[Closed] Vegans?

My pleasure Mr Bagstard.

Red Dragon Pie (w/aduki beans) is another filling/comforting wintery dish I just remembered. Plenty recipes online for that one. Hopefully as kids get older then prep/cooking can be more of a family affair, they can help do stuff so are entertained, educated and you (potentially) save time all in one activity!*

*Discounting extra time spent cleaning flour off floor and sauce from ceiling 😉

Just replying to a post earlier - i think toys, Whilst some cultures could go vegan, there are others that rely solely on meat/fish to live. "Veganism" is a westernised ideal, most cultures eating habits revolve around their ability to provision for food based on the topography of where they live, so those where there is rich diversity of flora/forna/veg a healthy diet can be had, those where plants struggle, then people revert to meat/fish.

Skimmed through this when I got in from work this morning....hard to get emotive either way for me....we're talking about food that's all....you eat it, digest it and then excrete it....why that should concern anybody else is baffling to me.

I eat plenty of meals without meat in them, salads in particular and moreso in the summer....I think I'd struggle to put together a vegan meal though as I often use cheese if I'm making a meat free dish.

Some vaguely interesting points re. eating dogs, horse etc....always comes up on these threads, it's purely cultural which is why it happens in other cultures/countries...if you'd been brought up in a country eating dogs it wouldn't feel strange....but generally we don't do this in the UK so the thought of it does feel odd.

For the exotic curious there is a website called Kezie Foods and you can order pretty much anything on there although I've yet to see dog but crocodile, antelope, horse, emu, etc are all for sale and I've yet to try a meat I don't like yet and that includes liver, heart, kidney, offal ...for me that's the only reason for eating something, do I like the taste?

Selfish?....depends how you view animals, I simply don't put them on an equal footing to us and view them as consumables.
In the same way that I wouldn't interrogate a vegan on their dietary habits I expect the same politeness in return....generally most people seem pretty laid back about what they eat so I've never had any of these 'uncomfortable' conversations/confrontations that other posters have outlined on the previous pages.

Thread hijack but I wish people would extend their manners to pretty much every personal topic, I wouldn't dream of sitting in a restaurant questioning someone about their appearance or asking why they're fat for example but plenty seem to think I want their unsolicited, bigoted and critical views on my tattoos spouted in my face all evening....boring. To sum up, live and let live I suppose...and keep your opinions on the personal matters of others to yourself unless asked (or posting in a thread like this!).

kebabish?

Yeah I'd heard about that, but had forgotten about it so thanks for the reminder. Also just found [url= http://www.veggiestuff.com/meat-alternatives/vegetarian-vegan-kebab-gyros ]this[/url]!

they used to sell some of those in v-revolution on oldham st in manc, but now they're moving to edge street and becoming full diner/restaurant with no deli counter at all. maybe unicorn in chorlton sells it, i'm not sure...

I'm just surprised that after 3 days the vegans on this thread still have enough energy to keep typing 🙂

Bagstard, it really does sound like laziness (or lack of energy / inclination) rather than any real time limitation - sorry! Lots of us have a similar lifestyle yet manage to fit cooking in.

A couple of ideas:
* Get a slow cooker (just chuck the stuff in and let it do all the work)

* Browse the BBC good food website and look for recipes with low prep time - it usually doesn't matter if a recipe takes an hour and a half to get to the table if an hour and a quarter of that is spent in the oven.

* Cook in bulk at the weekend and freeze.

I think I'd struggle to put together a vegan meal though as I often use cheese if I'm making a meat free dish.

You can get vegan cheese. That's cheese for vegans, not made from them. I've never had it so can't comment, but I know it exists.

In the same way that I wouldn't interrogate a vegan on their dietary habits I expect the same politeness in return....generally most people seem pretty laid back about what they eat so I've never had any of these 'uncomfortable' conversations/confrontations that other posters have outlined on the previous pages.

