Meat-free Mondays, flexitarianism, part-time vegos—there are a whole bunch of ways people are trying to embrace plant-based eating. And while some of us aren't quite ready to ditch meat for good, swapping meat for plant-based alternatives where you can is becoming more common—especially among Urban List staff.
Need some inspiration for plant-based meals? That's why we teamed up with v2food to help guide you on your journey to updating your plate with more plant-based proteins. Read on to find out how some of the Urban List crew are embracing plant-based products in their kitchens—without skimping on flavour—so you can too.
Courtney Ammenhauser, Branded Content Manager
I've been an on-again, off-again vegetarian since I saw a herd of cattle being ushered into a slaughterhouse on my way to school in year 9—yes I did grow up in "the regions". All this to say, I gave up meat in a blaze of glory at age 14 and have been trying to replicate plant-based versions of some of my favourite dishes since.
One of my go-to things to make for the meat eaters in my life when they come for dinner is burgers using v2burger patties. These juicy patties are a far cry from the squashed lentil blobs that I used to try and wrap my hands around as a teen. They're savoury, have a very meat-like texture and, best of all, they don't crumble into a sad, dry heap on the plate like the patties of yesteryear. Layer them up with your favourite toppings (mine are avocado, lettuce, cheese, tomato relish and kewpie mayo) and voila—dinner is served.
Kylie O'Connell, Head Of Production
I was vegetarian and/or pescatarian for around 15 years. Last year I felt like I needed some red meat in my life so started eating steak, too—I was low in iron for years so this was a bit of a game changer.
I'm still not overly keen on adding any other meats to my diet though, so I love using v2mince for my spag bol because there's protein in it so I still feel like I'm still getting some of that good stuff. To be honest, I make this meal on weeks when I'm feeling a bit lazy, as it lasts a few nights when you do a big batch. I add some onions, garlic, lots of mushrooms (my fave), herbs, and diced tin tomatoes. I usually serve it with a healthy hit of pasta, spinach leaves and heaps of cheese.
Sophie Oddo, Senior Strategist
I have always wanted to try and cut back on my meat intake for sustainable reasons—but I always felt like it was too hard to find plant-based alternatives that were easy to cook, tasty and still had enough protein in them to support my training.
v2mince is a great addition as I can make the same meals I usually would—like a classic spaghetti bolognese or a burrito bowl and easily swap beef mince for v2. When I make burrito bowls I always make sure to add in burrito spice mix and it makes it even more delicious. Serve it with brown rice, guac, red onion, coriander, and pico de gallo and all of the flavours come together perfectly.
Rojan Khastoui, Senior Client Experience Manager
One of my easiest and quickest go-to dinner recipes is Thai Lettuce Wraps (Larb Gai) using the v2mince, which is the perfect protein for this dish. I am a meat eater but am honestly happy to swap out meat mince for this one.
Each lettuce wrap is packed full of flavour. I like to marinate my mince with fresh lemongrass, chilli, ginger, diced red onion, garlic, brown sugar, fish sauce, lime juice and a touch of cornflour before lightly frying this in sesame oil. I then top this mixture with fresh basil and coriander before spooning into the crispiest lettuce leaves I can get my hands on. This dish is such a dream when you're out of time but looking to eat something delicious and healthy.
Keen for more inspiration? Head to the v2food website for even more excellent plant-based protein meal ideas.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with v2food. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Image credit: v2food Instagram