Switch to these plant-based meat substitutes if you want to ditch meat

The shift has been appreciated not just in India, but abroad too. Recently, Bollywood couple Riteish and Genelia Deshkmukh also announced turning vegetarian and started with their own plant-based meat products, Imagine meats.

Change is the only constant and it reflects in every habit of ours. Whether it is about slow-paced move towards sustainable living or a thoughtful move towards healthy eating. Thanks to genuine concerns about health and awareness via social media and real life, people are now moving towards plant-based meat and say no to animal meat.
 

Jackfruit: The taste and texture of this exotic fruit is such that you can relish it like meat. In fact, many people refer to jackfruit as a vegan meat. Its meat-like texture and strands make it chewy and delicious. In fact, you can try your favourite meat dishes, just by replacing the meat with jackfruit. Also, make sure you take the tender jackfruit for cooking dishes and make sure you don’t boil it too much, this will ruin the taste and texture. Packed with nutrients such as fiber, proteins, magnesium, copper, potassium and Vitamin A and C. Right from boosting immunity to improving skin problems to improve heart health, jackfruit is not just delicious, but also a way more healthy substitute of meat.

Mushrooms: These little umbrella shaped fungus, which we generally use as vegetables, make for a delicious substitute for meat. The soft and mushy texture of mushrooms make for a perfect indulgence. Just par-boil and marinate with spices and herbs and cook, we bet you will not miss your soft fatty meat. In fact, the texture will remind you of fatty meats. However, to retain the texture make sure, you don't over cook the mushrooms. In fact, you can use mushrooms to make your burger patties as well. Another reason for adding mushroom to your diet is that these are rich in proteins, selenium, phosphorus and vitamin D, which makes it a healthy as well as delicious meat substitute.

Beans and legumes: In Indian households Rajma has often been a delicious substitute to meat gravies. However, if you have been missing those meaty indulgences that you can go for beans and legumes as a healthy and delicious substitute. Make delicious kofta curry or bean patties or spiced bean soups or salads, beans can amp up the taste of any delicacy. There are several ways to experiment with these healthy beans. Apart from that, these beans are a great source of plant-based proteins, which makes it perfect for someone who is on a high protein diet.

Root veggies like beetroot or sweet potatoes: Root vegetables are known for their distinctive taste and texture. There’s a nice crunchiness in these veggies and this because of their nutrient composition, which is loaded with fiber, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants. But what makes it a great food for some who wants to relish meat but in the vegetarian way is its crunchy texture. In fact, you can add these veggies to your cutlets, chops, patties, thick creamy soups and if you want to try it in the Indian way, you can make koftas, kebabs and even crispy fries by marinating with spices and herbs and then cooking these vegetarian meat substitutes meat. We are sure once you start enjoying these healthy options, you will actually end up ditching meat.

Eggplant: Another amazing vegetable substitute for meat is eggplant. Undeniably, the distinctive taste of this veggie makes it a great option for vegan meat lovers. However, overcooking this veggie will make the texture too soft. So, be careful while making this dish. From making delicious replacements for korma or salan gravy to making a nice option for grilled platter or an eggplant lasagna, there are several ways you can make this delicious veggie and forget missing meat. Not only is eggplant delicious, but at the same time, it is packed with nutrients like vitamin K, potassium, fiber, folate, protein, etc.