More and more people from different walks of life—celebrities, athletes, fitness buffs, among others—are adopting a vegan diet not just for health reasons but also for animal welfare and environmental protection.
Vegans don’t eat meat, poultry, and fish. They also exclude all animal products such as eggs, dairy, and honey from their diets. Foods or drinks with ingredients derived from animals, such as gelatin and whey, are off-limits, too. But veganism goes beyond food – it is a philosophy, a lifestyle. Due to ethical issues, strict vegans avoid wearing clothing made from leather, silk, and wool, or using cosmetics that have been tested on animals.
Going vegan has several benefits for our health. It may help reduce the risk of some kinds of cancer, aid weight loss, boost heart health, lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and lessen the pain from arthritis. Vegan diets are also richer in certain essential nutrients, according to Healthline.
At first, it may sound intimidating and difficult to go meatless. But there has also been an increasing availability of vegan products in the market for you to buy. And the best part is, you can even try experimenting with vegan dishes in your kitchen.
So what are some of the staples that vegans have to check out for their next grocery run? They can consume plant-based alternatives like legumes (peas, lentils, beans), dairy milk alternatives such as almond and soy milk, fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, kimchi, tofu, cereals, seaweed, etc.
Your vegan diet doesn’t have to be boring – it can be tasty and healthy at the same time. If you have decided to make the switch and say goodbye to the meat or if someone in the family adheres to this way of life, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the simple and delicious vegan recipes that you can prepare in the comfort of your home. Bon appétit!
Avocado Toast
Fancy a classic Aussie breakfast? Start your morning in a good mood with this quick and easy-to-do cult favorite that only needs a few basic ingredients from your pantry: ripe avocado, sourdough bread, lemon, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and a pinch of chili flakes. It’s not just a creamy and satisfying dish but also very Instagrammable!
Garnish this open-faced sandwich with colorful toppings such as sun-dried tomatoes, mango chunks, fresh parsley, basil, cilantro, or other herbs, and you’re all set for a perfect weekend brunch. Get the complete Avocado on Toast recipe on BBC Good Food. For a nice Mexican twist to this Australian brekkie, you can also try making the Black Beans & Avocado on Toast.
Vegan Banana Bread
It seems that many of us who are stuck at home have at least tried to bake Banana Bread, especially during the onset of the pandemic. Chances are, we’ve learned a few tricks in the kitchen on how to do this well-loved recipe. To make it vegan-friendly, we will not be using eggs, and we’ll be replacing butter with vegetable oil or sunflower oil. The other ingredients of this eggless and dairy-free snack are ripe bananas, brown sugar, plain or self-raising flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and dried fruit or nuts.
Toast the bread for breakfast or pair it with your favorite black coffee on your afternoon break. You can also bake a couple of these yummy treats for your fellow vegan friends, and they’ll surely be a big hit! Read the full recipe for making Vegan Banana Bread on BBC Good Food.
Vegan Pesto
Thinking of ways to use up a bounty of fresh basil in your herb garden? A jar of flavorful homemade Vegan Pesto is a fantastic summer sauce to compliment your pasta dishes, pizzas, sandwiches, soups, salads, and more. For this no-sweat recipe, you’ll be needing these ingredients: pine nuts, nutritional yeast, roughly chopped basil, olive oil, garlic cloves, and lemon. It’s traditionally made using a mortar and pestle, while others prefer to do it with a food processor.
Use this vibrant green sauce immediately or store it in the fridge for up to one week. Sure, you can simply buy a bottle of ready-made pesto from the supermarket, but it usually contains parmesan cheese (which is a no-no for vegans) so there’s nothing better than making it yourself from scratch. Check out the complete Vegan Pesto recipe on BBC Good Food. Love pasta? Toss wholemeal spaghetti with Vegan Kale Pesto, and surprise your loved ones with a healthy, mouthwatering meal.
Guacamole
Craving something Mexican on a stress-free Friday night? Enjoy your Netflix movie marathon after a hard day’s work while munching on some crunchy tortilla chips dipped in fresh homemade Guacamole. This chunky and creamy avocado-based appetizer is made of ripe avocados, tomatoes, jalapeño chilies, lime or lemon juice, cilantro, onion, garlic clove, salt, and pepper.
Zesty with a kick of spice, Guacamole can be your new go-to snack whatever the occasion is. This crowd-pleasing side dish is so versatile – it can be used as a flavorful dip for veggies, spread on sandwiches, or topper for salad, that’s why it’s perfect when hosting parties and other get-togethers. Why not whip up this famous Mexican dish before watching a big game on TV with your best buddies? Even your non-vegan friends and family will surely love it, so you’ve got to make sure there’s plenty for everyone! Click here to view the full Guacamole recipe by Betty Crocker Kitchens.
Noodles and Peanut Sauce Salad Bowl
If Asian cuisine suits your palate, this 30-minute vegan recipe by Betty Crocker Kitchens should be on your must-try list. Impress your loved ones at the next family lunch by adorning the table with something delicious and healthy at the same time. Oozing with rich flavors and peanut buttery goodness, this Noodles, and Peanut Sauce Salad Bowl is sure to tingle their taste buds.
You’ll need to prepare the following ingredients for this tasty dish: fresh broccoli florets, whole wheat linguine, carrots, bell pepper, peanut butter, rice vinegar, soy sauce, ground ginger, ground red pepper, canola oil, green onions, fresh cilantro, and water. Read the complete recipe here.
