Vegetarianism/Veganism

Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan? I would imagine a few are. I've been thinking about trying to go veggie for years on and off, but have never taken the plunge, the main reason being the restricted diet and faffing aboot. It's so much easier to be vegetarian now, due to the wide variety of things available, but I think something simple, like a ham sandwich when I'm hungry, would make me fall off the wagon. Not so much willpower as convenience, though I would definitely miss some of my favourite meat dishes.

If you're vegetarian, was it animal welfare issues or health benefits which convinced you, and did you find it hard at first?

Maybe I'll give it a trial run for a few weeks to see how it goes.

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan? I would imagine a few are. I've been thinking about trying to go veggie for years on and off, but have never taken the plunge, the main reason being the restricted diet and faffing aboot. It's so much easier to be vegetarian now, due to the wide variety of things available, but I think something simple, like a ham sandwich when I'm hungry, would make me fall off the wagon. Not so much willpower as convenience, though I would definitely miss some of my favourite meat dishes.

If you're vegetarian, was it animal welfare issues or health benefits which convinced you, and did you find it hard at first?

Maybe I'll give it a trial run for a few weeks to see how it goes.

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I was veggie for nearly 15 years. Slipped a bit now but still don't go near any red meat. Main reason was animal welfare and the men in my family historically suffer from strokes and heart attacks so that gave me the extra push.
I never understood it when people say your diet is restricted. The opposite is the case. I loved being veggie and still think I'll go back.

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan? I would imagine a few are. I've been thinking about trying to go veggie for years on and off, but have never taken the plunge, the main reason being the restricted diet and faffing aboot. It's so much easier to be vegetarian now, due to the wide variety of things available, but I think something simple, like a ham sandwich when I'm hungry, would make me fall off the wagon. Not so much willpower as convenience, though I would definitely miss some of my favourite meat dishes.

If you're vegetarian, was it animal welfare issues or health benefits which convinced you, and did you find it hard at first?

Maybe I'll give it a trial run for a few weeks to see how it goes.

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I was a veggie for 20 years from the mid-80s.

There was no real convenience foods around then - a tin of veggie ravioli could be bought in Holland and Barratt for over £3 but that wasn’t an option!!

Taught myself how to cook and it was easy enough. You learn how to blend flavours of different veg and use herbs and spices.

The worst veggie food is the stuff that just tries to replace meat with a vegetable (eg cauliflower steak!!)

Restaurants are miles better now. There was a few specialised places like Kalpna but generally you got one dish of veggie “option”.

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan? I would imagine a few are. I've been thinking about trying to go veggie for years on and off, but have never taken the plunge, the main reason being the restricted diet and faffing aboot. It's so much easier to be vegetarian now, due to the wide variety of things available, but I think something simple, like a ham sandwich when I'm hungry, would make me fall off the wagon. Not so much willpower as convenience, though I would definitely miss some of my favourite meat dishes.

If you're vegetarian, was it animal welfare issues or health benefits which convinced you, and did you find it hard at first?

Maybe I'll give it a trial run for a few weeks to see how it goes.

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I'm pescatarian H&A. Have been for about 5 years. My eldest daughter went veggie at 8 years old (she's 20 now and vegan). The younger of my 2 daughters has been been veggie since she was 11 (she's 17 now). Anyway their influence and changes in family meals resulted in me and wife both becoming pescatarian.

Whilst I think I would struggle a little without fish I really don't miss meat, especially the processed stuff like bacon, ham, etc.

There are some really good 'substitute' foods around these days. I would challenge anybody to try a full Scottish breakfast at Glasvegan in Glasgow and tell me it's not good. Possibly the best cooked breakfast I've ever had!!!

I don't preach to anybody about the benefits but do think people should at least consider cutting back on their meat intake by having a veggie or vegan at least once or twice a week. It's good for the planet and good for your health so should be a no brainer.

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Originally Posted by Colr

I was a veggie for 20 years from the mid-80s.

There was no real convenience foods around then - a tin of veggie ravioli could be bought in Holland and Barratt for over £3 but that wasn’t an option!!

Taught myself how to cook and it was easy enough. You learn how to blend flavours of different veg and use herbs and spices.

The worst veggie food is the stuff that just tries to replace meat with a vegetable (eg cauliflower steak!!)

Restaurants are miles better now. There was a few specialised places like Kalpna but generally you got one dish of veggie “option”.

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Aye at £12 - £15 a pop that one is a joke.

There are some really good substitutes though. I love veggie haggis and veggie black pudding. Tasty food with none of the ***** in it!

Never seen veggie black pudding but veggie haggis is good.

Don't really eat red meat and will think hard about continuing to eat chicken once we're in the US. Not planning to give up fish, and will never, ever, stop eating cheese. Agree with everyone else that veggie haggis is good, though I doubt it's healthy.

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is anyone here a vegetarian or vegan? I would imagine a few are. I've been thinking about trying to go veggie for years on and off, but have never taken the plunge, the main reason being the restricted diet and faffing aboot. It's so much easier to be vegetarian now, due to the wide variety of things available, but I think something simple, like a ham sandwich when I'm hungry, would make me fall off the wagon. Not so much willpower as convenience, though I would definitely miss some of my favourite meat dishes.

If you're vegetarian, was it animal welfare issues or health benefits which convinced you, and did you find it hard at first?

Maybe I'll give it a trial run for a few weeks to see how it goes.

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After being a committed carnivore all my life , I gave up meat at the start of this year. My wife has been veggie since a young age..but I had never once considered it...for a change of nutrition we did veganuary this year - month of vegan food..I found my body felt much better for it..so I did another couple of months..again, feeling good - and enjoying different food - I decided to keep up veggie (not our vegan) food..still at it .

