This Cheese And Mushroom Omelette Recipe Is Eggless And Completely Vegan

From plantbasednews.org

Who said omelettes need eggs? This vegan recipe featuring tofu and dairy-free cheese will satisfy any craving 

For many of us, omelettes were a staple of our childhoods, but replicating the taste and texture of the dish as a vegan can be tricky. A simple plant-based and egg-free omelette recipe would have been pretty near impossible to find a few years ago, but it’s now easy to create a vegan version of pretty much anything.

Ian Theasby and Henry Firth, a vegan chef duo known as BOSH!, are attempting to prove just this in their new book MEAT, which features plant-based recipes for traditionally animal dishes. “Plant-based food options have increased in ways we wouldn’t have thought possible when we first went vegan almost nine years ago,” they told Plant Based News. “People are now aware of where their food comes from and the impact it has. Because of this, they’ve changed the way they eat, eating a lot less meat and a lot more plants. However, a lot of people still want the texture and flavours of the food they’re accustomed to.”

One of the recipes in the book is this vegan cheese and mushroom omelette, which features vegan dairy and and tofu.

Can you make omelettes without eggs?

It’s 2023, of course you can! There are a growing number of recipes doing just that – and you can use a range of ingredients to suit your taste. BOSH!’s recipe uses silken tofu, a hugely versatile ingredient that can replicate the texture of an egg omelette. Other recipes use one of the growing number of vegan egg products available on the market, and you can also season your omelette with black salt if you wish. Black salt features the sulphur taste of egg, and can be use in a variety of vegan recipes to give them that eggy flavour.

Bosh’s recipe for an egg-free and completely vegan omelette is below:

We think that if 'luncheon' is the formal word for 'lunch', then 'bruncheon' should be the formal word for 'brunch'. Now that we've got that out of the way, we think you should make this recipe for bruncheon as soon as you can!
Servings: 2

                Just because you're vegan doesn't mean you have to miss out on omelettes                                           Media Credit: Lizzie Mayson

Ingredients

For the mushrooms

• 100 g mushrooms
• 1 tbsp light soy sauce
• 5 drops liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the omelettes

• 1 300g pack silken tofu
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 4 tbsp plain flour
• pinch turmeric (optional)
• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 2 tbsp plant-based butter (for cooking)
• 100 g grated plant-based cheddar
• Sea salt and black pepper

To serve

• Handful of chives
• 2 spring onions

Instructions

• Cook the mushrooms• Thinly slice the mushrooms and spoon into a mixing bowl• Add the soy sauce, liquid smoke (if using) and olive oil• Mix well to ensure all of the mushrooms are coated in the liquid• Spread out on a baking tray and bake in the oven for7-8minutes until golden and crisp• Once cooked, remove from the oven and set aside until needed
• Make the omelette mixture• Drain the tofu and place it in a powerful blender along with the cornflour, plain flour, nooch and turmeric (if using)• Blend until a smooth batter forms• Season with salt and pepper• Cut the tomatoes into small pieces
• Prepare the ingredients to serve• Thinly slice the chives and trim and slice the spring onions
• Cook the omelettes• Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a frying pan over a medium heat• Once melted, add half of the tofu mixture and spread it out in the pan• Cook for 1-2minutes, until slightly setting, then scatter over half of the mushrooms, chopped tomatoes, and grated cheese• Cook for 3 more minutes, until the mixture has set, then flip one side over the other to create a half-moon shape• Slide onto a plate and repeat this process to make the second omelette
• Time to serve• Scatter the omelettes with the chives and spring onions before serving

https://plantbasednews.org/veganrecipes/breakfast/vegan-cheese-mushroom-omelette/

Vegan Seafood Brand Brings Calamari And Shrimp To UK Supermarkets

From plantbasednews.org

The vegan fish market is growing 

A vegan “seafood” brand that stocks realistic alternatives to shrimp, calamari rings, and squid pieces is coming to supermarkets across the UK. 

    HAPPIEE! products will be available to buy at two major supermarkets - Media Credit: HAPPIEE!

HAPPIEE!, a Singapore-based brand launched by Growthwell Foods in 2022, will sell a variety of frozen products in Tesco and Ocado. The products are said to “deliver the same taste and texture as real seafood.” As well as its vegan “seafood,” a plant-based lamb shawarma will also be available. HAPPIEE! uses soy, potato, or wheat protein to create its alternatives, as well as konjac flour for the fish products. 

“We’re excited to offer a product which meets not only the demand of the growing sector but also offers everyone an opportunity to enjoy a plant-based seafood or meat alternative that doesn’t compromise taste or texture,” the company said in a statement. 

