With International Vegetarian Day on 1st October, we thought it would be the perfect time to talk Vegetarianism and how to enhance your dishes through herbs and spices online. Becoming vegetarian has certainly increased in popularity over the last decade, and there are many people who live the ‘flexitarian’ life – which involves being vegetarian for the majority of mealtimes but allowing yourself some meat when you fancy it.
Although some people are happy to switch between vegetarian and meat-based dishes, others are quite opposed. There are a number of reasons for this, but the common consensus is that meat is considered more delicious and vegetarian food labelled ‘bland’. This certainly does not have to be the case. Here at World of Spice, we want to help you spice up your vegetarian dishes and open up the possibility of more exciting cuisine, whether that’s at home or in the restaurant.
What is Vegetarianism?
In the simplest terms, being a vegetarian means that you do not eat meat, fish or any by-products of animal slaughter. Usually, vegetarian diets contain a vast array of dairy, fruits, vegetables, grains, pulses, nuts and seeds. Those thinking of going Vegan often consider a vegetarian diet to aid the ease of transition.
The Benefits
There are many pros to a vegetarian diet. This includes health benefits such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. As well as personal health, a vegetarian diet positively impacts the environment, as a plant-based diet is a more sustainable, causing less harm to the planet than one that includes meat.
There is the stigma that you can’t get enough nutrients from a vegetarian diet, but this is not the case. So long as you are eating a wide range of food groups and replacing meat with proteins in dairy, pulses, and grains, you will be able to get your essential vitamins and minerals no problem.
Spicing Up Your Veggies
We all know that we should eat our vegetables and if you’re vegetarian, or planning your veggie journey, they will certainly become a little more prominent in your diet. The way you cook your meals and the use of herbs and spices online can help to enhance flavours in your veggie dishes, turning them from ordinary to extraordinary! Yes, salt and pepper can make a huge difference, but there are so many other seasonings that can really make the world of difference and create specific global flavours, transforming your food.
Here are our favourite tips and tricks for enhancing your vegetarian dishes:
Stock Up on Herbs and Spices:
Of course, this top tip is first on our list! You just can’t go wrong with a cupboard full of seasonings to create authentic cuisine! Garlic, chilli, basil, coriander, ginger, turmeric - not only do they taste amazing, but they are a staple part of vegetarian meals. A little goes a long way, especially when you buy dried herbs and spices online. They keep their freshness and potency for a lot longer – more on that later.
Grill Your Vegetables:
Just like you would meat, you can grill broccoli, cauliflower, aubergine, onions and more! Be sure to season with salt, pepper and oil, then add your herbs and spices to infuse that delicious flavour. Did you know that grilling on a skillet with BBQ seasoning and paprika creates smokiness, without the bacon!
Sauté Away:
Add your spices to the hot pan with a little butter or oil and let them sauté for a few minutes. The fats will draw out the aromatic qualities, ensuring that when you add the veg, you’ll get a strong flavour. Good fats are your friend when it comes to vegetarian cooking! By adding a little olive oil or butter to the pan or tray, you’ll amp up the flavour, without sacrificing nutrition.
Slow Roast:
Cooking your vegetables on a low heat over time removes a lot of their water content and builds depth and intensifies flavour – think slow roasted tomatoes. Pair with beans and lentils for delicious Mediterranean vibes, packed with nutrition!
Try Tofu:
So many people believe tofu is bland but think again. It’s full of protein and extremely versatile. From stir fry’s to smoothies, you can use it for so many vegetarian dishes. Use your herbs and spices to jazz it up a little! We love pan fried garlic and sesame tofu chunks, check them out!
Dried Herbs and Spices
For maximum flavour in your vegetarian dishes, we would always recommend dried produce. Buying your herbs and spice online guarantee better quality, more potency, easier storage and cost-effectiveness. Purchasing dried herbs, spices and seasonings online and in bulk, especially for trade, is always cheaper than buying fresh elsewhere.
Dried herbs and spices are actually a lot more flavoursome than fresh. Good quality dried produce will always have a stronger and deeper flavour than fresh, elevating your cuisine instantly. Because of their potency, you can usually add less to your dishes, than you would fresh. Taste as you go to make sure your dish has the required elements ticks your boxes!
With dried herbs and spices online, they’re all processed and packaged for longevity and freshness. The flavour of dried produce will last because they don’t go ‘off’. However, if they are opened and kept for a long time without use, naturally, the herbs and spices will lose potency. Storing your produce in a cool, dark room will increase the amount of time they last.
Get in Touch
At World of Spice, our produce is known internationally for its delicious flavour. We always deliver the highest quality products, to aid authentic vegetarian cuisine. If you’re looking to buy herbs and spices online, we can arrange fast and convenient delivery to meet your business or consumer needs.
From bespoke blends to a choice of packaging, complete with custom labelling, our comprehensive service can help you achieve your culinary goals. For more information about our services and what we can offer you, please contact us at orders@worldofspice.co.uk, or feel free to call our team on 01277 633303. We look forward to hearing from you.
