Today marks 14 days of my Veganuary 2021 journey. I have to admit that I expected this to be an extremely difficult journey but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. However there have been 2 teeny-weeny incidents. Today I’m sharing my Veganuary 2021 experience as well as a yummy Vegan Spicy Cottage Pie Recipe you have to try.

The first 2 weeks have seen me get creative in the kitchen again and Veganuary is definitely a huge learning curve. Growing up I hardly ate veg in general, so my palette is used to a very protein heavy diet. But there is such and abundance of products that I have no excuse really.

14 days in and going strong. I have to admit that the We Love Veganuary SA Facebook is really awesome. Many of the members have given the most fantastic advice. It’s never too late to up your intake of plant-based food so if you are keen to come hang out where the kids do then click HERE now.

Vegan Spicy Cottage Pie Recipe

Servings – 4
Cooking time – 60 minutes in total
Difficulty – Easy

Ingredients

• 300 Fry’s Pea Protein Mince
• 2 tbsp chilli or olive oil
• 1/2 thinly slice large onion
• 1-2 green chillies sliced in half lengthwise
• 1 tbsp ginger and garlic
• 1 mixed veg
• 1 cup broccoli
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 6 tbsp homemade tomato sauce
• 1 tsp chilli powder
• 5 large potatoes
• 1 tin coconut milk
• 2 tbsp Vegan butter
• 1 cup grated vegan cheese
• Salt and pepper

Method

1. Peel, wash and dice potatoes. Add to a pot of boiling water and cook until potatoes are soft.
2. Remove from heat, drain and set aside.
3. Add the 1/4 cup coconut milk, butter, salt and pepper to taste. Mash until light and fluffy. You can add more of these ingredients as required. Set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
5. In a medium size pot, heat the oil, adding the onions and chillies. Cook until onions are translucent then add the ginger and garlic.
6. Give a quick stir then add the Pea Protein Mince Cook and cook on a low heat.
7. Add the spices mix and then add the veggies. Cook for 5 minutes.
8. Add 1/2 tin of coconut milk and sauces. Turn up the heat and allow the liquid to reduce.
9. Remove from the heat and empty into an ovenproof dish.
10. Layer the mash on top.
11. Then sprinkle with the grated cheese.
12. Cook in oven until the cheese reaches the desired texture.

We love Fry’s

I’m a huge fan of Fry’s Family Food Company and have tried all of their products. Fry’s has played an instrumental role in me getting my boys to eat more plant-based food over the past 2 years. Last night we tried the Pea Protein Mince for the first time and it was an absolute win.

This plant-based mince isn’t just yummy, it’s also packed with protein, it’s soy-free, and non-GM. Mostly, I’m impressed with the actual structure and texture of the mince. It was perfect for my vegan spicy cottage pie recipe and needless to say there were no leftovers. Claiming this as a #MomWin!

Living a Vegan Lifestyle doesn’t have to be expensive

Contrary to popular belief, a plant-based or vegan diet doesn’t have to be expensive. The market is flooded with products, you however should be choosing ingredients for their nutritional properties. This doesn’t mean that the ingredients have to be pricey.

Do your research, join groups with like-minded individuals and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Yes, you may be met with some resistance! The opinions of others shouldn’t impact your decision to eat healthier and to positively impact the environment.

Plant-based Made Easy

• Do your research.
• Make a list and stick to it.
• Shop seasonal fruit and veg.
• Don’t be scared of the freezer section.
• Buy in bulk, wash, cut and freeze.
• Make your own milks, nut butters and snacks.
• As the Queen of Meal Prep I strongly encourage you to get your prep on every weekend as it will save time and money.

Staples you already buy that are vegan-friendly

Some resources to help you Nourish Yourself with Plants

Tammy Fry’s new book Made with Love & Plants is a great help. 

If you are keen to obtain info on eating more plant-based food, I highly recommend you grab a copy. Click HERE is you are looking for a plant-based Meal Plan to help kick start eating more plant-based food.

The official website for Veganuary South Africa

Read more about Veganuary – Fit Like Mummy pledges 31 Days of Plant-based food only

If we do only one thing in 2021, it should be to Live Kindly.