HAPPIEE!                        The brand also offers a plant-based lamb shawarma product

The “Calamariee,” “Shrimpee,” and “Squidee” products are available to buy online at Ocado now. They will be released in Tesco stores next month.

The rise of vegan seafood

While conventional meat alternatives (like burgers and sausages) have been around for a number of years, plant-based fish has – until recently – been a relatively niche product. 

But a growing number of brands are now tapping into the booming vegan “seafood” market. A report published in November 2022 predicted that the market would rise to $1.3 billion by 2031. This would mean a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 42.3 percent. 

The report cited “the depletion of natural ocean resources, rise in vegan population, increase in pressure on the global food supply chain, and increase in awareness regarding animal welfare and animal cruelty in farms” as factors driving the growth of the industry. 

The problem with eating fish

It’s well-documented that consuming fish comes with considerable ethical and environmental costs. Around half of the fish we eat are raised on farms. Numerous investigations have uncovered extensive welfare issues on these. Fish will generally be forced to swim endlessly in circles in barren tanks in overcrowded conditions, sometimes with tens of thousands of others. Parasites like sea lice will often be prevalent in their enclosures, and fish may be eaten alive by these. 

The industrial fishing industry catches a huge number of fish at a time with nets known as “bottom trawlers.” These can be as large as 240 meters wide and 160 meters deep. As well as catching fish to be sold and eaten, the nets will kill vast numbers of unintended species like turtles, dolphins, and sharks (known as “bycatch”). The nets also destroy vital coral reefs, ocean ecosystems, and whatever else lies in their path. Longlines may also be used to catch large numbers of fish. These can sometimes stretch on for miles, with hooks every few feet.

The fishing industry is directly contributing to the climate and nature crises. Having lots of fish in the oceans and healthy marine ecosystems helps sequester carbon from the atmosphere. The oceans are by far the biggest reservoir of carbon on earth, holding around 38,000 gigatonnes. Experts have long stated that our oceans are in danger of becoming severely depleted if we continue to fish the way we do. This would lead to the deterioration or loss of these vital ecosystems around the world. 

https://plantbasednews.org/lifestyle/food/vegan-seafood-brand-uk-supermarkets/

Vegan Food News of the Week: Hart House Party Shake, Better Chicago Dog, and More

From vegnews.com

From dairy-free whipped cream-topped party shakes at Hart House to proper Chicago hot dogs at Kale My Name, we’re serving up the best in vegan food news of the week

It seems that every week in the world of vegan food news is more exciting than the last and this week is no exception. 

Kevin Hart’s restaurant chain Hart House is celebrating a year in the vegan fast-food business with a special party shake. While baseball season might be coming to a close soon, it’s never a bad time for a vegan Chicago hot dog, which just got a makeover at Kale My Name. 

And with the dog days of summer upon us, if you’re looking to get away one last time, both cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages and airline Cathay Pacific have new vegan options to try. Read on for more. 

1Atlas Ocean Voyages ups the vegan food ante

If you’re taking a last-minute summer vacation, cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages just got an array of new vegan options. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages

These new offerings cover everything from appetizers to desserts, delivering a taste of international flair combined with modern cooking methods. Moreover, the ingredients are obtained locally and sustainably whenever possible, and the vegan options are now accessible on all expeditions undertaken by Atlas Ocean Voyages.

“Our new vegan menu delivers yet another unique culinary experience for our guests,” James Rodriguez, president and CEO at Atlas Ocean Voyages, said in a statement. 

“Our team of talented chefs has thoughtfully constructed each item to highlight the ingenuity and variety of vegan cuisine, guaranteeing an extraordinary dining encounter for our vegan travellers,” Rodriguez said. 

The new dishes include Fresh Beets Niçoise Salad with vegetables; Mushroom Stroganoff paired with a rich whiskey sauce; Oyster Mushroom Ceviche; and The Ensalada de Brotes with a mix of sprouts and fresh produce. 

Moreover, Atlas Ocean Voyages is now serving vegan breakfast (with various pastries such as croissants and savoury options) and introduced evening offerings, including a vegan steak at 7Aft Grill. The culinary expansion also includes around-the-clock room service featuring dishes such as The Impossible Delight burger.

2Hong Kong’s major airline embraces vegan food

More of an air traveller? Major airline Cathay Pacific just got a lot more vegan-friendly thanks to a new partnership with Hong Kong-based plant-forward restaurant Veda by Ovolo to bring a modern selection of plant-based dishes to travellers. 

Cathay Pacific

This collaboration, set to last until June 2024, will offer a rotating selection of nutritional and flavourful options. It will be available to passengers traveling in Premium Economy and Economy class on select long-haul flights departing from Hong Kong.

