Meatless Christmas: is it possible?

While you may be dreaming of a White Christmas, I’m actually fantasizing of cruelty-free Christmas meals all over the world, full of love and compassion not only for our family, friends and pets, but also for the planet and the animals. I know that turkey and all sorts of meat and poultry is kind of a tradition for most of you, but the truth is that apart from the fact that meat is a non sustainable and respectful choice, it’s usually consumed repeatedly in large quantities during holidays, causing smaller or bigger problems with all its fat content, from indigestion and bloating, to gut microbiome imbalance, lack of energy, mood swings, inflammation etc.

So, what if we just skip it this year or not put it in the spotlight? Can we make it happen and still have a wonderful and tasty feast that everyone will enjoy? We certainly can, as the food choices and alternatives are so many and versatile, you won’t even miss it.

Use quorn
Quorn is a meat substitute, popular among vegetarians, which is derived from mycoprotein (a type of fungus) and is marketed in various forms, from the British Marlow Foods. Mycoprotein is a healthy source of protein produced by fermentation and products made with it have the taste, appearance and texture of meat. Healthwise, they are low in saturated fat and high in fiber and unlike other meat substitutes, it has no strong aftertaste, which means it is ideal for cooking, as it absorbs other flavors, giving a delicious final taste.

Try seitan
Seitan is another meat alternative, which is produced from gluten, the main protein of wheat, so we could say that it is something like… wheat meat. This automatically means that it is not an option for those suffering from celiac disease or milder gluten intolerance, as it is prepared by rinsing the wheat flour dough until the starch grains are gone, leaving the sticky, insoluble gluten as a final product, which is usually mixed with herbs and spices. It contains about 20 grams of protein in a portion of 85 grams, an amount similar to the protein found in lean meat, while it has a low fat content and its taste is very similar to chicken or portobello mushroom.

Experiment with tempeh
Tempeh is another soy product from Asia and the result of fermentation of soy beans. About 100 grams of tempeh provide us with 19 grams of protein, while it has a firm texture and an earthy, nutty taste. As a fermented product, it’s definitely beneficial for gut microbiome, while its good fats are also a “plus”. You can marinate it and cook it with sauce, creating a special festive dish.
 
Discover jackfruit
This tropical fruit is definitely a “must” in vegan and vegetarians around the world, as it can replace meat, with a taste and texture that’s close to chicken and pork, without the saturated fat, but full of fiber, protein, carbs, vitamins and minerals. Note that it can play a role in controlling blood sugar, it’s rich in antioxidants, it can lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases and you can use it as a filling in a roast potato, in tacos, pies, suffles, pizza etc.

Re-discover beans
Ok, maybe a bean soup is not ideal for the Christmas menu, but beans alone is a good basic ingredient for vegan patties, rich in iron, protein and fiber. Boil your legumes, drain them, let them cool and put them in a blender with carrot, onion, parsley, flour, salt, olive oil. Now you can make your own alternative burgers, which will be different and delicious.

Make good use of mushrooms
Apart from being a source of protein, mushrooms also have a meat-like texture and taste and can be so versatile, you can use them in many ways. Try combining them with the suitable rice for risotto and you’ll have a tasty and nutritious Christmas dish. You can also use them to make mushroom patties, combining them with oats and quinoa, along with all the usual ingredients for patties, like garlic, onion, oregano, extra virgin olive oil.