Up For A Challenge? Go Vegan This January

Holly Harris | 4th January 2018

Jack Monroe – Veganuary ambassador

Here’s another challenge to add to your ever-growing list of ‘New Year Resolutions’ … go vegan this January.

After a Christmas of indulgence and consuming countless cheese boards and boxes of chocolates, why not take the pledge and give it a go.

Veganuary is the official term; you may have noticed the advertising campaign on Manchester’s trams.

The charity is attempting to shed light on misconceptions and inaccurate information that surrounds the way of living.

Many people question:

Where do vegans get their protein from?

Surely one person going vegan isn’t going to make a difference?

What else is there to eat other than rice and beans?

Carl Donnelly – Veganuary ambassador

Veganuary hopes to provide answers to these questions, by encouraging people to try it for themselves.

Veganism not only protects animals; it is said to benefit you health, the environment and improve your nutrition.

In London, 2016, Veganuary’s advertising campaign encouraged 10,000 Londoners to take up the 31-day plant-based pledge. This boosted the total number of participants to 60,000.

Celebrity and sport stars Sarah-Jane Crawford, Anthony Mullally and Dan Geisler are the ambassadors of the charity, with a number of other public figures that follow veganism.

Here are some recipes that have been donated by some of the nations best-loved celebs that may sway your decision to take on Veganuary:

Veganuary Guacamole – Side

Guacamole, Beyonce’s favourite
(Serves two-four)

2 ripe avocados
½ tsp salt
1/2 lime, juice only
½ small red onion, diced very small
1 green chilli, seeds removed and sliced very small
1 ripe tomato, diced
2 tbsp fresh coriander

Method

1.     Mash the avocado with the back of a fork

2.     Add all the other ingredients and mix well

 

Veganuary The Main Event – Chickpea Burgers – Side

Chickpea Burgers by John Bishop

(Makes four small or two large burgers)

1 small onion, finely chopped
4 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, peeled and minced
1 x 400g can chickpeas, drained
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
A squeeze of lemon juice
1 tbsp tahini
A little plain flour
Salt and pepper

Method

Gently fry the onions over a medium heat in half the oil until they are soft and translucent. Add the garlic and fry for another minute, stirring.

Mash the chickpeas with a fork or a potato masher, and add them to the onions, along with the cumin and paprika. Cook stirring for another three or four minutes.

Add the lemon juice, and stir in the tahini to bind the mixture. Season to taste.

Form the mixture into four burgers, and coat them in flour, fry them in the remaining oil for four minutes on each side.

Serve with a green salad.

 

For more recipes, sign up to receive the celebrity cook book or purchase your copy of How To Go Vegan

 

Or, why not dine out and try some vegan dishes. More restaurants and cafes than you may think cater for vegans.

We have put a list together of some of the best eateries in and around Manchester:

 

Manchester

The Allotment Vegan Restaurant – Located on Vernon Street in Stockport, this fine dining restaurant offers seven and ten course taster menus; including a vegan cheeseboard!

V Rev Vegan Diner – This Northern Quarter diner is Manchester City Centre’s first and only 100% vegan eatery. Serving up a variety of burgers, fries and mac n cheese, you wont believe its all vegan.

Pita Pit – With two stores in Manchester, Pita Pit caters for all of your salad and falafal cravings with its customised salad bowls and pitas.

Soup Kitchen – Another Northern Quarter gem, Soup Kitchen offers an array of vegetable soups, including its vegan hard vegetable stew and assortment of jacket potatoes and toppings.

Leon – Located just outside Piccadilly Station and in the Trafford Centre, Leon is the place to go if you want to grab something on-the-go.

 

Cheshire

The Wheatsheaf Inn – This pub offers a number of vegan options, including a vegan take on cottage pie and a sweet potato, lentil and spinach dhansak (a popular Indian dish).

 

Derbyshire

The Globe Inn – A vegan pub located in the Northern Derbyshire town of Glossop. The pub offers a number of vegan curries, Mexican and sausage dishes.

Carnero Lounge – Located on St Peters Street, this cafe/bar has an all day vegan breakfast! What more could you ask for?

 

Zizzi, Cosy Club, Pizza Express, Prezzo, Pret a Manger, Slug and Lettuce, Wagamama, Carluccio’s, Nando’s and a number of other chains also offer vegan options on their menu.

 

To try Veganuary, register now for free to receive your starter pack

 

For more information, visit: https://veganuary.com/

 

Want more, check out these VIVA  articles:

Ice Shack goes vegan!

Vegan: Putting Its Stamp On Healthy Living