I’m from a place where casseroles have quirky names like “funeral potatoes,” and the potluck vegetable section features various corn dishes. My dinners growing up were pretty standard: meat, a starch, and occasionally some sad green beans.
When I moved to California in my thirties, people kept suggesting I try vegan meals. I’d just smile and think of my grandmother’s pot roast.
But taste isn’t set in stone. It changes. When I gave myself a chance, I discovered dishes that didn’t just replace my childhood favorites; they made me forget them entirely.
### 1. Dan Dan Noodles
The first time I savored Dan Dan noodles at a Sichuan restaurant in San Francisco, I wasn’t even aware they were vegan. The blend of sesame paste, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorns was electrifying. The ground mushrooms and walnuts packed a punch, making me question my decades of bland ground beef. Each bite was a symphony of flavor.
### 2. Jackfruit Carnitas Tacos
I surprised my brother with jackfruit carnitas one day. He wolfed down three tacos before asking where the pork was. When I revealed it was fruit, he had to check the package! The texture mimics pork wonderfully when cooked right, with spices and citrus giving it depth. He still texts me for the recipe.
### 3. Mushroom Bourguignon
Beef bourguignon was a big deal in my house. Trying the mushroom version was an eye-opener. The mushrooms soaked up the red wine sauce, providing an earthy flavor that beef just couldn’t match. A mix of mushrooms like cremini, shiitake, and oyster adds even more complexity.
### 4. Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
I was doubtful about cauliflower wings at first. But I made them for a Super Bowl party, and everyone wanted more. The trick is to bake them twice for that perfect crispiness. Paired with cashew ranch, they’re a game-changer.
### 5. Lentil Bolognese
Spaghetti night was sacred to my family. I thought nothing could replace Mom’s meat sauce. Then I tried lentil bolognese. Lentils create a rich, hearty sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. Now, I make it in bulk and even Mom asked for the recipe last Christmas.
### 6. Cashew Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese was practically a religion in my home. But soaked cashews and nutritional yeast offer a sauce so creamy that it makes traditional recipes pale in comparison. Kids who threw tantrums when they learned it wasn’t “real” cheese still asked for seconds.
### 7. Chickpea Tikka Masala
I used to order chicken tikka masala frequently. Swapping it for chickpeas felt like a sacrifice, but they thrive in the spiced tomato sauce. Chickpeas hold their shape better than chicken, adding a nutty flavor that makes for a delicious meal.
### 8. Black Bean Burgers
I tried countless veggie burgers that crumbled apart. Then I learned the secret—binders and the right spices. Black beans mixed with oats and walnuts created burgers that held together and even earned my dad’s approval at a barbecue!
### Final Thoughts
Going vegan felt daunting at first, especially coming from a traditional meat-and-potatoes background. But these dishes embrace their own identities and, in many ways, outshine what I grew up with.
Your taste evolves when you allow it to. Those flavors I thought I’d miss faded away, replaced by new and exciting experiences. Return visits to Ohio don’t spark nostalgia anymore; I’m grateful for the delicious journey I’ve taken.
Source link