The move is in line with Veda and Ovolo Hotels’ Plant’d pledge, which emphasizes ethical eating, conscious cuisine, and inventive vegetarian offerings.

“We want to ensure we are doing our bit to help preserve our environment, promote healthy eating and enhance the image of amazing vegetarian and plant-based dining,” Girish Jhunjhnuwala, Ovolo Hotels’ founder and executive chairman, said in a statement.

Premium Economy passengers can look forward to highlights like Bombay carrot salad with mixed accompaniments; Kerala-style coconut curry with a blend of vegetables and rice; and Panang dry curry tofu.

Meanwhile, Economy passengers will have options such as purple quinoa tabbouleh, Mediterranean potato salad, and Northern Thai-style coconut curry noodles with mixed vegetables.

3Vegan Chicago hot dogs

We’re fans of all types of hot dogs, as long as they’re vegan. However, some may lean toward the Chicago variety—which some (ahem, New Yorkers) have beef with.  

A proper Chicago hot dog is topped with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, peppers, and celery salt, and comes served on a poppy seed bun. At Chicago’s vegan eatery Kale My Name, this tasty dish just got a little better thanks to a new partnership with global brand Better Balance. 

Kale My Name

Kale My Name founder Nemanja “Neman” Golubovic, was impressed with Better Balance’s products, particularly its vegan sour cream, and is now among the first in the country to serve its hot dogs.

Beginning this week, Kale My Name will offer Better Dog menu items, including The Better Balance Chicago Dog (with all the proper toppings) and The Big Daddy Special (a double vegan hot dog). The menu will also feature products made with Better Balance’s impressive Better Sour Cream and Better Shreds (vegan cheese).

“Living in Chicago where hot dogs are king, it’s hard to impress customers with a good vegan dog,” Golubovic said in a statement. “I’ve been waiting for the perfect alternative, and Better Balance came through.” 

“Partnering with Better Balance has helped continue Kale My Name’s mission of showing people how fun and delicious vegan food can be,” Golubovic said. 

Better Balance’s plant-based hot dog was initially launched in Spain in June 2022 and quickly became a top-selling product, receiving numerous awards. It will be available for foodservice beginning this month, with grocery retail to follow.

4Montreal’s ultimate bagel

Chicago may have distinctive hot dogs but Montreal is all about bagels. And this week, a unique collaboration with local foodies, organized by Beagle Bagel, is bringing together creative bagel sandwiches to celebrate Montreal’s iconic handheld food. 

Beagle Bagel has assembled a team of creators behind local, quality, and tasty vegan ingredients, forming a collaboration fondly referred to as “The A-vegan-gers.” The team includes Bumble Bloom, Muscade, BY2048, Maynard, Tout Cru! Atelier de Fermentation, Tofu Tofu, and Mi Corazon. 

Beagle Bagel

While some bagels are traditionally made with eggs and honey, the vegan bagels bases here swap for a bee-free variety.

“The idea came from the fact that I couldn’t find any Montreal-style bagels locally with the same texture and hint of sweetness that’s so iconic and loved by all,” Frédéric Boucher, Bumble Bloom CEO and Beagle Bagel Montréal Founder, tells VegNews. “So we decided to create one that’s eggless and uses bumble bloom to replace the honey.”

The A-vegan-gers crafted five vegan bagel sandwiches for the event, ranging from classic cream cheese to Montreal smoked-‘meat,’ traditional lox made with vegan salmon, and more.

“We wanted to offer a fully plant-based experience not just for vegans but great food aficionados,” Boucher says. 

Going down this weekend only at Muscade Café-Boutique, visitors can also pair their bagel sandwich with specialty coffee or cold drinks, purchase tasty ingredients for picnics, and mingle with other passionate bagel enthusiasts.

The name “Beagle Bagel” pays tribute to bumble bloom and Beagle Bagel’s beloved beagle Django, the company’s “Chief Happiness Officer.”

5Hart House celebrates anniversary

One year ago, Kevin Hart opened Hart House, a vegan fast-food chain that’s quickly expanding across the Los Angeles area and beyond. And today, on its official one-year anniversary, the four-unit chain is celebrating in many ways. 

Hart House Hollywood and University Park South are throwing open parties to the public tonight from 6pm to 8pm. With swag giveaways, various games, and a DJ, attendees’ meals will be complimentary, and they can bring a plus-one.

Hart House

In commemoration of this milestone, Hart House also just launched the “House Party” shake—available from today until National Milkshake Day (September 12). This festive concoction consists of vanilla mint cream, dairy-free whipped topping (provided by Whipt), and chocolate drizzle. 

Plus, any meal purchase today gets you a free cookie. Happy birthday, Hart House!

https://vegnews.com/2023/8/vegan-food-news-of-the-week-august-25