Vegan Pizza Margherita
All hail the queen of pizzas! Italy’s timeless favorite, the world-famous Pizza Margherita, is a classic concoction of basil, mozzarella cheese, and tomatoes. Legend has it that the Italian masterpiece by pizza-maker Raffaele Esposito was supposedly named in honor of Queen Margherita of Savoy, who had a taste of this pizza during her visit to Naples. Its ingredients resemble the colors of the Italian flag: green for basil, white for mozzarella, and red for tomato. The iconic Neapolitan pizza just got a vegan spin with this recipe from BBC Good Food, which uses plant-based alternatives.
For the pizza dough, these ingredients are needed: white bread flour, dried yeast, caster sugar, and olive oil. You’ll be using passata, fresh basil, and garlic clove for the tomato sauce. And for the topping, prepare vegan mozzarella-style cheese, tomatoes, and fresh oregano or basil leaves. Pizza Margherita is simple yet special – a dish that’s truly fit for a royal taste! You can find the full recipe for Vegan Pizza Margherita here.
Spring Vegetable Japchae
It’s so hard to resist our midnight food cravings when we’re watching our favorite K-dramas. Vegans are not supposed to eat Korean fried chicken or samgyeopsal (slices of grilled pork belly), but you can still enjoy your vegan version of japchae. This savory side dish is composed of glass noodles (or sweet potato noodles) stir-fried in sesame oil with beef and assorted vegetables. It is seasoned with soy sauce and brown sugar. Of course, you can make it vegan-friendly by omitting the bulgogi or marinated beef.
This Spring Vegetable Japchae recipe is made of dried sweet potato noodles, fresh shiitake mushrooms, yellow bell pepper, sugar snap peas, asparagus, baby spinach, carrots, yellow onion, and garlic. You’ll also need toasted sesame oil, safflower or canola oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and toasted sesame seeds. This popular Korean dish can be your go-to snack during your next K-drama marathon, or you can share it with the whole family for lunch or merienda. Check out the complete recipe for Spring Vegetable Japchae on The New York Times Cooking.
Cauliflower Adobo
Considered by many as the Philippines’ national dish, adobo is a famous Filipino cuisine or method of cooking that we grew up loving. This hearty stew of chicken, pork, or squid reminds us of home. Its wonderful aroma and distinct flavors (sometimes sweet, salty, sour, savory, or tangy) bring warmth and comfort to families around the world. Each Filipino household has a different style of cooking their all-time favorite dish; the regional variations of this Pinoy classic are endless, too.
Traditionally, the cooking technique involves marinating and braising the meat in vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, bay leaf, and peppercorns. For this vegan take on adobo, cauliflower will take the place of chicken or pork. Prepare the following ingredients: large cauliflower, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, bay leaves, garlic cloves, raw or light brown sugar, canola oil, black pepper, kosher salt, red pepper flakes, and scallions. Get the full Cauliflower Adobo recipe on The New York Times Cooking.
Good food and vacation are a match made in heaven. Imagine living your tropical dream life in a breathtaking paradise tagged as the Best Island in the World while enjoying delectable and nutrient-rich dishes. Practice some self-care by taking the time off to relax on pristine beaches, do sunset yoga or meditation, and pick meals that are good for your body. Explore the unspoiled beauty of Palawan – its limestone cliffs, magical lagoons, and enchanting marine life. Appreciate the diverse flora and fauna of this archipelago of more than 1,700 islands and islets. Give the new vegan recipes you have learned a try, and make it a fun bonding experience with the kids in the kitchen. If you’re too tired to cook, you can check out some chic cafes and restaurants in Palawan that offer a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.
Having a resort-style vacation home in the island province is also a lovely idea. In that way, you can find respite in a beautiful place any time you wish to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metro. Buying an affordable condo in Puerto Princesa is an ideal choice to make your dream island and city living possible. It can also be a great source of passive income if you rent out your unit to tenants in Palawan.
A Feast to the Eyes and Taste Buds
A plethora of nature and gastronomic adventures await you and your family on your next trip to Palawan. Why not make Puerto Princesa City your home base in discovering the hidden wonders of the country’s “last ecological frontier”? After all, Puerto Princesa is the gateway to other picture-perfect destinations in Palawan such as El Nido and Coron.
Camella Manors Verdant, a resort-themed condo in Palawan, will let you experience a blend of rural and urban lifestyle as you immerse yourself in the natural attractions of Puerto Princesa and other nearby places, use the condo’s luxurious amenities and access the public transport and malls in the city with ease.
Enjoy the perks and convenience of its posh amenities like the swimming pool, kiddie pool, fitness gym, clubhouse, play park, and commercial area. The Verdant also has security features like CCTV cameras 24/7 and an electric perimeter fence for your safety and peace of mind.
The Verdant, an RFO condo in Palawan, is the newest and one of the most affordable mid-rise condominiums of Vista Land located in Gabinete Road, Brgy. Bancao-Bancao, Palawan.
The 5,075-square meter condo village comprises two 7-story structures with a total of 532 units for both buildings. Each building of The Verdant has studio, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom units.
This condo for sale is just 10 minutes away from the Puerto Princesa International Airport as well as the Port of Puerto Princesa. You can go to beaches, hospitals, schools, malls, lifestyle centers, and other major locations in no time. Ongoing infrastructure developments in the area will possibly increase business and commercial engagements in the city.
Visit Camella Manors’ official website if you have more inquiries about the property. Come home to The Verdant now!
