Omelettes are a favourite breakfast or lunch for many people. If you eat eggs, then choose free-range organic eggs for the best welfare. But for this post, we’ll look at how to make a plant-based omelette, which is a lot easier to do than it sounds. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it tastes good! It’s also free from cholesterol. Spicy Vegan Omelette (Delicious Magazine) takes just 15 minutes. Made in one pan with potatoes and gram flour. An ideal lunch.
Use vegan butters with no palm oil. Keep these recipes away from pets due to toxic ingredients (garlic, onion, leeks, chives, mushrooms, green potatoes/onions, faux cheeses and meats etc).
Omelettes are believed to have first been created in France (the word is French for ‘amelette’ (a blade of a knife). Apparently Napolean loved the omelette so much, he asked all the local eggs to be gathered up to make a massive big omelette for all his troops. Others say that the Romans first invented the omelette (adding the odd ingredient of honey). If you’ve ever visited the US, you’ll know that omelettes are a very popular breakfast there, huge ones served up with all the trimmings like vegetables, peppers, mushrooms and onions.
To make a vegan omelette, you have the choice of using a ‘natural egg substitute’ or ready-made egg replacement. There are a few on the market, and some are better than others (and a few are downright disgusting). The best ingredient for a vegan omelette is probably chickpea flour. Sold in all good shops (Doves Farm is an organic brand), this is milled from chickpeas and good to replace eggs in all recipes, and can also be used to make pancakes, light batters and flatbreads.
To make the perfect omelette, just melt vegan butter (with no palm oil) in a non-toxic frying pan, then add a little spinach and cook, season before removing from the pan and adding your beaten ‘omelette mix’. You’ll need a spatula to draw in the sides, then shake the pan to mix the batter around, before adding back the spinach and grated vegan cheese (if used). Take the pan off the heat just before cooked, as it will continue to bake, then season again and serve (folded) with your favourite accompaniments. Some chefs add a tiny pinch of turmeric to give the yellow colour (don’t use too much or you’ll turn it into a curry omelette!)
Simple Vegan Omelette Recipes
No-Tofu Vegan Omelette (EleVegan) replaces tofu with red lentil or chickpea flour (sold in all health stores) and spices, given an ‘eggy taste’ with Kala namak (black salt).
This vegan omelette (Crowded Kitchen) is made with chickpea flour and oat milk, using a special technique so the omelette casing easily holds up to the mushroom/spinach and vegan cheese filling.
Socca Farinata (The Simple Veganista) is a kind of pizza crust but if you stuff it, it kind of makes a chickpea omelette. Created by the Romans and French, this Mediterranean flatbread is a nice variation.
How to Make a Vegan Frittata
Frittata is similar to an omelette, it’s just made with extra ingredients including vegetables. The word is Italian for ‘fried’. Vegan Frittata (EleVegan) can be made on the hob or in the oven. Use up veggies and garnish with parsley and fresh herbs, and drizzle with red pepper flakes or hot sauce. Leftovers keep covered in the fridge for a few days (store leftovers in the freezer in containers for a couple of months).
Mini Veggie Frittatas (The Mostly Vegan) are made with chickpea flour. These feature broccoli, corn, courgette and bell peppers (but mushrooms, spinach, kale and carrots also work well). Add onions if you like them.
Sweet Potato & Kale Frittata (Home-Cooked Roots) starts with a batter of chickpea flour, red lentils, coconut milk and water. Then add your roasted spices and veggies. Serve wih breakfast potatoes, oven-roasted tomatoes or green salad, drizzled with oil.
Leek, Tofu & Harissa Frittata (Lucy & Lentils) is a spicy North African inspired omelette. Made with firm tofu that is spiced with mustard, garlic, pepper and smoked paprika.
Where to Buy Vegan Omelette Mix
There are a few on the market, using anything from chickpea flour to tofu. Add Kala Namak (black salt) for an eggy smell and taste. Or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavoured omelette. Terra Vegane Organic Omelette Mix only needs water to make quiche, frittata or egg-free fu yung. Just mix with equal parts water and pour into a pan.