I have added fish back in - just to add to the variety. Surprised that I’m not missing meat. Not even a bacon roll or a steak ..Definitely feel a lot better for it..it was simply about change of nutrition for me - not about animal welfare.

Have no interest currently in eating meat...

I'm neither, but have certainly consumed less meat than before over the past couple of years. It's not even been a conscious "now we must eat less meat" thing, it has just sort of happened.

Meat here costs - in the main - a bloody fortune so we have red meat once or twice a month max and chicken or pork once or twice a week max as well. The days of meat being the absolute centrepiece of the dish with some token, tasteless veggies on the side are also no more.

Is that Quorn stuff any good?

I eat much less meat than I used to. As a family we are probably averaging 3-4 meat free evening meals a week and I rarely eat meat at lunchtime.

I enjoy cooking and I'm fairly competent and removing meat is a great way to incorporate new flavours and ideas into cooking. The main driver for me is the environmental impact of the meat industry, the figures are scary.

Whether I could go full blown veggie or vegan is another question? I'm not sure I could manage it at the moment.

Pescatarian here - dont miss meat in the slightest, although cant deny a fillet steak smells bloody amazing

Body feels way better for it too

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is that Quorn stuff any good?

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Yes. It is. As is Tofu..but it is all about the seasoning and other ingredients.

A Tofu Pad Thai is now one of my favourite meals ....

Although, personally, I focus more on beans and pulses and great salads etc. Rather than meat substitutes too much ..greater variety ....

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is that Quorn stuff any good?

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It was a great improvement on Linda McCartney’s salt and soya rubbish when it came out.

They shape it an colour it but, in the end, it all tastes like quorn.

The sausages are OK.

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Originally Posted by Colr

It was a great improvement on Linda McCartney’s salt and soya rubbish when it came out.

They shape it an colour it but, in the end, it all tastes like quorn.

The sausages are OK.

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Some of McCartney’s veggie sausages are good imho....

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Originally Posted by bigwheel

Some of McCartney’s veggie sausages are good imho....

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I’m not keen on them. The sausage rolls where OK.

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Originally Posted by Colr

I’m not keen on them. The sausage rolls where OK.

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I like the “rosemary and onion” (I think ) ones....

You get an amazing vegan bacon which is made of smoked tempeh.

It’s really hard to get, though. The 13th Note pub in Glasgow used to do bacon butties with it and there was a wee shop on Bath Street that would stock it and be sold out in a morning.

If they’re still making it, they would definitely benefit from some capital to grow the business.

I would never consider going veggie, I'd really struggle not eating meat.
Each to their own though.

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Originally Posted by stoneyburn hibs

I would never consider going veggie, I'd really struggle not eating meat.
Each to their own though.

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That would have been me 12 months ago ..... much easier than I ever imagined. I’ve given up refined sugar to help weight loss - that is much harder ! [emoji2]

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Originally Posted by Colr

I was a veggie for 20 years from the mid-80s.

There was no real convenience foods around then - a tin of veggie ravioli could be bought in Holland and Barratt for over £3 but that wasn’t an option!!

Taught myself how to cook and it was easy enough. You learn how to blend flavours of different veg and use herbs and spices.

The worst veggie food is the stuff that just tries to replace meat with a vegetable (eg cauliflower steak!!)

Restaurants are miles better now. There was a few specialised places like Kalpna but generally you got one dish of veggie “option”.

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When I was a bit younger I was in a relationship living with a vegetarian so I stopped eating meat to make things simpler.

It definitely, definitely expanded my knowledge of spices, herbs and seasonings.

There are very few cuisines that can’t be made without meat and some - certain Indian regionalities, eastern Med, even Mexican - where you would struggle to notice you aren’t eating meat at all.

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Originally Posted by bigwheel

That would have been me 12 months ago ..... much easier than I ever imagined. I’ve given up refined sugar to help weight loss - that is much harder ! [emoji2]

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Fair play mate, do you feel better/healthier without meat ?

I wouldn't have thought that there would be any difference (apart from passing wind) that you would feel physically.

I'm completely ignorant to the veggie cause, so interesting to hear.

Side note: I'm buying tripe today, to eat tomorrow as my wife is working. Eat what you want day 😁

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Originally Posted by Colr

You get an amazing vegan bacon which is made of smoked tempeh.

It’s really hard to get, though. The 13th Note pub in Glasgow used to do bacon butties with it and there was a wee shop on Bath Street that would stock it and be sold out in a morning.

If they’re still making it, they would definitely benefit from some capital to grow the business.

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Asda sell veggie bacon - can't say it one of my favourites tho!

I’m not a veggie nor think that I would ever become one but I do have an interest in the revolution that’s slowly coming to the fore in the food chain.

I came across this company the other day as another example of how humans are starting to move beyond rearing or hunting animals for food.

https://www.bluenalu.com

It’s privately held but I have exposure through an investment company called Agronomics (small AIM listed vehicle that has Jim Mellon as a director).

I know most veggies are so simply because they are happy not to eat meat but I’m curious if those that are so because of animal welfare / environmental impacts in particular would change if the meat (or in this case fish) was ‘grown’ rather than farmed.

Ultimately I see lab grown meat and fish and the likes of vertical farming becoming commonplace as it has many many advantages over the more traditional methods.

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Originally Posted by RyeSloan

I’m not a veggie nor think that I would ever become one but I do have an interest in the revolution that’s slowly coming to the fore in the food chain.

I came across this company the other day as another example of how humans are starting to move beyond rearing or hunting animals for food.

https://www.bluenalu.com

It’s privately held but I have exposure through an investment company called Agronomics (small AIM listed vehicle that has Jim Mellon as a director).

I know most veggies are so simply because they are happy not to eat meat but I’m curious if those that are so because of animal welfare / environmental impacts in particular would change if the meat (or in this case fish) was ‘grown’ rather than farmed.

