Are you feeling tired of the usual foods that you eat and want to spice up your routine? Or are you just trying to be more health-conscious of your diet? Then we’ve got you covered with 5 plant-based meals you can prepare in your condo in Bacoor!
What Are Plant-Based Meals?
Research shows that plant-based diets are actually healthier for you. A plant-based diet includes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. It does not necessarily mean that you are vegetarian or vegan, rather you are consciously choosing foods from plant sources. However, most plant-based diets do avoid the use of meat and dairy.
You might also be thinking that sourcing your ingredients might be difficult and expensive. Wrong! Going plant-based is actually cheaper for you in the long run as this means lesser chances of heart disease and other illnesses you may get from an unhealthy lifestyle.
There are also many local restaurants and fast-food chains that offer plant-based meals including Burger King’s Plant-based Whopper. Even Starbucks offers a wide range of plant-based meals and drinks to cater to vegans and vegetarians.
If You Want to Make Your Own, Here Are Some Plant-Based Meal to Prepare in Your Condo in the Bacoor Unit:
1. Vegan Bacon Sandwich
Making a vegan bacon sandwich is rather easy. You will need 2 slices of bread, vegan bacon strips, soy mayonnaise, vegan cheddar cheese, and catsup. Firstly, spread one teaspoon of soy mayonnaise on a slice of bread. Then fry your vegan bacon strips the way you like it. Place it on your slice of bread and top it with catsup. Add a slice of vegan cheddar cheese and finish with another slice of bread. You will be surprised by how similar it tastes to real bacon!
2. Oat Pancakes
This oats recipe would require a blender. You will also need 1 cup rolled oats (although instant oats will also work), ½ cup nut milk (soy or almond milk), 2 tablespoons maple syrup, 1 ripe banana, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Place all the ingredients in a blender and blend it until smooth. Heat oil in a pan and add the batter over low to medium heat. Cook until the pancakes are brown. And voila, you now have a healthier pancake! Top it with fresh fruits, peanut butter, or just the plain old maple syrup.
3. Tofu Sisig
To recreate a classic and healthier Filipino sisig dish, you will need one pack of 400g extra firm tofu, oil, and 1 medium diced onion. For the seasoning, you will need 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of vegetarian mushroom oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon calamansi juice, and 1 cup of soy mayonnaise. For the garnish, 1 to 2 chopped red chilis and green onions.
Before you fry your tofu, drain the water in the packaging and pat the tofu with towels to remove any excess water. Slice the tofu in small cubes. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients for the seasoning. In a wok, heat oil. Then fry your tofu until cooked or crispy. Put aside the cooked tofu and remove the excess oil in your pan. Leave a bit of oil and fry your onions. Add the seasoning in the pan and heat it a bit. Then mix the cooked tofu and garnish with chili and green onions. Serve it with freshly cooked white rice.
4. Chickpea and Tofu Curry
If you’re craving a delicious and rich dish, then this plant-based curry is perfect for you. You will need 2 tablespoons coconut oil (divided), 1 package of medium-firm tofu (cubed and dried with paper towel), 1/2 thinly sliced large onion, 2 tablespoons minced ginger, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tablespoon each: cumin seeds, turmeric, sea salt, 1/4 cup tomato paste, 1 can coconut milk (400ml or 13.5 ounces), 1/2 can water (measured from the empty coconut milk can), and 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed.
To start, heat 1/2 tablespoon of the coconut oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and pan fry until golden brown on 2 sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from the pan. Heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil in the pan used for the tofu. Brown the eggplant on all sides, working in batches if needed. Remove the eggplant from the pan. Heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of coconut oil in the same pan and cook the onion for 2-3 minutes, or until it softens. Add the ginger and garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the cumin seeds and turmeric to the pan and let them toast for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the sea salt and the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the coconut milk and water to the pot, bring it to a boil, and stir, scraping the bottom for any stuck-on bits. Stir the chickpeas and tofu into the curry and let them heat through. Serve with a cup of hot white rice.
5. Tomato and Mushroom Pasta
To make this easy plant-based tomato and mushroom pasta, you will need 1 pack of spaghetti, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 chopped shallot, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 10 ounces of cremini mushroom, 1 cup red or white wine, 1 14-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, a handful of chopped parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
To start, bring a large pot of water seasoned with salt to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the directions on the box until al dente. Before draining reserve a half cup of the cooking water.
Meanwhile, in a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over high heat. Add the shallot; cook until light golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute to soften. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and it evaporates (about 8 to 10 minutes). Add wine, tomatoes, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Reduce heat to medium; cook until the consistency of a thick sauce, about 5 minutes. Transfer the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the tomato sauce, and toss until coated. If it seems too thick, add pasta water as needed to loosen and serve.
Serve this delicious Italian-inspired dish with garlic bread and your favorite red or white wine.
Where to Get Plant-based Products and Ingredients to Start a Plant-Based Diet?
Your Local Wet and Dry Market
The ever-reliable wet and dry markets hold a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, spices, and more.
Berdelish
Berdelish is a vegan store in Imus, Cavite, just a few minutes away from your condo in Bacoor by Meridian, it offers a wide variety of ready-to-eat plant-based meals and products like vegan bacon, vegan cheese, soy mayonnaise, desserts, and snacks. You can visit their physical store near Robinsons Imus. They are also available for online orders on their website.
The Vegan Grocer
The Vegan Grocer is another store that also offers a wide variety of plant-based and vegan products and ready-to-eat meals. You will definitely enjoy browsing through their catalog as all of their product offerings are appetizing. They have a physical store in Evia Lifestyle Center and they also accept online orders through Shopee.
Enjoy a Healthier Lifestyle in your Condo in Bacoor, Meridian
Tucked in a suburban address, The Meridian is strategically located in Bacoor, Cavite only 3 minutes away from the highly commercialized Aguinaldo Highway and 5 minutes from Molino Boulevard. Meridian is a 5-hectare modern contemporary midrise condominium development by Crown Asia. The Meridian is a condo in Bacoor that also offers resort-inspired amenities perfect for sports and recreational activities.
The Meridian offers spacious, ready-for-occupancy 1-Bedroom (30 sqm) and 2-Bedroom (40 sqm, 42.60 sqm) units, perfect for cooking your favorite plant-based meals. Meridian’s condo units are also Smart Home Automation Ready.
Related Blog: Different Types of Diets for a Healthy Lifestyle
