I learned to experiment a little, which for me meant not just relying on my trusty sandwich maker – adding sultanas or pieces of apple to a pot of veggies, then pine-nuts, cashews, a herb or two, some spices. Some “forgotten” veggies rose to prominence – beetroot baked in the oven, spinach, kale, carrots, zucchini, sweet potato (my current favourite)! Is avocado a vegetable? It might be a fruit.
I learned to buy my own tofu – and about different kinds of tofu and tempeh. I really like soy milk – all kinds – but I learned to try alternatives to soy products (at one stage it seemed that every meal I made was soy-based). Rice milk is good, and so is almond milk. Some friends recommended seitan. It’s chewy and delicious in a pot of hot veggies. I’ve also tried to eat lots of different kinds of beans as well as quinoa. And how good are chickpeas! They are sensational – you can mash them up and even make them into cutlets!
Vegetarian and vegan friends are important sources of encouragement and information. Swapping recipes helps to keep food fun – and the occasional dinner party is perfect for sampling new dishes – starters, mains, desserts. It makes sense to eat a variety of foods.
Some people might think that vegetarianism is boring. That’s definitely not my experience.