Ultimately I see lab grown meat and fish and the likes of vertical farming becoming commonplace as it has many many advantages over the more traditional methods.

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I think you’re right. My only concern is I’ve seen Soylent Green :-)

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Originally Posted by stoneyburn hibs

Fair play mate, do you feel better/healthier without meat ?

I wouldn't have thought that there would be any difference (apart from passing wind) that you would feel physically.

I'm completely ignorant to the veggie cause, so interesting to hear.

Side note: I'm buying tripe today, to eat tomorrow as my wife is working. Eat what you want day [emoji16]

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I find my body feels much less bloated after eating..quite different actually - lighter ..and I am actually enjoying food more. More variety , different tastes ..

Not had tripe since au was a kid - couldn’t eat it - even when I was eating meat - done well , people seem to still love it ..

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Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye

I think you’re right. My only concern is I’ve seen Soylent Green :-)

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Aha well a film I’ve not seen for long time but if I recall its plot correctly I’m saying this stuff will prevent such a thing from coming reality.

I was actually quite excited (yes I occasionally get excited at company announcements! [emoji2957]) the other day when the news was released re BlueNalu’s scaled up production facilities...the thought of being able to supply fresh, healthy, non polluted seafood to the masses without having to take the stuff from the ocean seemed to me to be a real glimpse of the future.

A future where humans can leave the oceans alone yet still eat as much fish n chips as we want without the need for trawlers dredging the ocean of life or one where McDonald’s serves burgers without having to kill a single cow might still be one with mucho calories but at least we will only be killing ourselves rather than the planet and it’s animals as well [emoji3]

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Originally Posted by RyeSloan

Aha well a film I’ve not seen for long time but if I recall its plot correctly I’m saying this stuff will prevent such a thing from coming reality.

I was actually quite excited (yes I occasionally get excited at company announcements! [emoji2957]) the other day when the news was released re BlueNalu’s scaled up production facilities...the thought of being able to supply fresh, healthy, non polluted seafood to the masses without having to take the stuff from the ocean seemed to me to be a real glimpse of the future.

A future where humans can leave the oceans alone yet still eat as much fish n chips as we want without the need for trawlers dredging the ocean of life or one where McDonald’s serves burgers without having to kill a single cow might still be one with mucho calories but at least we will only be killing ourselves rather than the planet and it’s animals as well [emoji3]

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Yes, good post, we have exploited the land to a horrendous degree and it is fascinating to read the reporting on Macron and the Brazilian rain forests and the suggestion that Western ‘concern’ is more of an attempt to block off competition in agriculture.

The oceans are an incredible resource and one that as a species we don’t fully understand. Hopefully science and progressive thinking trumps the rapacious nature that humanity has shown over the centuries!

Can anyone recommend a good website for quick and tasty veggie recipes?

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Originally Posted by RyeSloan

I’m not a veggie nor think that I would ever become one but I do have an interest in the revolution that’s slowly coming to the fore in the food chain.

I came across this company the other day as another example of how humans are starting to move beyond rearing or hunting animals for food.

https://www.bluenalu.com

It’s privately held but I have exposure through an investment company called Agronomics (small AIM listed vehicle that has Jim Mellon as a director).

I know most veggies are so simply because they are happy not to eat meat but I’m curious if those that are so because of animal welfare / environmental impacts in particular would change if the meat (or in this case fish) was ‘grown’ rather than farmed.

Ultimately I see lab grown meat and fish and the likes of vertical farming becoming commonplace as it has many many advantages over the more traditional methods.

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For me vertical farming is a logical step given population density in some areas, though hopefully we'll always appreciate in-season, traditionally grown produce.

There's a huge movement here for returning to a market of proximity, ie. avoiding big distribution/supermarkets by buying and selling directly and locally, cutting out the middle man/men as well as the need for long distance transportation and the manipulation of produce to increase it's shelf life.

This is obviously easier in rural areas, and it's not necessarily cheaper, but there's a marked improvement in the produce as well as the peace of mind of knowing exactly where what you are eating comes from and what has been done to it.

This applies to meat, fish & veg.

I don't know if I'd be able to trust laboratory produced meat.

I'm neither, but for any vegans out there, there is a vegan Hotel opened in Pitlochry.

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Originally Posted by Mr Grieves

Can anyone recommend a good website for quick and tasty veggie recipes?

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You can go onto the BBC website and into the food section, then filter it for vegetarian recipes. Same with BBC GoodFood which I think is their spin-off magazine.

I would also recommend an Australian site, taste.au I think, let me know if that doesn’t work and I will get the right link, it is super fresh and healthy recipes.

Finally, brand websites can be great. One of my favourite and best veg recipes came from Merchant Gourmet. Just google.

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Originally Posted by hibbybob

Asda sell veggie bacon - can't say it one of my favourites tho!

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Most veggie bacon is dreadful.

Must go back to the 13th Note sometime!!

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Originally Posted by Mr Grieves

Can anyone recommend a good website for quick and tasty veggie recipes?

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I know you asked for a website, but.....

As a good way to try meat free meals, you can adapt many regular family dishes. If you’ve ever made a pot of chilli, replace the meat with beans. If you’re using kidney beans as part of the usual recipe, add black beans to replace the meat and vegetable stock in place of your usual.

If you’re cooking a curry, just replace the meat with potatoes or cauliflower. With both changes, you can reduce the cooking time so that you’re not making soup- beef and chicken take longer to cook.

Both small adjustments and because of the flavours and spices, you won’t miss the meat.
Having said that, I’m actually having a steak for dinner 😂😂

Mildred’s cook book is worth a look.

Mildred’s is a long standing veggie restaurant in Soho.

Recommend the Mushroom and Ale Pie

I'm neither, and currently have no plans on being either.

