Veganuary: what exactly is it (and how to eat vegan all January without getting bored)?
In January, the same thing often happens in many kitchens.
The holidays are behind us. Leftovers are (finally) gone. And without necessarily saying it out loud, you can feel your body calling for something else. Not a punishment, not a diet, just a little more lightness and meals that feel good.
It's often at this point that a word surfaces: Veganuary.
We've seen it passed around on networks, in discussions between colleagues or on the menus of certain restaurants. But behind this rather strange name, the idea is much simpler than it seems.
What exactly is Veganuary?
Veganuary is a challenge originally launched in the UK: to eat vegan for the whole month of January.
In practical terms, this means cooking without meat, fish, eggs, dairy products or ingredients of animal origin.
But be warned: the spirit of Veganuary is not to become vegan "for life", nor to aim for absolute perfection. Rather, the aim is to test, discover and learn, over the course of a month, another way of cooking and eating.
No guilt-tripping, no dogma. Just an invitation to try.
The real Veganuary trap isn't hunger (it's boredom)
When you think "vegan diet", the first concern expressed is often the same:
"What about protein?"
In reality, this is almost never the real problem. Pulses, cereals, tofu, tempeh, dried fruit... the sources are there.
The real danger, the one that makes you give up after 5 days, is fatigue.
The same pan-fried vegetables.
The same soups.
Tomato pasta by default.
XXL salads without relief.
And in the end, you end up resorting to soulless industrial "vegan" dishes for lack of ideas.
The key to lasting a month (and enjoying it) is not to try and replace every meat dish with a false equivalent.
It's all about changing the way you think about meals.
28 savoury vegan recipes to enjoy Veganuary
Here is a tagine filled with vegetables and vegetable proteins! Also a new way to cook seitan , an ingredient made from wheat or spelled gluten. Combined with chickpeas, potatoes and carrots, you will get a healthy and complete dish . Without...
Would you like to taste tofu but don't know how to cook it? Here’s an idea for your Sunday brunch: scrambled tofu! A perfect recipe to replace scrambled eggs. And for this, only two ingredients are needed: firm natural tofu and silken tofu (which you...
For a dish that's easy to make and rich in flavor, try our Chinese noodles wok ! Here, you can taste a vegetarian filling made with vegetables and textured soy proteins . And if you have never tasted this ingredient, here is a good reason to be...
For an easy and fresh appetizer or dish, try our spring rolls! Colorful and filled with flavors, this vegetarian version will delight your taste buds. In addition to our recipe, we share our folding technique to ensure your spring rolls turn out...
In the list of comforting dishes , we gladly ask for a chickpea curry ! Served with rice, this fragrant recipe will warm your stomach :-) You'll see how easy this recipe is with the steps explained below ↓
Today we bring you a vegan version of one of the most popular dishes in India: Malai Kofta (balls in sauce). Since we sometimes struggle to eat legumes, at Petitchef we try to cook them in every possible way. These chickpea and spinach balls served...
Today for lunch, try our tabbouleh... without semolina! A gluten-free and 100% vegetable alternative! Indeed, semolina will be replaced by blended cauliflower :-) A great way to get the whole family to enjoy this vegetable! A no-cook vegetarian recipe...
If you like comforting, spicy and oriental recipes , this chorba soup should please you! Usually, it is made up of meat (mainly lamb or mutton) but here we have decided to offer you its vegetarian version . Very consistent thanks to chickpeas,...
Are you in the mood for a simple, tasty pasta dish that makes you feel right at home? Pasta with olive sauce is the ideal answer! A true classic of Italian cuisine, very easy to prepare and full of flavor, perfect for a light lunch or a quick...
Spread it on toast or use it to garnish your mushrooms , this Vegan "cheese" made from soy yoghurt will surprise you as much as it will delight you! There's no trace of lactose here, so it's a great vegan recipe for introducing your loved ones...
These patties are super easy to make and are made from legumes: coral lentils. Their orange color will add vibrancy to your plate and pair perfectly with carrots. A great way to incorporate vegetables and plant-based proteins into your meal. Naturally...
