5 plant-based swaps that are delicious and planet-friendly
Start your journey to a greener future with these meat-free marvels and Tesco’s Plant Chef range
We all want to do our bit to help the planet and cutting down on the amount of meat you eat is one of the easiest ways to go about it. Of course, adopting a more plant-based diet could feel a little overwhelming, especially if many of your favourite dishes rely on meat or dairy.
The good news is, with just a few simple swaps, you can make eating plant-based dishes a lot easier. From meat-free food ranges that pack in plenty of flavour, to small vegetable changes that’ll make a big difference, read on to discover just some of the ways you can transform your cooking, and help the planet along the way.
The Plant Chef range
Making more vegan dishes certainly doesn’t have to mean turning your back on much-loved family classics. Instead, you’ll just need to approach them a little differently – and Tesco’s Plant Chef range can help you there. Whether you’re in need of midweek saviours such as Chicken Style Pieces or Cumberland Bangers, freezer staples, like Breaded Nuggets and Vegetable Fingers, or even Meat-Free Sausage Rolls and Meat-Free Burgers for an evening of entertaining, the 100% plant-based range offers something for everyone.
Jackfruit
With its distinctly meaty texture, jackfruit is a brilliant alternative for those who want to cut down on meat. What’s more, it’s great at absorbing flavour, so works well in a range of dishes, from punchy tacos and burgers, to warming curries. One of its biggest selling points is that it pulls apart like succulent slow-roasted pork – it really will impress even the most carnivorous guests at your dinner table!
Lentils
In an ideal world, we’d all be eating more pulses and legumes – especially lentils. Not only do they provide protein, but they’re high in fibre, low in fat and are packed with nutrients. They’re also one of the most versatile ingredients you can cook with and lend themselves to a plethora of dishes. For a quick, midweek fix, try using them instead of chicken in your fajitas or add them to a rich bolognese instead of beef mince.
Find more lentil recipes here
Tofu
A veggie staple made from soya beans, tofu has been gaining popularity in recent years – and for good reason. Not only does its unique texture add something extra to your dishes, but when seasoned or left to marinate in delicious flavours like garlic, ginger, chilli and lime, it can totally transform your stir fries. For tofu that’s crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy in the middle, try tossing it in cornflour before frying. If you want your tofu to take on a seriously meaty texture, perhaps to replace chicken in a katsu curry, buy extra-firm varieties or freeze it and then press it.
Find more ways with tofu here
Every little (vegetable) helps!
We come in all shapes and sizes – and our crops are no different. That’s why Tesco launched its Perfectly Imperfect range in 2016. By selling odd-shaped fresh produce, the supermarket can take more crops off farmers’ hands and offer slightly wonky – but no less flavoursome – fruit and veg in store at lower prices. It’s an initiative that reduces food waste and the cost of your food shop! So, as well as swapping out meat occasionally, why not also show this wonky but wonderful range, which includes everything from curvy cucumbers to frozen fruits, a little love?
To shop Tesco’s Plant Chef range and discover all its plant-based products, click here
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