I do want to increase the number of veggie/vegan meals that I eat though. For health and environmental reasons more than animal welfare or moral issues.

I was actually thinking of starting a thread asking for veggie recipe ideas as I don't really have the knowledge when it comes to using things like lentils and beans etc.

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

I'm neither, but for any vegans out there, there is a vegan Hotel opened in Pitlochry.

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Don't want to sound ignorant, but does that just mean all the furniture isn't made of leather or any other animal products? (As well as any restaurant obviously being a vegan one)

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Originally Posted by Colr

Mildred’s cook book is worth a look.

Mildred’s is a long standing veggie restaurant in Soho.

Recommend the Mushroom and Ale Pie

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Great place. Heading along there tomorrow....

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Originally Posted by Saturday Boy

I know you asked for a website, but.....

As a good way to try meat free meals, you can adapt many regular family dishes. If you’ve ever made a pot of chilli, replace the meat with beans. If you’re using kidney beans as part of the usual recipe, add black beans to replace the meat and vegetable stock in place of your usual.

If you’re cooking a curry, just replace the meat with potatoes or cauliflower. With both changes, you can reduce the cooking time so that you’re not making soup- beef and chicken take longer to cook.

Both small adjustments and because of the flavours and spices, you won’t miss the meat.
Having said that, I’m actually having a steak for dinner [emoji23][emoji23]

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To say that you won't miss the meat is pushing it a bit. I've had plenty good vegetable curries, but I much prefer those with meat.

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Originally Posted by Saturday Boy

I know you asked for a website, but.....

As a good way to try meat free meals, you can adapt many regular family dishes. If you’ve ever made a pot of chilli, replace the meat with beans. If you’re using kidney beans as part of the usual recipe, add black beans to replace the meat and vegetable stock in place of your usual.

If you’re cooking a curry, just replace the meat with potatoes or cauliflower. With both changes, you can reduce the cooking time so that you’re not making soup- beef and chicken take longer to cook.

Both small adjustments and because of the flavours and spices, you won’t miss the meat.
Having said that, I’m actually having a steak for dinner 😂😂

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Good post.

Mushrooms are also a great meat replacement as they have a meaty texture and a bit of umami flavour.

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Originally Posted by danhibees1875

I'm neither, and currently have no plans on being either.

I do want to increase the number of veggie/vegan meals that I eat though. For health and environmental reasons more than animal welfare or moral issues.

I was actually thinking of starting a thread asking for veggie recipe ideas as I don't really have the knowledge when it comes to using things like lentils and beans etc.




Don't want to sound ignorant, but does that just mean all the furniture isn't made of leather or any other animal products? (As well as any restaurant obviously being a vegan one)

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If you start the thread I will post a couple of my favourites but in response to your point, things like lentils, split peas and beans are incredibly straightforward once you’ve done them once.

As soon as you have cooked with them, using your own stove and own pans then it becomes very easy.

For beans, best to start with tinned rather than dried. Chickpeas, kidney beans etc etc only need five to ten minutes on the stove top, in a sauce or mix. They can stand up to longer in the oven if you are making some sort of bake.

Lentils and split peas respond best to simmering in stock for about half an hour. I think split peas take longer than lentils and red lentils are quicker than Puy or green lentils but others may disagree. You would want to add flavour and aromatics e.g. I sometimes make a casserole that is sausages (vegetarian or meat, baked in the oven) and green lentils, simmered in some stock and wine, with very finely diced onion, carrot and celery, plus a couple of bay leaves and some garlic, maybe a touch of thyme and a bit of soy or Worcestershire or Tabasco or chilli flakes. Just mix the sausages in at the end and serve with crusty bread.

Dried beans or pulses are silly cheap but you do have to soak them the night before. There is something satisfying about that but a tin of chickpeas is fifty pence so it isn’t like you are burning money by buying tinned stuff!

EDIT -I haven’t made anything with split peas other than soup for a couple of years, but the last time I did it was a dhal and the split peas took a lot longer than half an hour IIRC. Hopefully someone who cooks with them more regularly will be able to advise!

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Originally Posted by Peevemor

To say that you won't miss the meat is pushing it a bit. I've had plenty good vegetable curries, but I much prefer those with meat.

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It’s probably because I’ve never been a huge fan Indian food. My favourite Indian is a bowl of Dahl with some naan. I realise that makes me sound a real cheap skate 😂

Anyway, off to season the Aberdeen Angus sirloin for dinner.

I'm starting Monday and will see how it goes. Supermarket tomorrow to buy up all their quorn, hummus and lentils :greengrin

I will probably last a few days then fall off the wagon! It might take a few attempts to acclimatise; we shall see. If I can stick to it, it will be interesting to discover if I feel better for it.

By the way, where can you buy the veggie black pudding? Man I'm going to miss black pudding :greengrin

Much like Pretty Boy, we've been having around 4 nights a week where our evening meal is meat free. My breakfasts rarely include meat (the odd square sausage/bacon roll), and lunches are increasingly always veggie now too (again, the very odd exception where I'll have something with turkey in it).

A large part of the challenge for us is that I'm allergic to mushrooms, so all quorn based substitutes are out for me - as are things like veggie haggis etc...I've become quite adept at cooking things like tofu though, and recently tried both jackfruit and seitan meat replacements - I really enjoyed both!

Reasons are both health and environmental.

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

I'm starting Monday and will see how it goes. Supermarket tomorrow to buy up all their quorn, hummus and lentils :greengrin

I will probably last a few days then fall off the wagon! It might take a few attempts to acclimatise; we shall see. If I can stick to it, it will be interesting to discover if I feel better for it.

By the way, where can you buy the veggie black pudding? Man I'm going to miss black pudding :greengrin

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For me hummus is like coleslaw - you can buy the shop version and it’s great or you can make it at home and it’s great, but they taste completely different from one another.