A delicious and colorful winter meal that is gluten-free and vegan, perfect for the whole family. This recipe combines the sweet orange flesh of butternut squash with the vibrant red of pomegranate seeds and the freshness of coriander, making it a...
We've found the perfect side dish for your meats and fish: a sweet potato gratin! To add even more flavor, we combine it with coconut milk and curry. Super easy to make, this recipe also makes a perfect vegetarian dish when paired with a mixed salad...
We are celebrating chickpeas today with this delicious Lebanese specialty! Enjoy this recipe all day long with pita bread or fresh veggies!
You never have enough easy and healthy recipes in your cookbook, right? Especially when we are looking to do something that will make us several meals . So for that we suggest you use your semolina in a couscous salad! With seasonal vegetables...
One of our favorite recipes to make with chickpeas? Falafels! This famous recipe from the Middle East will tantalize your taste buds. A healthy, vegetarian, and aromatic preparation that showcases the richness of Lebanese cuisine. Whether as an...
Crispy and easy homemade French fries, that's what you'll get with this step-by-step recipe. Unfailing, you'll quickly realize that frying fries is an art! Both kids and adults won't be able to resist! Perfect to accompany your Sunday chicken, mussels,...
When you come home in the evening after a day in the rain and cold, the solution lies in dinner with this delicious leek, coconut, and curry soup! Creamy and very easy to make, it will bring sunshine into your home as well as a touch of exoticism! You...
What if we turned our corn tortillas into bowls to hold a mixed salad? A fluted mold, a trip to the oven, and you're done ;-) We'll explain how we did it in the instructions below ↓ For the rest, just combine the ingredients of your choice ;-)
Sicilian caponata is a traditional Italian recipe that we love to make at Ptitchef! Bursting with sunshine and flavor, one of its stars is eggplant . Combined with tomatoes and olives, this Italian ratatouille can be enjoyed as an appetizer...
For an easy-to-make recipe that warms you up on chilly days, choose this soup! With the addition of chickpeas and spinach, it will be hearty and balanced while being simple! A great trick when you want to get kids (or adults ;-) ) to eat their veggies!
In the category of comforting and original recipes, we love this red lentil dahl! Not only does it introduce this legume to the whole family, but this dish is also vegetarian. A great way to diversify your menus while enjoying yourself :-) Enhanced...
A new creamy cold pasta is ready to accompany your warm days. This time we made it with avocado cream, almonds and tomatoes . A great recipe for this season: it is very quick to make, while you cook the pasta you can prepare its seasoning and...
Made with a few simple ingredients and without the use of eggs, these gnocchi are a lighter alternative to traditional potato gnocchi . We have prepared them with frozen peas so it will be possible to bring them to the table all year round. Not only...
Have you ever tried konjac pasta? Gluten-free and low in calories, these noodles are made from a plant. The best way to enjoy a healthy meal! This recipe enhances the flavor of konjac spaghetti with a delicious homemade tomato sauce, garlic, and...
Enhance the flavors of your plain tofu and make it crispy after a quick sauté. Pair it with rice and vegetables for a fragrant and balanced meal. Are you ready to try it?
What could be more comforting than risotto for dinner? Ouch, you've run out of round rice! No problem, you'll find that you've still got some quinoa left: a good opportunity to experiment with other starchy foods ;-) Let's make this cumin-flavoured...
Delicious as can be, here’s a new idea for a sauce to accompany your pasta. With this vegetarian bolognese, you’ll surprise and delight everyone around the table. But what have we used instead of meat? Discover it through our step-by-step instructions...
A word to the wise
Even if Veganuary is accessible to many people, it's important to stay in tune with your body.
Here are a few useful reminders:
- give priority to complete meals, not just vegetables,
- don't neglect certain nutrients (vitamin B12, iodine, calcium, omega-3),
- gradually increase fiber intake,
- drink enough water.
And of course, in the event of pregnancy, pathology or medical treatment, it's always best to seek the advice of a health professional.
Patricia González
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