I do wonder how many of these "preachy vegans" actually exist, it does seem to be an oft-laboured cliché but it doesn't really match my experiences. Offhand I think I've encountered two in my life. One was a full-on meat-is-murder all-men-are-rapists lesbian-but-had-a-boyfriend that I knew at university; the other was some random lass in a pub who wanted to have an argument with whoever would listen. I called her out and she had a proper rant at me about how my meat eating was cruel and all the rest of it. After about five minutes of "debate" I got around to mentioning that I'd been veggie for a decade, she went a bit quiet and sloped off.

Counter this with preachy omnivores, I've had more lectures and arguments from them than I've had (meat-free) hot dinners.

Thanks mogrim, I think...

Just to make sure we have the same lives, please confirm does your wife have post natal depression meaning you have pretty much a third child to look after? Has your youngest just started to walk and spent most of the last month ill and too clingy to put down? I do all the cooking, but I cook things I know off pat that I know my family will eat.

I also currently do all the cleaning, washing... so pardon my laziness.

maybe unicorn in chorlton sells it

Very much doubt it, but I'm boycotting that place in any case on account of it's rank hypocrisy in how they treat their casual staff.

Thanks mogrim, I think...

Just to make sure we have the same lives, please confirm does your wife have post natal depression meaning you have pretty much a third child to look after? Has your youngest just started to walk and spent most of the last month ill and too clingy to put down? I do all the cooking, but I cook things I know off pat that I know my family will eat.

I also currently do all the cleaning, washing... so pardon my laziness.

Sorry if I came over too harsh, and your earlier description of your family life (perhaps understandably) left out all that detail - in that case I can understand your lack of energy when it comes to cooking. (I still think you have enough actual time, but sometime's life's too short!). My apologies!

Thing is mogrim, cooking from a recipe only gets you so far, how often do you follow a recipe to a t and feel disappointed by the taste? When you are stood relaxed with a drink in your hand cooking can be a pleasure, you make little adjustments and taste as you go and you know when you get it right. Sauce too thick or thin you know instinctively what to do, but the rules have changed and the ingredients have changed.
It will take time and experience to get to that stage with Vegan cooking, by the time I am finally finished everything I am fit to drop and just want to sit down.

Meal plans at the start of the week and cooking in bulk to make home-made frozen "ready meals" gave me a lot more free time (and money).

I've a young family although not so young now, work 12-15 hour shifts do as much family stuff as possible and can cook meals too. That and between my wife we seem to cope, it's easy to cook a meal vegan or otherwise quite quickly.

[b]fin25 - Member [/b]

Bread is vegan
Skittles are vegan
Hobnobs are vegan
Apple strudel is vegan
Oreos are vegan
Pretzels are vegan
Some donuts are vegan
A surprising variety of biscuits are vegan
Beer and wine is increasingly vegan as are most spirits.

Turns out I'm more vegan than I thought.

I thought unicorn was a co-operative, it certainly used to be before the prices went daft.

I do wonder how many of these "preachy vegans" actually exist,

I've met One in my life, I've met more Omnivores who want to tell me I'm wrong not to eat meat. (Although TBF, that's getting rarer (hoho...) these days. I "insulted" one bloke by declining to eat his home made burgers at a BBQ once, he was right put out about it.

curious about vegan ethics, why is it wrong to use animal products but ok to use a computer, or drive, or use synthetic materials,etc all things that will have resulted in the destruction of the natural environment?

I've always thought it odd that people who do something to comply with their personal ethics get criticized for not doing everything.

why is it wrong to use animal products but ok to use a computer, or drive, or use synthetic materials,etc all things that will have resulted in the destruction of the natural environment?

Its fairly obvious there is a limit to what one can practically achieve whilst the rest of the world is not vegan, that is not really my fault and i am doing my bit

I always answer that sort of question with why can you boil a lobster alive but only a monster would do that to a kitten. it not hard to find "hypocrisy" in any diet.The comparison may be fair or unfair. I am amazed so many meat eaters try to do this when apparently we are the preachy ones who care what others do

You can get vegan cheese. That's cheese for vegans, not made from them. I've never had it so can't comment, but I know it exists.

