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As the name suggests, a Flexitarian diet brings about a sense of flexibility in an individual’s dietary choices – that vegetarian or vegan diets might otherwise not provide. Those who follow a predominantly plant-based dietary pattern, with occasional inclusions of animal products can be considered as someone who is flexitarian. While the principles of such a diet remain almost the same as any other wholesome diet – this means cutting out processed foods, sugar and a lot of meat products, and including fresh vegetables, fruits and legumes. If you identify your way of life aligning with the above-mentioned characteristics, here are a few delicious meals you can enjoy recreating at home.
Stir-Fried Vegetables & Tofu
Quick and versatile, stir fries loaded with colourful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, carrots and peas add a burst of freshness and flavour when seasoned just right. Bulk up your accompaniment to rice or noodles by adding tofu for plant-based protein or paneer on any other day, and enjoy with a healthy drizzle of chilli oil.
Frittata
Easy to make and customisable, this egg-based breakfast preparation has plenty of potential to be loaded with all kinds of ingredients. Think sliced potatoes, onions, mushrooms and baby spinach in one; or roasted bell peppers, cheddar and jalapenos in another – the possibilities are endless. Frittatas also make for a great brunch option while hosting guests at home, without meandering too far from the lifestyle practice that is flexitarianism.
Tofu Bhurji
An Indian twist on the vegan scramble, the tofu bhurji is sure to pack in all the flavours that one would typically associate with Indian cooking. Robust with spice blends like pav bhaji masala and garam masala, the bhurji is a great option to eat with fresh pav or rotis for lunch and can even be sandwiched between slices of bread for a quick snack or for breakfast.
Kerala Sardine Curry
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
A mildly flavoured fish curry made with tomatoes, onions and fresh sardines, this flavoursome curry is made using a base of coconut milk. Enjoyed best with appams or red rice, the sardine curry is a comforting and familiar recipe to include on days when one plans on consuming animal products. If you like your curry on the tangier side, adding a few slices of raw mango or a tablespoon of tamarind pulp should do the trick.
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Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chilli
A slow-cooked, one-pot recipe of fibre-rich sweet potatoes and the protein-dense beans, this tangy and slightly sweet chilli has layers of flavour that can be bulked up using mock meat, minced soya chunks or a variety of mushrooms. Serve your chilli with a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices and eat when still warm. It is advisable to make a large batch of the chilli, that you can freeze and enjoy over a period of few days.
Sabz Korma
An old-school veggie accompaniment to almost all kinds of Indian carbohydrate components, the korma is highly versatile; in that, that it uses just about any kind of seasonal veggies or a combination of standard everyday vegetables and what’s in season. Use cashew paste or ground coconut paste to thicken the korma and make it extra rich and creamy. Pair with parathas, pulao or tandoori roti for the most perfect meal.
Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Mashed chickpeas with slices of ripe avocado, red onions and a squeeze of lemon juice creates a flavourful filling for sandwiches – akin to tuna salad. Served on toasted whole-grain bread with lettuce and tomatoes, this plant-based sandwich option is a great portable lunch as well as something that you can enjoy as a cold meal during the later part of the day. For those who prefer a bit of spice, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
