Unlike many countries, England does not really have a ‘national food’. No longer the home of solely roast dinners and fish and chips, apparently England’s favourite meal is a curry (the Balti was born in Birmingham!) So let’s have a look at a few recipes that you can make yourself with everyday ingredients, if you like international cuisine. It’s all ‘peaceful politics’ by giving big supermarkets less profits for expensive, plastic-laden ready-meals – and good for animals, the planet and your cholesterol! Try this Vegetable Macaroni Soup (Full of Plants).
Use vegan butters with no palm oil. Use a reusable baking liner or unbleached parchment paper. Keep recipes away from pets, due to toxic ingredients.
Despite Vietnam not being one of the country’s on the media radar (apart from when talking about the war with the US a few decades ago), it is one of the world’s most popular cuisines (the country is a leading exporter of black pepper and cashew nuts). It’s also the world’s second largest exporter of rice and coffee beans. Full of highland mountains and beautiful beaches, it won’t surprise you to hear that tropical fruits are the main dessert enjoyed. Unfortunately animal welfare is not a top priority with this being one of the main buyers of bear bile (from moon bears), powdered horn (from tigers and rhinos) and snake wine (all falsely believed to increase virility).
One of the best places to find plant-based Vietnamese recipes is at the blog Full of Plants, from a talented chef and photographer from France, who always tests his recipes twice before posting. So dig out your rice pans, and let’s get cooking! Avoid steamed ‘chewy cakes’ for swallowing difficulties.
Red Rice Veggie Soup (Full of Plants) is a really easy-to-make ‘dinner porridge’. You can find in red rice in most shops, even supermarkets. Aside from oil and seasoning, the only other ingredients you need are carrot, mushrooms, green peas and green onions.
Easy Vietnamese Curry (Full of Plants) is packed with veggies and infused with ginger, garlic, lime and lemongrass.
Homemade Sweet Chilli Sauce (Full of Plants) is a lovely staple that you could use for all your internationally-inspired meals. Also use it to dip with vegan nuggets, or in sauces and soup.
Banh Mi (Full of Plants) is the popular Vietnamese sandwich. This one’s made with vegan sausage, carrot and radish pickles, along with fresh herbs.
