If you are interested in a vegan lifestyle, or just want to eat a more plant-based diet, there are a few essentials that make cooking so much easier. Here are my top 10 items for vegan cooking…
First, I want to say that I am not a vegan. I still eat meat, eggs, and honey sometimes, though for allergy reasons, I do not eat dairy (or gluten). But the more I learn, the more responsible and healthy a vegan lifestyle seems to be.
A year ago, after a hip injury that required physical therapy and cortisone shots, I changed my diet to avoid foods that would cause inflammation. Without realizing it, I was no longer eating meat, dairy, or any other animal products.
It was eye-opening how good I felt. Joints ached less, I was more alert, and I never felt weighed down by my food, even though the portions were larger than I normally ate.
All of this is to say, plant-based eating may be good for the planet, but it’s also good for us.
There are plenty of vegan recipes out there for delicious and simple dishes that even a beginner can master (some of my favorites are from Eat Something Vegan and Love & Lemons). But I’m not going to be talking about recipes here.
This post is about the 10 ingredients that I absolutely have to have in my fridge and pantry for amazing, flavorful vegan cooking. And here they are…
My 10 Must Have Items for Vegan Cooking
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Plant-based Butter
I love butter because it’s rich and creamy with just a hint of salt. While oil works as a substitute for butter in most baking situations, plant-based butter is the way to go for topping toast, melting on corn on the cob, and adding to baked potatoes.
My favorite is Miyoko Organic European Style Cultured Vegan Butter, Hint of Salt.
Nutritional Yeast
I was surprised to find that these flakes act a lot like a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. I add it to salads, popcorn, and eggs. It’s slightly salty, nutty, cheesy, and savory, and therefore perfect for using when you want a cheese taste without using actual vegan cheese.
My favorite is Bob’s Red Mill Large Flake Nutritional Yeast.
Grains
One question that comes up a lot is how to get protein when you’re eating vegan. One way is through grains. Quinoa, wheat (if you eat it), oatmeal, cornmeal, couscous, millet, wild rice, and buckwheat all provide a portion of the daily amount of protein needed. Plus, they are filling and delicious, and you can add them to most every meal.
My favorites are these Organic Buckwheat Groats for making granola and this Tri-Color Organic Quinoa for Buddha bowls. I buy my Organic Oats in bulk from WinCo.
Plant-based Cheese
A good plant-based cheese makes it possible to enjoy pizza, nachos, and grilled cheese with the rest of the family if they aren’t pursuing the same lifestyle as you. Choosing a brand that tastes good and melts well is key. I like this cashew cheese sauce for homemade mac and cheese.
My favorite is Daiya Cheddar Style Slices for grilled cheese and Daiya Mozzarella Style Shreds for pizzas, salads, and eggplant parm.
Maple Syrup
As a sweetener, maple syrup can’t be beat, especially if you don’t want to use refined sugar in your vegan cooking and baking. Pure maple syrup is expensive, but a little bit goes a long way. I use it for Sunday pancakes, in baked goods, in sauces, and for homemade protein bars.
My favorite is Butternut Mountain Farm Pure Vermont Maple Syrup, Dark Grade A.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a creamy milk-substitute that works for baking, coffee drinks, mashed potatoes, and homemade ice cream. I love having it on hand when I want something richer than almond milk or oat milk. It has a faint coconut flavor that is especially great in baked goods and coffee.
My favorite is So Delicious Organic Unsweetened Coconut Milk.
Beans
These are another great way to get plenty of protein and fiber in your vegan cooking. Mashed for tacos, tossed into chili, added to salads and soups, or used to make hummus, they increase satiation and flavor in your vegan meals.
I buy cans of kidney, black, cannellini, and garbanzo beans from Walmart by the case (you can get dried beans, but I don’t always have the time to soak them before cooking).
Nuts
Nuts are my go-to snack food, as well as vegan cooking ingredient. These add flavor, texture, and protein to your dishes. I mentioned the cashew cheese sauce earlier, but you can also add them to salads, make butter spreads for sandwiches, put together trail mixes, and add them to stir-fry dishes. I love these for their versatility, too, as I can eat them raw, roast them, cook them, bake with them, and process them until creamy.
My favorite is bulk raw nuts from Sprouts.
Vegan Chocolate Chips
Okay, for some this may not be a must, but my goal when vegan cooking and baking is to not feel like I’m missing out. And I love chocolate. Luckily, cacao powder saves the day in most cases. And when I want melted pieces of chocolate in my gluten-free muffins or an extra-rich cup of hot cocoa on a cold day, then I like mini chocolate chips. They’re great for drinks, desserts, or adding to trail mix.
My favorite is Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips.
Tofu
Tofu is an inexpensive and versatile ingredient that can be used in soups, fried, served with veggies, or blended into smoothies for extra protein. I love miso soup with firm tofu and adding silken tofu to my acai bowls. And for chocolate lovers, you can make this Chocolate Tofu Pudding. The flavor is so mild in tofu that you can use it in unexpected ways.
My favorite is House Foods Firm Tofu.
PLUS: Tools that make Vegan Cooking Easier:
Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
This is the best mixer I have ever used for batters, doughs, etc. It’s worth the price if you consistently make your own vegan pizza doughs, muffins, and other baked goods.
Immersion Blender
This is really helpful when making soups that require partial pureeing or when making sauces or dressings in a narrow container. It really comes in handy in my house, especially in the winter soup department.
Shun Knife
This 8″ Japanese chef’s knife has been with us almost as long as we’ve been married. It’s durable, easily sharpened, and makes chopping and cutting so much easier. A good knife is a chef’s most important accessory.
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker
If you love ice cream, I’ve found it’s cheaper to make my own vegan ice cream flavors at home than buy them at the store. This is a highly-rated appliance that’s easy to use and lets you make all your favorite varieties.
Calphalon Stainless Steel Cookware
Stainless steel pots and pans are great for cooking because they are easy to clean and won’t break down and add Teflon to your food like non-stick cookware will. Having a good set that has the sizes needed for the job is essential.
Food Processor
For sauces, dressings, guacamoles, hummus, and protein bars, a food processor is the best. You can use it for everything a blender does, and more.
Bread Maker
With many breads containing whey or eggs, making your own makes sense (even more so if you’re gluten-free, too, like me). This can be used for regular sandwich bread, dessert breads, pizza doughs, and more.
Instant Pot
We use this for making vegan yogurt, slow cooking stews, and taco bowls. There are tons of options that help you cook things quickly or set them to be ready by dinnertime.
I hope this list of must-have ingredients and tools makes your plant-based diet and vegan lifestyle experience easier, more enjoyable, and especially, more delicious.
Do you have some ingredients that you use in your vegan cooking all the time that I’ve missed? Share them in the comments or tag me on social media! #thejourneyathome
Looking for more on frugal cooking and healthy eating? Check out these posts:
Frugal Cooking tips from a Penny-pinching Mom of 5
What does Meal Planning have to do with Healthy Eating? Everything!
10 Healthy After School Snacks for Hungry Kids
How to Eat Healthy on a Budget
[Disclaimer: I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for me to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission, at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own and I never recommend anything I haven’t used myself and loved.]
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