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Originally Posted by Sylar

Much like Pretty Boy, we've been having around 4 nights a week where our evening meal is meat free. My breakfasts rarely include meat (the odd square sausage/bacon roll), and lunches are increasingly always veggie now too (again, the very odd exception where I'll have something with turkey in it).

A large part of the challenge for us is that I'm allergic to mushrooms, so all quorn based substitutes are out for me - as are things like veggie haggis etc...I've become quite adept at cooking things like tofu though, and recently tried both jackfruit and seitan meat replacements - I really enjoyed both!

Reasons are both health and environmental.

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That’s pretty unfortunate with the mushrooms, you have my sympathy.

Aubergine has a meaty texture too. I’m not quite sure about jackfruit yet, think I like it :-)

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

I'm starting Monday and will see how it goes. Supermarket tomorrow to buy up all their quorn, hummus and lentils :greengrin

I will probably last a few days then fall off the wagon! It might take a few attempts to acclimatise; we shall see. If I can stick to it, it will be interesting to discover if I feel better for it.

By the way, where can you buy the veggie black pudding? Man I'm going to miss black pudding :greengrin

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I’ve went pescatarian recently, been 5weeks I still eat fish and dairy, going well really enjoying the meals we’ve been having. I used to have meat for every meal and so far I’m not missing it at all...other than a couple slices of black pudding for breakfast on a Sunday that’s been my only ‘need’.

Glad I’ve came across this thread could be a good source of information to keep it going and add different meals.

Just for an add on I saw joe wicks had a veggie cook book and it’s half price on amazon this weekend

I've got a decent Lebanese fast food restaurant nearby. The falafel plate is to die for, but going hard core veggie just doesn't appeal to me, I just love my meat too much.

Going to dig out the veggie classics again for the next two months.

I’ve been eating like a pig over the summer and need to get “beach body ready” for my holiday!!

Cheers for the recommendations :aok:

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Originally Posted by danhibees1875

I'm neither, and currently have no plans on being either.

I do want to increase the number of veggie/vegan meals that I eat though. For health and environmental reasons more than animal welfare or moral issues.

I was actually thinking of starting a thread asking for veggie recipe ideas as I don't really have the knowledge when it comes to using things like lentils and beans etc.




Don't want to sound ignorant, but does that just mean all the furniture isn't made of leather or any other animal products? (As well as any restaurant obviously being a vegan one)

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A link to the vegan Hotel


https://www.saorsahotel.com/

Topical article in this weeks Economist about these guys...if this ain’t the future I don’t know what is!

https://www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com

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Originally Posted by RyeSloan

Topical article in this weeks Economist about these guys...if this ain’t the future I don’t know what is!

https://www.intelligentgrowthsolutions.com

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Put the champagne on ice for a bit..........

Is the World's Largest Vertical Farm Worth the Cost? ... Beyer reported that the AeroFarms building cost an estimated $39 million for what amounted to less than two acres of farm land, noting in contrast that an acre of farmland in Iowa has an average cost less than $8,000.

Trying to have 1-2 days a week where we at least have a meat free evening meal. Made a terrific butternut squash & chickpea bhuna the other week and got a puy lentil bolognese tomorrow. Can’t fail with a good veggie pasta either and so easy to make; peppers, courgette, onion, chillies, chopped tomatoes. And I’d be quite happy to never have meat on a pizza.

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Originally Posted by HappyAsHellas

Put the champagne on ice for a bit..........

Is the World's Largest Vertical Farm Worth the Cost? ... Beyer reported that the AeroFarms building cost an estimated $39 million for what amounted to less than two acres of farm land, noting in contrast that an acre of farmland in Iowa has an average cost less than $8,000.

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I'm pretty sure that in the pioneering phase of any form of emerging technology, these sorts of figures aren't unusual and tbh they are often the biggest hurdle that the emerging technology must overcome.

It normally sounds hilarious a few decades later.

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Originally Posted by Smartie

I'm pretty sure that in the pioneering phase of any form of emerging technology, these sorts of figures aren't unusual and tbh they are often the biggest hurdle that the emerging technology must overcome.

It normally sounds hilarious a few decades later.

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Well indeed.

Human genome is a perfect example.

Cost of the first whole sequencing..$2.6bn

Cost now..$1,000.

The economist article is here:

https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.e...rming-stack-up


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I have been Vegan for over 25 years now. Woke up one day thinking why the **** am I supporting the slaughter of animals and the equally brutal dairy egg and milk production indusries. The idea of millions of unwanted male chicks, in the egg producing, firing down shutes and liquidised for dug food was not appealing either.
One of the two early pioneer's of quality Vegan food were Mono and Sterio, both in Glasgow, which I would go to before Hibernian played the Ugly sisters and sometimes go back after the games as both had free live bands at night. Now in most Scottish cities there are great Vegan/Vegetarian eateries everywhere. I live in EH6 in Leith where within 15 minutes I can eat Vegan food . Harmonium in Henderson street is my favourite Vegan eaterie, though I had a terrific pizza in Oragano in Leith Walk the other day. I sometimes get the Vegan option at ER, a packet of plain crisps.
By the way the renowned Perthshire farmer /butcher Simon Howie apart from the usual stuff makes slendid Vegan/Vegetarian haggis and (Lorne)square sausage. Vegan black pudding can be had at Real Foods. Some folk have said to me you really should not eat substitute meat, etc whilst they stuff themselves with bits of slaughtered animals. Fact is no human is born V. The vast majority ate meat and dairy before taking the big jump. If the killing of no animal is involved I am delighted.
I have had my two 15 year auld grandkids in my house before attending ER with them,giving them Vegan burgers, with Vegan Mayo, salad on a bun, Vegan pizza with grated Vegan cheese melted, didnae have a clue and lapped them up. As my house is 10 minutes from ER it makes sense when it is £4 for an unappetizing looking half pizza.
I am delighted that since I joined the Vegan Society all those years ago, the numbers have grown dramatically particularly in the past period, I guess the factors are animal welfare, environmental concerns and health.
I am also glad that personalities likes of Tobey Maguire,Brad Pitt,Joaquin Phoenix, Benedict Cumberbatch,Lewis Hamilton and many others, have and promote a Vegan plant based diet.
One of my favourites is Alex Baldwin who was the voice on this......