I think it's because some folk think that Vegans (or people who've chosen a different diet) are judging them for not making that same choice, and people don't like being judged, so 'whataboutary' is sometimes the defence they choose.

I've always thought it odd that people who do something to comply with their personal ethics get criticized for not doing everything.

That's what I was trying to get at, well said. It's like donating to charity and then being berated for not putting your entire salary into it.

I think it's because some folk think that Vegans (or people who've chosen a different diet) are judging them for not making that same choice, and people don't like being judged, so 'whataboutary' is sometimes the defence they choose.

Sure, but there's something about food in social situations that seems to set it apart. For example, I loathe 4x4s, as a 4x4-owning friend knows, but he's never criticized me because I fly occasionally.

I've embarked on a new vegan + fish voyage in the last week (health reasons, figure it can't hurt to try it out). Been mostly meat free since around late April though so shouldn't be too bad, going to miss eggs though.
I do kinda see where Bagstard is coming from, you do have to find and learn a load of new recipes which means learning all those nice little tweaks too. Not a problem for me as I have the time and enjoy it but I can see how it'd be difficult to manage. I use quite a few recipes from threads on here which are pretty good and generally quite simple to do.

That's what I was trying to get at, well said. It's like donating to charity and then being berated for not putting your entire salary into it.

That was also well said and a good way to look at it

t's like donating to charity and then being berated for not putting your entire salary into it.

Spot on.

I think anything that helps the tiniest amount in reducing your carbon footprint is a good thing. Whether that is not eating any/as much meat, buying fewer products with palm oil in, riding to the shops/work instead of driving or turning off lights more. Its all good!

If it also means a creature, somewhere, suffers less, thats not a bad thing either.

It's like donating to charity and then being berated for not putting your entire salary into it.

That's a good analogy that I've never thought of before.

Cheers.

I think it's because some folk think that Vegans (or people who've chosen a different diet) are judging them for not making that same choice, and people don't like being judged, so 'whataboutary' is sometimes the defence they choose.

I expect there's a deal of truth in that. When presented with a vegetarian / vegan, some people just automatically expect to be preached at (probably because of the lazy stereotype we discussed earlier) and so immediately go on the defensive. Get the first punch in, as it were. "Oh, I couldn't do that!" Well, ok, I didn't ask you to, and don't overly care.

When presented with a vegetarian / vegan, some people just automatically expect to be preached at (probably because of the lazy stereotype we discussed earlier) and so immediately go on the defensive. Get the first punch in, as it were. "Oh, I couldn't do that!" Well, ok, I didn't ask you to, and don't overly care.

bang on.
but trying to explain this gets you into even deeper shit, i've found.

it's ridiculous really; out of all the other vegans i know, only 1 of them is actually militant to the point of actually hating non-vegans but if you get to know him, you find that he actually pretty much hates all humans, so it's fine!

but yeah, i'm not arsed what you eat. i'm not telling you what you should or shouldn't eat. or wear. please just don't try to tell me that my own choices are wrong, because they're mine and right for me and that's all there is to it.

Want a lift in to town?

No thanks, I'm cycling

What's that when it's at home?

Cycling? I ride a bike for transport 🙂

See, I couldn't do that. I love my car, me.

OK

I don't get it.

Don't get what?

Don't get what difference one person makes. I mean, I love my car and I could never imagine going all naked and riding a Victorian child's deathtrap just to make a point, to make myself miserable, put myself in danger just to slow people's cars down just to P them off! And what if it rains? Which it does all the time. Don't you get tired of trying to make a fallacious 'point', but really yr just cold, wet and in the way? Climate change is natural, so is motorised transport. It evolved. We evolved. Why try and be a martyr?

