Tips to Enhance Your Plant-Based Meals

PHOTO BY 621HJMIT ON PIXABAY

Looking to bring more flavor and excitement to your plant-based meals? There are so many easy ways to elevate your dishes with simple tips that make a big difference!

From boosting flavors and textures to balancing nutrients, these tips will help you make the most of veggies, grains, and plant-based proteins.

Massage Kale for Tender Salads

Massaging kale is a simple trick to make your salads more enjoyable.

Look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting or browning. Rinse the leaves well under cold water and dry them thoroughly. Remove the thick stems and tear the leaves into smaller pieces.

Drizzle a little olive oil and sprinkle some salt onto the kale. Use your hands to massage the leaves for about 2-3 minutes. As you massage, the kale softens and releases its natural flavors.

Watch how it’s done here:

Press Tofu for a ‘Meatier’ Texture

Here’s how to get the most out of your tofu.

Place the tofu block on a clean kitchen towel. Wrap it tightly to absorb excess moisture.

Set a heavy object, like a skillet or a few cans, on top of the wrapped tofu. This pressure helps extract the water. Let it sit for at least 15 to 30 minutes. The longer you press, the firmer the tofu will get.

Here’s another way to do it:

Use Plant-Based ‘Eggs’ for Baking

When baking, you can easily swap traditional eggs for plant-based alternatives. Watch this video for some popular options:

• Flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
• Chia egg: Combine 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Allow it to sit for about 15 minutes until gel-like.
• Banana: Use 1/4 cup of mashed banana for a sweet twist in muffins or pancakes. It adds flavor and moisture.
• Silken tofu: Blend 1/4 cup of silken tofu until smooth. It’s great for dense baked goods like brownies.