Warning not for minors or squeamish.

https://youtu.be/ykTH_b-cXyE

BIG G

A question for vegans, do you wear wool?

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Originally Posted by Moulin Yarns

A question for vegans, do you wear wool?

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Not a vegan , but those I know don’t wear wool - Or any animal products ...

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Originally Posted by bigwheel

Not a vegan , but those I know don’t wear wool - Or any animal products ...

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A pal of mine has been vegan for 38+ years (as long as I've known him). He has no problem with wool.

I've massively cut down my meat consumption but couldn't go full vegan/veggie. For evening meals i'm trying to go for one poultry meal, one meat, 2 fish and 3 "veggie" for the week. Because i'm eating less i can justify/afford the extra for a decent free range organic option.

Quite liking the look of the meat free burgers coming out, they're getting great reviews. Price is a tad expensive when you can get angus burgers for half the price but they should hopefully come down when the market grows and there is more competition out there.

For vegan's and vegetarians on here. Alot of you will go down that ethical route for animal welfare reasons. Do you you apply the same ethics when buying vegetarian options? Was reading the Independent last week and there was an article about the scale of slave labour for workers in the agricultural industry all over the world. Is it worse to eat meat reared by a responsible company, with the animal cared for and killed humanely, than it is to eat veg picked by someone working 17 hours a day for pennies? Not fishing btw, just interested.

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Originally Posted by GORDONSMITH7

One of my favourites is Alex Baldwin who was the voice on this......

Warning not for minors or squeamish.

https://youtu.be/ykTH_b-cXyE

BIG G

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Interesting vid, ta. Does much of it reflect current practice in the UK, or EU?

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Originally Posted by Antifa Hibs

someone working 17 years a day for pennies

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Copyright 4 Yorkshiremen

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Originally Posted by bigwheel

Not a vegan , but those I know don’t wear wool - Or any animal products ...

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It used to be really tough doing that but there seems to be a growing market catering for it. Vegan shoes are quite easy to get hold off for example. DMs do them.

I wonder what the opinions on this thread would have looked like even 5 or 10 years ago?

The cultural shift in attitudes towards vegetarianism and veganism has been huge. You only have to look at the far greater range of veggie options available now when compared to the very recent past.

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Originally Posted by Colr

It used to be really tough doing that but there seems to be a growing market catering for it. Vegan shoes are quite easy to get hold off for example. DMs do them.

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Yep. Getting easier to buy birthday and Xmas gifts - used to be hard work ! [emoji2]

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Originally Posted by Pretty Boy

I wonder what the opinions on this thread would have looked like even 5 or 10 years ago?

The cultural shift in attitudes towards vegetarianism and veganism has been huge. You only have to look at the far greater range of veggie options available now when compared to the very recent past.

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It’s true. Much much better - a big shift in choices and quality ....still surprising though that a number of food places only have one (or no) veggie options ...sometimes you don’t fancy (for example) goats cheese...

A few veggie / vegan options are much more helpful and interesting...

Maybe I'm being dim but why would anyone have an issue with wool?

If a sheep lives a good life (outside, able to wander free, munch what it wants, some protection from wild predators) but has its coat cut off once a year after it no longer needs it so that can be used by a human, where is the problem?

I'd have thought this would be very different to animals whose very existence is to live for slaughter, or to have their reproductive functions messed about with to provide eggs, milk and various other products.


As an aside, I wonder how much impact this thread is having on folk? I raised the question with my Mrs yesterday and she said she thought it was a subject I'd never raise. We're unlikely to go full veggie, but we've vowed to cut down our meat intake to a minimum, eat more fish and have a certain number of veggie meals a week.

One of the main drivers for me is that I have an adorable 18 month old daughter. She loves to eat chicken, and she has a little squirty chicken toy for the bath that she loves. Somewhere down the line we're going to have to have a conversation about "chicken" and how the "chicken" comes from the "chicken", and it doesn't sit all that comfortably with me at all.

I’m delighted to see this thread as I decided to go vegan last week. I’ve stocked up on all the things I need and I’m starting today. I’ve decided to do it for health reasons, I suffer from psoriasis and I’ve read that a vegan diet is a good way to combat it. It seems to have lots of other health benefits as well. Tonight’s first meal is mushroom and potato curry from the bbc good food site and tomorrow it’s vegan chilli. It’s going to take a bit more time preparing meals than before, but I’m hoping it’s going to be worth it.

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Originally Posted by Smartie

Maybe I'm being dim but why would anyone have an issue with wool?

If a sheep lives a good life (outside, able to wander free, munch what it wants, some protection from wild predators) but has its coat cut off once a year after it no longer needs it so that can be used by a human, where is the problem?

I'd have thought this would be very different to animals whose very existence is to live for slaughter, or to have their reproductive functions messed about with to provide eggs, milk and various other products.


As an aside, I wonder how much impact this thread is having on folk? I raised the question with my Mrs yesterday and she said she thought it was a subject I'd never raise. We're unlikely to go full veggie, but we've vowed to cut down our meat intake to a minimum, eat more fish and have a certain number of veggie meals a week.

One of the main drivers for me is that I have an adorable 18 month old daughter. She loves to eat chicken, and she has a little squirty chicken toy for the bath that she loves. Somewhere down the line we're going to have to have a conversation about "chicken" and how the "chicken" comes from the "chicken", and it doesn't sit all that comfortably with me at all.