I choose to ride a bicycle. I did used to have a car but couldn't justify it for me. It's difficult sometimes and oncenor twice I get a taxi, but I get better at cycling the more I do. I actually enjoy this new lifestyle.

(Mock hands in horror) woah - preaching won't work here mate. Yeah I knew one of those once. Got his mate two abreast, proper ecofreak lycra-loons. Must be colour blind as they ignored every red light. Don't you get tired of your type on youtube? Proper nutters with a hundred bodycams - they just live to annoy normal drivers! I don't get it!

I'm not one of those I assure you, but...

I LOVE CARS! There, I said it. I'm going to buy a Bentley and point the exhaust at young trees and asthmatic children just to piss off the ecofreak handwringers. They're always preaching, let's see how they like it! Present company excluded. I think! Nah, you're alright. For a 'cyclist' (Shakes head laughing). Whatever next! Bet my exhaust smells better than your weird cycle-diet farts! Just joking! But no. Really... I saw this cyclst on youtube, he rode on the pavement and just wiped out this little kid. Just mowed it down! How does that help your argument? Being serious for a moment. And how is it wrong to drive a car which is made of metal yet OK for you to use metal? I'm curious...

Never had that one! Almost universally the response I've had is along the lines of "good effort" with the occasional "please don't get squished by a bus"

And I've worked with some genuine knuckle draggers.

Never had that one!

Me neither, but other half gets the omnivore vs vegan near-equivalent quite regularly. Tiresome, but hey-ho. Plenty of nobbers to go around on nearly every subject.

[url= http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/science-technology/vegan-scientists-discover-second-topic-of-conversation-%E2%80%A8-20170515127653 ]Random thread ressurection?[/url]

Spam based necrothreadsurrection?

Not that I can see.

Sorry folks, got lost in edits and semi-posted. This was a big job

How's it going OP? As promised either here or elsewhere on threads, finally managed to persuade Mrs MR to transcribe and donate her legendary lentil recipe to the STWinternets. I know a few of you are vegans, others are veggies and /or vegan curious. Others like me are food-addicts of various persuasions. I never really had lentils much except for dahl, but this thing woke me up to a lot of options. It serves as a 'staple' protein provider and healthy-option comfort food hereabouts. Have also added 4 variations on the recipe at the end, so it's really 5 different meals.

[b]That Lentil Thing[/b] (suitable for vegans)

This is a versatile, warming, hearty lentil casserole-type dish and is cooked in one pot. It has that 'thing' that makes me (vegan-curious, currently omnivorous food-addict) very satisfied indeed. I always come back for more and finally wipe the bowl clean with crusty bread.

It's a protein-rich dish and goes well with almost anything. Be sure to use the small, dark green or Puy-type dried lentils (see pic)

[img] [/img]

As it stands it's a very 'unified' recipe with no one overpowering ingredient/flavour. For this reason I've found it is ideally suited as a 'base' for other dishes. Once you've nailed it then go on next time to experiment with different veg, freshly chopped herbs, etc. Takes a couple of hrs to make so worth making a big batch as per recipe. Keeps and freezes well. Ideal for feeding large families, and on a budget.

Prep time: approx 30 mins
Cooking time: 1.5hr
Serves 8 people (or 4 if very hungry).
Reheats well in microwave.

[b]Ingredients[/b]

Cooking oil
1 x Large onion (finely chopped)
7 x Cloves of garlic (finely chopped or minced)
175g closed cup mushrooms roughly chopped)
250g chestnut mushrooms (roughly chopped) - or wild mushrooms for superior flavour.
1 x mug of dried lentils (use only dark green or Puy lentils)
4 x Fresh tomatoes (chopped)
1 x Red bell pepper (chopped)
1 can chopped tomatoes
Pasata (used to add liquid for consistency as required)
Half cup of carrots (diced small)
Half cup of celery (diced small)
1x 1/2 teaspoon yeast extract (Marmite etc)
1 x teaspoon cumin seeds
1 x teaspoon paprika
1 x teaspoon milled black pepper
1 x pinch of mixed-herbs (smaller pinch if mixed herbs have large percentage of thyme)
2 or 3 bay leaves
2 or 3 level teaspoons bouillon powder (I use Marigold brand)
A 'spurt' of tamarind concentrate (or 1/2 tspn of tamarind paste) or whatever prepared tamarind you prefer. Prepared tamarind pods are superior to concentrate yet concentrate works and cuts preparation time.
Pinch or two of sugar
Pinch of turmeric
Dessert spoon of Engevita Savoury Yeast Flakes w/B12 (these are ptional - adds B12 and an even more 'meaty' taste)
Salt to taste

