then add the garlic, bay leaf and crushed juniper berries.   

    • Add the flour to the vegetable base oil and allow to cook through and absorb all the fats and moisture.   

    • Stir in the tomato paste. Pour in the beer and use a wooden spoon to stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the saucepan.  

    • Bring to a boil and then add the slice of bread with the mustard, and the rosemary sprig. Stir until the bread falls apart, 2-5 minutes.  

    • Reduce the temperature to a simmer and allow to cook until ¼ of the moisture has reduced.   

    • Add the cooked pulled beef and mix to combine. Cook for an additional more minutes.  

    • Remove from the heat and allow the filling to cool. 

    • Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease the pans.  

    • Set aside 1/3 of the pastry for the lids. Roll out the remaining pastry on a floured work surface until 3 mm (about 0.12 in) thick. Roughly cut the pastry into 4 or 6 pieces, depending on the size and number of pie pans you are using. Each piece should be slightly larger than the size of the pans. Gently lift each piece of pastry over a pan and let it sink into the base. Let the excess dough hang over the edge to help attach the pastry lid. Gently use your fingers to press the edges into the tins.  

    • Roll out the pastry for the lids until large enough to cover the pies and fill the pies with the cooled pie filling.  

    • Place a piece of pastry on top of each pie and use a sharp knife to cut the excess pastry from the base and top. Squeeze the edges together so that the pies don’t open during baking.  

    • In a small bowl mix together milk and egg. Brush the top of each pie with the egg wash / vegan alternative.  

    • Bake until the pies are golden brown, 45-65 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked pies and bake them straight from the freezer. Let cool slightly before serving. serve warm. 

    • Bon Appetit! 

To learn more visit https://www.redefinemeat.com.

Beat the post-holiday season blues with these healthy alternatives from Japan Centre

With the new year well underway, it’s no secret we all want a fresh start when it comes to our health. After the indulging and exciting period of the Christmas season, there’s no better time to look for healthy alternatives to kickstart our health journey.

Japan Centre, which is the largest Japanese food hall in Europe, has just what you need to curate that healthy lifestyle. From a range of high-quality food and drinks, taking control of our wellbeing has never been more exciting.

Whether you are taking on Veganuary, Dry January or looking for other ways to improve your health in the new year, Japan Centre has great options to help you become the best version of yourself! 

Japan Centre products to keep you on top of your health this January:

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Kodawari Tofu (RRP: £4.38)

Created to ensure the best quality, this tofu has been given extra care in its creation to ensure the best quality. Packed with nutrients from organically grown soybeans it is great for absorbing soups and sauces. Kodawari tofu was developed to maximise its health benefits, taste and versatility.  

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Momen Tofu (RRP: £3.59)

Made from organically-grown yellow soybeans, this tofu packs high levels of protein, calcium, and fibre in each sturdy block – an essential vegan-friendly ingredient. With excess water pressed out as it’s formed, this regular tofu is perfect for fried Veganuary dishes.

Vegan Kayanoya Original Vegetable Dashi Stock Pack (RRP £29.99 for 24 packs)

Using the highest quality vegetables, this stock is naturally rich in umami to enhance dishes from ramen and stew to soups and pasta. Simply add the dashi powder to your vegan dishes to add a depth of flavour this Veganuary.

Premium Stone Ground Matcha Green Tea Powder (RRP £6.35)

Start the year off properly with Japan Centre’s own matcha green tea powder, perfect for exquisite cups of green team, creamy matcha lattes, bubble tea, smoothies, and even mocktails!

Yamaei Matcha Green Tea Kudzo Jelly Pots (RRP: £5.55)

Refreshing and chewy in texture, this soft, gelatine-free jelly packs rich aromas and invigorating green tea tastes. Best served chilled, satisfy your sweet tooth with this delicious and healthy dessert.

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Natto Fermented Soybeans (RRP: £3.20)

These much-loved fermented beans of Japan and all their wonderous benefits are made from their very own organically grown soybeans. Packed with nourishing proteins and fibres, these soybeans provide a rich source of vitamins from the abundant fields of Spain where they are grown. They are the perfect addition to breakfasts or snacks, providing a bold flavour and a healthy alternative.

Chilled Japan Centre Vegan Tofu Hamburger with Mushrooms (RRP: £3.20)

Try a new recipe using these nutritious tofu hamburgers full of flavour. Combining tofu, brown rice, oats and seitan for a dense and wonderful hamburger texture. The meaty mushroom comes together with the tofu to enhance each burger’s herby, savoury taste. Low in calories, start your Veganuary off right with these healthy meat-free alternative.

Kirin Perfect Free Alcohol-Free Beer (RRP: £1.69)

This non-alcohol beer from the Kirin brewery delivers a classic, sweet taste packed with satisfying ingredients. Enjoy each sip guilt-free as this zero-calorie beer is rich in fibre and soy protect, reducing the absorption of fats and sugars. Wind-down the chilly evenings with this sugar-free beer.

