Being Vegan shouldn’t be difficult, but sometimes it feels that way.  In this blog I’m going to try and show anyone who’s interested that there is ‘normal’ life after veganism! Or even if you don’t want to embrace it fully, show you ways to eat a mainly plant based diet.

The blog is going to be a combination of exploring possible places to eat out, and easy to make at home recipes.

I have some great vegan cookbooks, but some of the recipes require so many ingredients that if you’re not ready for a full cupboard restock just yet then it could really put you off.

If you’re going to embrace this way of eating then it really helps if you like mushrooms and or aubergines because they can be your friends in the bases of many dishes.

It’s not the end of the world if they’re not up there with your wished for veg, (I don’t really like aubergine that much) there are always alternatives.

So, my first recipe I’ve called Mushroom Stroganoff because it does bear some resemblance to the one I used to make as a meat eater many, many years ago.

It’s very easy, quick and uses readily available ingredients.  It can also be varied for your own taste.

Mushroom Stroganoff for 2 very hungry people or for 4 not so hungry

Ingredients

650gm mushrooms of your choice

2 peppers, whichever colours you prefer

1 garlic clove

One large white or red onion

1 small carton vegan cream (I use Oatley)

2 tablespoons of oil of your choice

Paprika to taste

Marjoram to taste

200gm rice

Method

Heat the oil in a large frying pan

Slice the onion, add to the pan and fry on medium heat for 5 mins.

Slice or chop the peppers (I prefer sliced) chop the garlic add both to the pan with the onion.

Cook the rice as per packet instructions.

Stir the pan ingredients to stop them from sticking and cook for about 10 minutes or until the veg are soft.  Then add the carton of vegan cream and stir.  If you like sauce a little thicker I sometimes sprinkle some cornflour over the veg before adding the cream.

It’s at this point I add seasoning.  I like a good helping of highly smoked sweet paprika, a tablespoon of Marjoram (yes, I know that’s a lot, but this is about personal taste) quite a hefty amount of black pepper and a little salt.

By the time your rice is cooked the stroganoff should be ready, just serve.

The great thing about this recipe is, if you don’t like the spices and herbs I use, just change them to something you do like.  You can also add Nutritional Yeast which if you’re new to this way of eating you may not know about.  I’ll save that for another recipe, but you can buy it in health food shops or even some supermarkets.

I hope you enjoy the recipe.  If you want to know more about Nutritional Yeast, you can read my next blog.

Thanks for checking in to Don’t Get Mean Get Vegan.