The new year is a time for fresh starts and new beginnings. For many, this signifies the perfect occasion to reset and improve their diet. A growingly popular option is to go vegan, even if it’s just for the first month of the year. Why? Cutting down on or eliminating animal products from a diet can have many reasons, some of which include being more conscious about what you eat or as a way to be more environmentally friendly. Besides, if you give veganism a try for an entire month, you might be more likely to stick with it throughout the year.
So, what exactly does vegan mean?
Veganism is a lifestyle that seeks to exclude, as far as is possible and practicable, all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing, or any other purpose. Put simply, veganism is about living without using animals. Thus, a vegan diet is one that excludes all animal products – that means no meat, poultry, fish, dairy, eggs, or honey. For some, it is an ethical decision, for others, it is a health decision. Some people even choose to go vegan for environmental reasons. Whatever your reasons for considering veganism are, the New Year is the perfect time to try it out.
If you’re interested in giving a vegan diet a try, keep reading for some delicious plant-based recipes to help you stick to your resolutions.
Vegan Brown Rice Jambalaya with Black Eyed Peas and Collards
Here’s a vegan version of the classic Louisiana rice dish known as Jambalaya. Developed by Phoebe Lapine, in partnership with The FeedFeed, this savory delight is made with U.S grown brown rice, black-eyed peas, and collard greens. This dish is traditionally made with meat, but it’s just as good without it. The black-eyed peas and collard greens provide plenty of protein and fiber, and the spices give it a nice hearty kick.
This Sweet Potato-Coconut-Soup recipe is perfect for a chilly winter night! It’s packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, and it’s sure to please the whole family. U.S. Sweet Potatoes are a great source of vitamins and minerals, and they’re also incredibly versatile. This soup uses them in a creamy, flavorful base that is sure to warm you up from the inside out. The soup is also packed with other flavorful ingredients, such as coconut milk, ginger, and onion.
Who said vegan food had to be boring? This delicious and easy-to-make brown rice bowl is the perfect example of how flavorful and exciting vegan cuisine can be! Packed with protein-rich roasted chickpeas, U.S. grown brown rice, and broccoli, this bowl gives you a nice dose of healthy fiber. Get all the nutrition you need and leave feeling satisfied!
Walnut “Chorizo” Tacos with Pickled Vegetables
A California Walnut chorizo “meat” is the base for these spicy tacos. Topped with pickled jalapeno peppers and radishes and finished with a squeeze of lime, these are a fresh take on traditional meat tacos. For a creamy addition, place a layer of mashed avocado onto the tortillas before filling them with chorizo and vegetables. Kitchen hack: Use a pizza wheel to “chop” fresh herbs.
Crispy Potato Wedges With Pea-Coconut-Pistachio Cream
This beautiful recipe by Sandra Schumann features crispy, oven-baked potato wedges that are served with a creamy pea-coconut-pistachio cream. The cream is made with vegan coconut yogurt, which makes it light and refreshing. The American Pistachios add a lovely crunch and the perfect amount of sweetness.
Looking for a vibrant, full-flavored salad to add to your recipe repertoire? Look no further than this Charred Chickpea & Corn Salad! The refreshing dressing made of lime juice, sunflower oil, vinegar, and cumin, goes nicely with the charred Chickpeas. An excellent source of plant-based protein and fiber, chickpeas are a beloved vegan ingredient that is also known for being naturally low in fat and calories. This salad is sure to please both your taste buds and your health-conscious friends.
Farro with California Prunes, Butternut Squash & Pecans
This fancy-looking farro salad features all the goodies: California Prunes, butternut squash, and pecans for that added crunch. California Prunes add sweetness and depth of flavor to this salad, which is perfectly paired with creamy butternut squash. This salad can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
