Go meat-free this National Vegetarian Week

With National Vegetarian Week on the horizon (16-22 May 2022), what better time to explore some of the benefits of cutting-out or reducing meat altogether from your meals?  

Whether you’re thinking of reducing your meat intake to watch your waistline, mitigate your carbon footprint, or simply to switch up your usual routine, here are our top vegetarian recipes to help inspire you to be creative in the kitchen this National Vegetarian Week. 

Start the day right  

Breakfast is often touted as ‘the most important meal of the day’, and it’s for good reason. As the name suggests, breakfast breaks the overnight fasting period and replenishes your supply of glucose to boost your energy levels and alertness. By opting for a vegetarian breakfast, you’re also loading your body with essential nutrients required for good health and a happy mind. 

Originating from the Middle East and Africa, Shakshuka is an easy, versatile and flavour-packed vegetarian dish that has earned its place on brunch menus across the world. Our take on this one pan classic combines a gently spiced, pepper and tomato sauce with the subtle sweetness of maple, before being topped with runny, poached eggs and fresh coriander. 

Like any diet, it’s all about finding the right balance. If you’re filling up with vegetables throughout the week, then you deserve a treat, right? For an indulgent start to the day, our Maple French Toast with Caramelised Bananas is the perfect choice. Great for making use of one day old bread, sourdough is soaked in a creamy mixture of eggs, milk, whipping cream, maple, and spices. The bread is then pan fried until golden brown and served with caramelised bananas in maple sugar – ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth and stomach.  

Spring into action this Vegetarian Week 

The fruit and vegetable section of a supermarket may look the same every week and while it’s convenient, we can all be guilty of forgetting where and how things grow. By eating seasonally, you’re benefiting from nature with nutrient dense produce that not only tastes better but can also be kinder on your pocket, with the added benefit of supporting local producers too. 

As the weather continues to improve this spring, why not make the most of fresh ingredients with our Halloumi Kebabs with Sweet Red Pepper and Maple Relish and Broad Bean Hummus? A trio of vegetarian taste sensations, the strength of this recipe lies in proper preparation and a short cooking time – ideal for a minimal fuss BBQ with family and friends.  

Another fantastic option for outdoor cooking is our Grilled Maple and Balsamic Mushroom Shawarma. The bold and balanced marinade of soy, garlic, maple syrup and balsamic vinegar complements the natural umami flavour of mushrooms to create a taste profile that’s far better than your local kebab house. While wild mushroom varieties such as Bearded Fieldcap and Deer Shield can be picked in May, the marinade will help elevate any vegetable you choose to serve. 

Bring some more sunshine to the table with the addition of our Spring Salad with Maple Dressing. This vibrant recipe showcases some of the best seasonal produce, including new potatoes and asparagus, brought together with a maple and red wine vinegar dressing that’s spiked with Dijon mustard. 

Comfort food to share with loved ones 

Our Double-Baked Goats Cheese Soufflé recipe is rich, luscious and absolutely delicious. The intense sweetness of maple syrup helps to mellow the big character of goat’s cheese, creating a match that is made in heaven. What’s best is that the mixture can be made in advance and cooked from frozen – simply increase the cooking time by 10 minutes and you have a deceptively simple showstopper to impress guests at a dinner party or keep all to yourself. 

Another dish that’s great for when people come round is our Cauliflower and Tofu Maple Korma. It’s a real crowd-pleaser, simple to cook and the creamy sauce can be made well in advance. Vegetarian curries are often lacking in texture, but by roasting your cauliflower and tofu in maple syrup you will achieve caramelised bites of flavour that complement the delicately spiced sauce brimming with aromatic flavours of the east. 

To find more vegetarian recipes featuring our favourite natural sweetener, make sure to click here.