[b]Method[/b]

1. In a large pan with a little oil - sauté the onions, garlic, fresh tomatoes, bell pepper, carrots & celery and bay-leaves until half-cooked/onions are becoming translucent.
2. Meanwhile - Make stock for lentils by stirring the bouillon powder into 1 and a half mugs of warm water in a pan.
3. Add lentils to stock. Bring to boil. Simmer until al dente and liquid has almost all absorbed.
4. Transfer the cooked lentils (along with their stock) to the sautéed vegetables
5. Add can of tomatoes and some pasata to create a soupy consistency, stir and continue to simmer.
6. Add the closed cup mushrooms until cooked soft, then add chestnut (or wild) mushrooms.
7. Add remaining spices, herbs and seasoning. Add additional pasata if liquid has started to cook away. Aim to achieve a firm 'bolognaise-type' consistency (see pic)
8. Add tamarind (and sugar to taste)
9. Cook on low heat until veg & lentils are soft but not mushy (the lentils will dissolve into a 'dahl' consistency if overcooked )
10. Add salt to taste if desired (I find there is normally enough in the bouillon and Marmite so stir and taste before a final seasoning)

Serve with any carb, veg, salad etc you like. They go exceptionally well with rice. I just had some with a toasted bagel.

[img] [/img]

Also use this dish as a basis for any:

[b]Vegan chilli[/b] (when cooking add much more cumin, plus oregano, smoked paprika, a few hot chillies, tom puree, kidney beans)

[b]Vegan bolognaise[/b] (when cooking add tom puree, Italian herbs)

[b]Vegan pie[/b] including cottage pie* (*when cooking use less liquid, needs to be all absorbed otherwise will turn soupy and leech into the mash making the pie a mushy mess! Otherwise cook as directed except add a few teaspoons of mint sauce and prepared horseradish or mustard, then put in casserole dish and top with boiled spuds that have been mashed/creamed with coconut cream and black pepper. Cook in centre of oven until mash is browning. )

[b]Vegan curry [/b](cook as directed except no celery and sauteé onions first for 25 mins or until caramelised. THEN, instead of mixed herbs use yr fave curry powder mix OR 1 tspn coriander powder, 1/4 inch chopped ginger, tspn cumin powder, tspn turmeric, 1 cinnamon stick, couple of cloves and 4 green cardamoms. Serve with yoghurt, rice and crushed chilli flakes to taste)

Cheers MR, I'll be trying that out

Cheers Rob, let me know how it goes, or any additions you might make? 🙂

And, bagstard, how did you get on with yr week-long experiment? Am interested to garner any ongoing experiences/recipes to expand my quick-dish repertoire.

BTW - This is a very good website for loads of vegan recipes:

[url= http://www.onegreenplanet.org/channel/vegan-recipe/ ]Food Monster[/url]

Cups? CUPS?! In a recipe that also uses grams?

It's not to late to seek a divorce, you know.

^ Marriage is measured by mugs. Boom-tish.

I'm fond of garlic, but 7 cloves is probably too much for you to be able to taste much else.

Also if you saute them along with your soffrito at stage one, you will burn them. I would adjust MR's recipe by making the soffrito, and adding the pepper, garlic, and toms at stage 5. (and to be honest, i probs wouldn't use pepper either)

pretty good/bog standard casserole otherwise though.