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Wool is more of a by-product of meat production than an end in itself, certainly in this country. When the sheep are deemed non-productive, ie. not likely to produce healthy lambs (the males of which will be slaughtered for lamb within a year), it's off to the slaughterhouse (and into the pies).

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Originally Posted by allmodcons

Aye at £12 - £15 a pop that one is a joke.

There are some really good substitutes though. I love veggie haggis and veggie black pudding. Tasty food with none of the ***** in it!

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Where can you get the black pudding. I enjoy a veg Lorne sausage and it would go well with that I think.

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Originally Posted by Smartie

Maybe I'm being dim but why would anyone have an issue with wool?

If a sheep lives a good life (outside, able to wander free, munch what it wants, some protection from wild predators) but has its coat cut off once a year after it no longer needs it so that can be used by a human, where is the problem?

I'd have thought this would be very different to animals whose very existence is to live for slaughter, or to have their reproductive functions messed about with to provide eggs, milk and various other products.


As an aside, I wonder how much impact this thread is having on folk? I raised the question with my Mrs yesterday and she said she thought it was a subject I'd never raise. We're unlikely to go full veggie, but we've vowed to cut down our meat intake to a minimum, eat more fish and have a certain number of veggie meals a week.

One of the main drivers for me is that I have an adorable 18 month old daughter. She loves to eat chicken, and she has a little squirty chicken toy for the bath that she loves. Somewhere down the line we're going to have to have a conversation about "chicken" and how the "chicken" comes from the "chicken", and it doesn't sit all that comfortably with me at all.

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Some of the farming practicing are viewed as barbaric by Vegans

https://www.peta.org/living/personal...ts-wrong-wool/


It’s similar reason why they don’t eat Honey...upsets the animals ....

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Originally Posted by Cataplana

Where can you get the black pudding. I enjoy a veg Lorne sausage and it would go well with that I think.

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I’d like to know that as well, also where do you get the vegan Lorne?

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

I’d like to know that as well, also where do you get the vegan Lorne?

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Must confess, I've got a problem finding that too! I've had it in hotels, and in cafes, but haven't found a supermarket that stocks it yet.

It's fantastic on a roll.

Vegetable moussaka with steamed rice tonight.

Tomorrow I'll be wearing a meat is murder t-shirt :greengrin. I'm going baw deep; let's see if it can last.

The ethical implications in relation to eggs, raised by Big G, is a very good point. I might have to stop eating eggs too.

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Originally Posted by lord bunberry

I’d like to know that as well, also where do you get the vegan Lorne?

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Used to get it in Aldi and Morrison’s - made by Simon Howie. Not looked for a while ..

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Originally Posted by bigwheel

Used to get it in Aldi and Morrison’s - made by Simon Howie. Not looked for a while ..

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Is that the black pudding?

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Is that the black pudding?

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No mate. The Lorne. Never seen the black pudding ...

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Originally Posted by Cataplana

Where can you get the black pudding. I enjoy a veg Lorne sausage and it would go well with that I think.

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Where can you get veggie lorne sausage?

EDIT: Aaah, I see!!

Like many on here I've cut down my meat consumption in the last few years. Easier now that I'm living on my own half the time. I probably have 3-4 non-meat evening meals a week. Veggie stir fries and curries are great. Pretty much the only red meat I eat is from the local butchers and I've started getting into buying more organic meat again from Leith Market on a Saturday. The only way I'd ever give meat up is if it was prohibitively expensive or was made illegal though.

Just bought a vegetarian cookbook online. Perhaps cooking will become something of a new hobby.

There’s such an interesting range of reasons to become veggie, vegan is a step too far imo.

I’m involved in farming and we still try to go veggie at least twice a week.

What I will say is that for those of you who still want to eat meat, ensuring you buy Scotch assured meats means as high a welfare standards are followed as possible. Unfortunately there will always be stories in the media about sickos who get a kick out of torturing and hurting animals, but the farmers I know produce great products while ensuring their animals are treated as well as is possible.

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Originally Posted by Colr

Where can you get veggie lorne sausage?

EDIT: Aaah, I see!!

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Was in Sainsbury's there at lunch and they had Simon Howwie veggie lorne. £1.49 for three slices i think it was.

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Originally Posted by Antifa Hibs

Was in Sainsbury's there at lunch and they had Simon Howwie veggie lorne. £1.49 for three slices i think it was.

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Thanks. Sainsbury’s seem to do more vegan stuff than the other supermarkets. I had the vegan chilli from the bbc good food website tonight. It was delicious, but it didn’t taste much like normal chilli. Tomorrow I’m making spinach, sweet potato and lentil dahl. I’m enjoying cooking again.

A very simple ensemble tonight of hummus with flat bread, green olives and feta cheese.

The Mrs had bacon. I was drooling like a starving dug watching her.

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Originally Posted by Hibernia&Alba

Just bought a vegetarian cookbook online. Perhaps cooking will become something of a new hobby.

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Got a very good veggie Indian cookbook and have found sound very good and tasty recipies (if a bit hipster) in any of Ella Woodward's books.

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Originally Posted by Iain G

Got a very good veggie Indian cookbook and have found sound very good and tasty recipies (if a bit hipster) in any of Ella Woodward's books.

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Indian’s always got good veggie options.

If you can still get it Madhur Jaffrey’s “Eastern Vegetarian Cooking” is really good and casts its net a bit wider still.

Spoke with the sales manager of Simon Howie regarding Vegan items in Edinburgh. Square sausage going to be sold in Tesco who sell haggis and wee haggis already, haggis with truffle in Aldi soon and by the end of this month the breakfast pack, 2x sausage, 2x square sausage and 2x haggis, in Morrisons.
Simon Howie V haggis beats Macsween's V haggis hands down in my opinion.

