Today, I’m excited to share some fantastic non-meat based swaps that you can used without compromising on the delicious textures and tastes you love. One thing to make clear is the my family is not vegetarian! They love their food and meat, but over the past couple of years I have been experimenting with alternitives to meat, in particular minced beef. I’ve discovered some incredible plant-based options, particularly from Sainsbury’s Plant Pioneers and Aldi’s “Plant Menu” ranges. Now, I must confess, I’m not a huge fan of Quorn-based options, so I’ve scoured the aisles for alternatives that truly deliver on taste and texture.
Plant-Based Mince Magic:
One of the game-changers in our household has been plant-based mince. Whether you’re whipping up a hearty cottage pie, classic spaghetti bolognese, flavourful chilli ‘non’ carne, or a comforting lasagne, these plant-based alternatives seamlessly blend into your favourite dishes. The texture is so convincing that you won’t even notice the switch.
Aldi’s Plant Menu Meat-free Mince 400g is currently retailing at £1.49 for 400g
Sainsbury’s Plant Pioneers Meat Free Mince is currently retailing at £1.86 for 500g
Both options makes it cheaper and healthier than the real meat alternative
My recipe for Spaghetti Bolognese using Aldi’s Plant Menu Meat-free Mince:
Serves 4 Adults Ingredients:
-
- 350g Aldi’s Plant Menu Meat-free Mince
- 400g spaghetti
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, grated
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 3 teaspoon mixed italian herbs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
-
- Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Add the minced garlic, grated carrots, and chopped celery to the pan. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Aldi’s Plant Menu Meat-free Mince to the pan. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Stir in the tomato paste/ketchup and cook for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and add the dried herbs. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the Bolognese sauce simmer for at least 10-minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the Bolognese sauce over the cooked spaghetti. Optionally, sprinkle with Parmesan before serving.
Aldi & Sainsbury’s Plant Menu Ultimate No Beef / Plant Burgers:
For those burger cravings, Aldi’s Plant Menu Ultimate No Beef Burgers are a tasty alternative. While they may not perfectly mimic the texture of meat, their flavour is spot-on, making them a delightful addition to your meatless meals. Pop them on the grill or in the oven for a quick and satisfying burger experience.
Why Skip Quorn? Personal Preferences Matter:
While Quorn has been a go-to for many, personal preferences vary. If, like me, you’re not a fan of Quorn-based options, fear not! There’s a wide array of alternatives available that might just become your new favourites.
The Impact of Meat Reduction on CO2 Emissions:
Beyond the delectable tastes and textures, it’s essential to highlight the positive impact even a small reduction in meat consumption can have on our environment. Choosing plant-based options helps decrease the carbon footprint associated with food production. It’s a simple yet powerful way to contribute to sustainability.
In conclusion, making easy ‘no meat’ swaps doesn’t mean sacrificing the tastes and textures you love. Explore the “Plant Based” ranges at Sainsbury’s and Aldi to discover delightful alternatives that suit your palate. From hearty mince for your favourite dishes to delicious burger options, the world of plant-based eating is full of exciting possibilities. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey together and make a positive impact on both our taste buds and the planet. Happy cooking!