Kitou 100% Yuzu Fruit Juice (RRP: £9.28)

100% pure, tangy citrus juice squeezed from Tokushima’s Kitou yuzu fruit. With no added sugar, yuzu juice is perfect for pouring and squeezing into all your favourite recipes, whether it be a marinade, dressing, sorbet or ponzu.





FACTFILE: Founded in London in 1976, Japan Centre is one of the largest and most influential Japanese stores in Europe. With a passion for supplying the best authentic goods, the Japan Centre has a range of over 3,000 products spanning food, drink, and lifestyle.

 In-store experts make Japanese sushi and hot souzai, and the fishmonger and butcher counters serve fresh produce cut the traditional Japanese way. The in-store bakery serves a large selection of hand made and hard to find Japanese pastries and breads, which are baked daily.    

In 2005 Japan Centre launched an online store, to bring a slice of Japan to those outside of London and the UK with over 3,000 Japanese and Asian products sourced direct from Japan and across Asia, making it the number one destination for those interested in the very best of Japanese & Asian food and culture.    

Japan Centre now has three food halls in Leicester Square, Westfield White City and Stratford, where it sells a plethora of authentic Japanese food ingredients and food to go stands, alongside a huge selection of sake, and is expanding into the beauty and lifestyle area with cookbooks, crockery and Japanese skincare products. The Leicester Square branch opened London’s first mochi bar back in 2021, where it sells all things mochi including doughnuts, cookies, pan bread, ice cream, daifuku and dango.   

The food halls have also been expanding in recent years. At Westfield White City, the brand launched a Sake & Oyster Bar in April 2022 to highlight how the umami flavours complement each other.    

For those looking for a slice of authentic Japanese cuisine outside of the home, Japan Centre Group has a number of restaurant offerings; Shoryu - Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen specialists and Ramen Yokocho - a ramen bar specializing in regional ramen from across Japan and Ichiba - Europe’s largest Japanese food hall.   

Tak Tokumine - Japan Centre CEO is a successful entrepreneur and a key figure in the specialty food market, Tak gained invaluable business skills working for his family’s steel mill in Fukuoka, before marrying and settling in the UK in 1975. From its beginning in 1976, Japan Centre has grown to become one of the most influential and well-known Japanese stores in the UK and Europe. 

https://www.japancentre.com

Fine Vegan dining at home with Viva! Vegan Recipe Club

You'll be able to enjoy absolutely delicious and nutritious meals during Veganuary and beyond with the wonderful recipes from the Viva! Vegan Recipe Club.

Photograph by Rebel Recipes
One of these recipes is their Thai Coconut & Lentil Soup, which they have kindly allowed us to share here:-

Preparation time 10 min, Cook time 35 min, giving you a total time of 45 minutes.

Ingredients

1 onion, finely diced

1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped into bite-sized pieces

3 cloves garlic, finely crushed

1 tbsp coriander seeds

1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp chilli powder

2 tbsp vegan Thai red curry paste

300g/1½ cups red lentils

1 x 400ml/14 fl oz tin coconut milk

800ml/3⅓ cups vegan stock

3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari if gluten-free)

1 stick of lemongrass, bashed with a rolling pin

3 kaffir lime leaves

2 tsp soft brown sugar

Juice of 1 lime

Optional toppings: chilli flakes, crispy onions, croutons, fresh chilli, fresh coriander, sesame seeds, sliced spring onion, Thai basil, toasted seeds, vegan cream or crème fraîche, vegan lardons.

Instructions

In a large saucepan, fry the onion and red pepper until the onion is soft.

Add the garlic and coriander seeds and fry for a further 2 minutes.

Stir through the turmeric and chilli powder and heat for 1 minute.

Add the Thai red curry paste and lentils and stir thoroughly.

Add the coconut milk, stock, soy sauce, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and sugar. Bring to the boil and then simmer for 20 minutes. You might need to add a bit more stock if it gets too thick.

Remove the stick of lemon grass and kaffir lime leaves before transferring the soup to a blender and then blending until smooth.

Return to the pan, add the lime juice and continue to simmer for 2 minutes. Taste the soup and add more sugar, lime juice and/or soy sauce if needed.

Add any of the optional toppings and serve with crusty bread.

And they have also released their own vegan cookbook, too!

It's called "Everyone Can Cook Vegan" and it which has plenty of delicious recipes to choose from. 

It costs £12.00 and you can order it here: https://vivashop.org.uk/products/everyone-can-cook-vegan

We'd like to offer our special thanks to Maryanne Hall from Viva!'s Vegan Recipe Club.

You can check out Rebel Recipes here: https://www.rebelrecipes.com