BIG G

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Originally Posted by GORDONSMITH7

Spoke with the sales manager of Simon Howie regarding Vegan items in Edinburgh. Square sausage going to be sold in Tesco who sell haggis and wee haggis already, haggis with truffle in Aldi soon and by the end of this month the breakfast pack, 2x sausage, 2x square sausage and 2x haggis, in Morrisons.
Simon Howie V haggis beats Macsween's V haggis hands down in my opinion.

BIG G

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That just in Scotland?

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Originally Posted by Colr

That just in Scotland?

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I would have thought so.

BIG G

This site may be of interest to some.

https://veganedinburgh.com/

BIG G

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Originally Posted by GORDONSMITH7

Spoke with the sales manager of Simon Howie regarding Vegan items in Edinburgh. Square sausage going to be sold in Tesco who sell haggis and wee haggis already, haggis with truffle in Aldi soon and by the end of this month the breakfast pack, 2x sausage, 2x square sausage and 2x haggis, in Morrisons.
Simon Howie V haggis beats Macsween's V haggis hands down in my opinion.

BIG G

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Any mention of black pudding, big man?

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Originally Posted by GORDONSMITH7

This site may be of interest to some.

https://veganedinburgh.com/

BIG G

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Great link, thanks :aok:

Never really understood why vegetarians are so keen to find products that imitate the meat version they are so against eating. Throwing the name vegan or vegetarian in front of a named meat product is strange indeed. It will never be black pudding so why call it so?

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Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee

Never really understood why vegetarians are so keen to find products that imitate the meat version they are so against eating. Throwing the name vegan or vegetarian in front of a named meat product is strange indeed. It will never be black pudding so why call it so?

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I assume because it's shaped and textured in a way that makes it substitutable for the original meat product.

i.e I would know if I got veggie haggis to put it on a roll or have it with neeps and tatties.

Same with veggie chicken - you would use it in a curry etc.

The alternative would be to just call it something new which as well as making the above harder would make it harder to market as it couldn't play off the reputation that already exists for these food groups.

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Originally Posted by Mibbes Aye

If you start the thread I will post a couple of my favourites but in response to your point, things like lentils, split peas and beans are incredibly straightforward once you’ve done them once.

As soon as you have cooked with them, using your own stove and own pans then it becomes very easy.

For beans, best to start with tinned rather than dried. Chickpeas, kidney beans etc etc only need five to ten minutes on the stove top, in a sauce or mix. They can stand up to longer in the oven if you are making some sort of bake.

Lentils and split peas respond best to simmering in stock for about half an hour. I think split peas take longer than lentils and red lentils are quicker than Puy or green lentils but others may disagree. You would want to add flavour and aromatics e.g. I sometimes make a casserole that is sausages (vegetarian or meat, baked in the oven) and green lentils, simmered in some stock and wine, with very finely diced onion, carrot and celery, plus a couple of bay leaves and some garlic, maybe a touch of thyme and a bit of soy or Worcestershire or Tabasco or chilli flakes. Just mix the sausages in at the end and serve with crusty bread.

Dried beans or pulses are silly cheap but you do have to soak them the night before. There is something satisfying about that but a tin of chickpeas is fifty pence so it isn’t like you are burning money by buying tinned stuff!

EDIT -I haven’t made anything with split peas other than soup for a couple of years, but the last time I did it was a dhal and the split peas took a lot longer than half an hour IIRC. Hopefully someone who cooks with them more regularly will be able to advise!

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I missed this first time round but thanks. :aok:

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Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee

Never really understood why vegetarians are so keen to find products that imitate the meat version they are so against eating. Throwing the name vegan or vegetarian in front of a named meat product is strange indeed. It will never be black pudding so why call it so?

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I used to think that ..until ultimately becoming a pescatarian...soya and other non meat based products , like sausages etc have a different texture to many veggie food stuff - so not only do they often taste good, they bring variety and texture into the diet...


Also. Some people loves bacon , sausage etc - so it can be fun to eat them..some veggie sausages are excellent - and actually as good as many of the real things...

Can’t ever see myself becoming vegetarian as I enjoy eating meat too much. I do reckon I’d be able to do it though.

Vegan on the other hand I have no idea how people manage with how much is restricted. Fair play to them for doing it though.

Wouldnt define myself as anything but never buy any meat or cook it in the house. Stopped drinking dairy milk & started making my own oat milk last year. Im still eating cheese & have so far tried and failed to make a vegan version that comes close. Buy nothing processed & cook everything from scratch.

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Originally Posted by Dalianwanda

Wouldnt define myself as anything but never buy any meat or cook it in the house. Stopped drinking dairy milk & started making my own oat milk last year. Im still eating cheese & have so far tried and failed to make a vegan version that comes close. Buy nothing processed & cook everything from scratch.

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Do you feel better for it ??

Our local small cafe at work have started doing a vegan lorne roll, so I tried it this morning. It's actually really nice. Notable differences, but a decent meat substitute.

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Originally Posted by Scouse Hibee

Never really understood why vegetarians are so keen to find products that imitate the meat version they are so against eating. Throwing the name vegan or vegetarian in front of a named meat product is strange indeed. It will never be black pudding so why call it so?

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I think part of it is that there are many recipes that involve meat of a certain texture or shape so you need things like Quorn pieces to replicate the texture of a chicken curry or stir-fry or veg sausages for the dish I described earlier, or a sausage casserole or whatever.

And sometimes they just taste nice. I like Linda McCartney sausages though am not fussed for much else of the range. Similarly the Quorn Cumberland sausages. However I don’t particularly like beef sausages, don’t mind pork ones if they don’t have too much extra seasoning and quite like venison. So I’m happy with some, not with others.