I’ve been wanting to write this for a while. I see a lot of recipes on this forum that are great, but many don’t talk about the real foundation of great plant-based cooking: techniques. A lot of this might already be familiar to you, but I hope it helps someone out there. Feel free to skip what you already know!
Patience Makes Perfect
You can make an amazing tomato sauce with just garlic, onion, tomatoes, black pepper, salt, and oil if you add one special ingredient: time. Let it simmer on low heat to bring out natural sweetness and deep flavors. Recipes that use sugar or MSG are often just trying to replace what time does naturally. If you’re roasting, those browned bits on the edges of your pot? That’s pure flavor. Want veggies with texture? Let the base cook for hours and add them at the end. Everyone’s happy!
Why Your Cooking Might Be Missing Something
You probably need more salt and oil. Restaurant-quality vegan food often has lots of both. Oil carries flavor, and salt makes it pop. If you’re cooking for guests or skeptical non-vegans, don’t hold back on these. You can always scale down for health-conscious meals later.
Building Umami
Umami is key in meat-based dishes, and there are lots of plant-based ways to replicate it. Think miso, soy sauce, or browning your ingredients. Fry onions until caramelized, roast your veggies, and take your time with each step. Infuse spices in oil, toast tomato paste until it darkens, and use freshly cracked black pepper. The little steps add up.
Learn from the Experts
Many plant-based dishes are perfected by cultures that have cooked this way for centuries. Explore Indian, Middle Eastern, and East Asian cuisines for inspiration. A good spice cupboard (and grinding whole spices) will take you far. Fresh garlic is usually better, but garlic powder has its place in certain recipes too.
Finish Pasta Like a Pro
Cook your pasta just short of done, then mix it with the sauce in a pan. Add some pasta water for a creamy finish. This step can make a huge difference in texture and flavor.
Balance the Flavors
Don’t forget acid, sweetness, and heat. Lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, or chili flakes can completely transform a dish. Try adding something sharp or spicy at the end for a surprise boost.
Okay, I’ve written a ton already. What are your go-to tricks? Share below!