Studies show that eating meat can have negative health effects. One of the more interesting studies involved 474,985 middle-aged adults. They were observed for as long as 8 years. Those who consumed red and poultry meat (3 times a week or more) showed higher body weight and less favourable health parameters. The study also pointed to a higher risk of diseases such as ischemic heart disease, pneumonia, diabetes, and inflammation of the stomach and duodenum. The researchers also presented strong evidence that red meat can increase the risk of colon cancer and other types of cancer.
However, the impact of meat consumption on our bodies is not all. Cattle farming has a significant impact on global warming through greenhouse gas emissions (up to 23 percent of the world’s total gas emissions).
Turning to a vegetarian and vegan diet is advisable. That’s why we have prepared for you some recipes for meat-free chops that are tasty, healthy and really not inferior in any way to their meat counterparts.
Vegan chops with tofu and sourdough bread
The first recipe is special, because these chops taste insane! They do not crumble, do not contain fat, have an exceptionally rich flavour and will taste delicious both in the company of potatoes and cucumber salad as well as pasta with tomato sauce. It also makes a great base for a burger.
Ingredients for 10 large chops:
- 2 cubes of smoked tofu
- approx. 200 grams of high quality sourdough bread (preferably wholemeal)
- 2 teaspoons of mustard
- a teaspoon of smoked pepper
- a few spoonfuls of soy sauce
- salt
- a spoonful of yeast flakes (can be omitted)
- a spoonful of farina
Preparation:
- Grind the bread in a blender or crumble it in your hands. If it is dry – grate it.
- Crush the tofu as well. Put the ingredients into a bowl and add mustard, smoked pepper, soy sauce, salt, yeast flakes.
- Blend the whole thing to a reasonably smooth paste. If necessary – pour in a spoonful of water. Taste it – the flavour should be distinct, salty. If it is, add farina and mix the whole thing.
- Form chops of any size with wet hands and place on a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Then bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for about 30 minutes, until the chops are browned. Note: after taking them out, leave them to cool completely! Then the mass will bind, and the chops can be reheated by steaming or on a frying pan.
Green chops made of millet groats
A gluten-free option. Tasty, simple and fairly quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
- half a cup of millet groats (dry)
- 3 large handfuls of spinach
- 1 onion
- 1 clove garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
- Cook the millet groats, you can slightly overcook it. Then it should cool down.
- Chop the onion and garlic. On a frying pan, heat one spoonful of oil and throw in the chopped ingredients.
- After a while, add the spinach and stew the whole thing until the water evaporates.
- Add the cooked spinach to the millet groats. Season with salt and pepper, then blend the mixture.
- Check the taste – it should be quite distinct.
- Form the chops with wet hands. You can fry them on a frying pan until golden brown or bake them in the oven.
Buckwheat chops with champignons
A taste that even die-hard carnivores will like! The simple ingredients will make it possible for anyone to prepare them, and then freeze them in portions to enjoy on any occasion.
Ingredients:
- a glass of unroasted buckwheat groats
- 1 can of beans (white or red)
- 1 onion
- 500 grams of champignons
- soy sauce and salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon of mustard
Preparation:
- Cook the groats and leave it to cool down.
- Grate onions and champignons (coarse mesh) and fry in one spoonful of oil. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cooled ingredients in a large bowl and add the drained beans.
- Add soy sauce (three spoonfuls to start with, then check the taste) and mustard.
- Blend the whole thing and make sure the mixture is properly seasoned.
- Bake the formed chops in the oven until golden brown (180 minutes, about 45 minutes of baking).
- Allow them to cool completely after taking out of the oven!
A delicious alternative to a pork chop
Vege “pork chops” are a vegetarian and vegan classic, prepared with a variety of ingredients. The first idea is the celery tuber. Cut it into round slices about 0.5 cm thick. Cook them in salted water and let them cool down, then coat them like regular chops (in egg/flaxseed and breadcrumbs). Fry until golden brown on both sides.
You can achieve a similar effect using cauliflower slices (in this case fry raw, but relatively thin slices) or eggplant. Tofu, cut into large slices, will also work well. Be sure to season the egg or flaxseed mixture appropriately with salt. The finished chops are delicious and nutritious! If you prefer, you can bake them in the oven.