How to Add Flavor and Zest to Your Vegetarian Dishes

One of the main challenges to those making theconsistency) and finely chopped fresh rosemary, olive
transition to vegetarianism is how to render foodoil and salt and pepper to taste.
flavorful without the aid of animal fat and meat? It isFruit jams, preserves and dry fruits lend a subtle fruity
true that non-vegetarian cooking relies on meat and fatsweetness in stews and curries. Dry figs or dates,
from different animals for flavor and taste.chopped into chunks blend beautifully in a
There is no way to replicate gamey taste and meatycoconut-based South East Asian style curries.
flavors in vegetarian cooking. It is just not possible. ButSultanas, raisins and currants are not uncommon
there are many ways to jazz up mouth-wateringingredients in traditional signature dishes like Indian pilaf,
dishes meat-free and animal-fat-free.biryani and Northern African couscous.
One easy and cheap way to add zing to mixedAnother significant way to add flavors to vegetarian
vegetable soup is by adding a tablespoon of either orcooking is the usage of spices and condiments. Add
both finely grated lemon and orange zest into the pot.coarsely chopped pickle lemon in steamed beetroot
For a more distinct taste, after zesting the orange,salad for an uplifting tang to the dish and try a pinch of
squeeze out every drop of the juice, before adding itsaffron in stews and soups for that special flavor.
to the pot. The soup will have a beautiful citrusyThere is no hard and fast rule when it comes to
fragrance and a tangy orange flavor to it.spicing up a dish vegetarian style. Be bold and
Both dry and fresh herbs are powerful flavorexperiment with different herbs, spices, condiments
enhancer in stews, sauces, soups as well as grilled orand ingredients. The key word is moderation. The aim
baked dishes. A twig of fresh rosemary works wellis not to overpower the dish with any one taste or
when baking potatoes. For a distinctive twist to bakedflavor but rather to strike a nice balance between all
sweet potatoes try adding a tablespoon ofthe main ingredients to create a flavorsome dish.
marmalade (diluted in hot water to a syrup-like