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Hands chopping a purple cauliflower
September 6, 2019 by Rohini Bajekal
Plant-based Lifestyle

10 Tips for Plant-Based Cooking

Cooking is a wonderful life skill and learning to make healthy and delicious meals can really help with the transition to a vegan diet. Making home-cooked meals can help us feel more connected with what we eat, as well as saving money. Cooking tasty meals will help show your family and friends how incredible vegan food can be and can open people’s minds. The idea of cooking vegan food may be a bit daunting at first but it opens up a whole new world of ingredients and cuisines you may never have tried before. Here are my top ten tips to help you make a start and create some hits in the kitchen.

Watch cooking videos

Discover YouTube cooking videos to learn the basics (knife skills!) and discover recipes – Pick Up Limes, Vegan Richa and Deliciously Ella are my go-tos. 

Fill that spice cupboard.

The trick is to season and garnish – cinnamon on porridge; cumin, turmeric and paprika in stews with some fresh coriander and dried and fresh herbs in tomato sauce etc.Β  Invest in a good knife.

Clear jars with spices

Invest in a good knife.

It saves time and is safer, especially as you’ll be chopping lots of fresh veggies and herbs when you eat plant-based. Remember to sharpen it from time to time too. 

Rethink how you see meals.

Meat is no longer the centrepiece. Go for one pot stews, homemade veggie bowls or baked sweet potato with salad and hummus. 

Invest in one quality pan.

Invest in a good pan and make one-pot meals. You’ll spend less time preparing, washing up and there is something so comforting about a bowl of good food. 

Not everything needs to be made from scratch.

Shop-bought tahini, hummus, kimchi, vegan curry pastes and so on can make it less daunting to enter the kitchen and create flavour.  

Veganise your favourite meals

Find the vegan version of your favourite meals so you don’t feel you’re missing out. There is a vegan version of pretty much everything on the internet from creamy mac n’ cheese to Shepherd’s Pie. Last month, I had vegan “scallops” made with mushrooms – delicious.

Keep it simple.

One of the best ways to cook is to get playful with the ingredients without measuring too much. Season as you go along and start with less technical things like curries or stir-fries to build confidence.Β 

Hands over green veggies

Stock your pantry.

You can always whip up quick and easy plant-based meals using pantry ingredients such as whole grains, beans, lentils, tinned tomatoes and frozen veggies with spices. 

Have fun.

The kitchen is your playground. Catch up on podcasts while you’re cooking or listen to music. It’s amazing how much better food tastes when you’ve enjoyed the process. 

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Meet Rohini

Hey there! I’m Rohini, a nutritionist (MA Oxon, MSc) providing evidence-based advice to my clients around plant-based eating. While working in branding and marketing for food startups over the years, I discovered my passion for making plant-based foods more accessible to people.

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Pure joy 3 years ago today ✨Happy anniversary @siddhants1 πŸ“· @andrewbayda_wed @misha_moon
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A slice of heaven 🍝 πŸŒŠβ˜€οΈπŸ‘ŒπŸ½ 

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A slice of heaven 🍝 πŸŒŠβ˜€οΈπŸ‘ŒπŸ½ #tuscany #pizzapastalife #vegantravel #viareggio #lucca #cinqueterre #summerholiday #familyholiday
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HAVING FUN IN A WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU ✨

Having fun is an essential part of being human but it looks different for everyone. My tip for those enjoying the long weekend or a special day in your life is to find moments to have fun in a way that is meaningful to you.

I carved out some time this weekend for a break in France with my friends and it's the most relaxed I've felt in a long time. 

My friends asked me yesterday what I'd like to do for my birthday and my wish was to go to the local supermarket 🍊 It's the little things for me that make a day special and one of my favourite things to do on holiday is to visit the local fruit and vegetable markets. I have learnt to become much more confident about asking for what I want and more in tune with my mind and body as I've gotten older (in a way that is thanks to PCOS!) I don't need to celebrate birthdays or milestones in a typical way. For me, cooking delicious plant-based meals with friends, eating outdoors, being active and not feeling pressure to do things a certain way or at certain times is the dream birthday ✨

Lastly, I'm so happy you are all here and on this page. If you would like to leave a review of Living PCOS Free on Amazon or GoodReads (you don't need to have bought via there), that would absolutely make my day πŸ’› I've popped the link in the bio. Thank you to everyone who has left a review so far ☺️

How are you celebrating the long weekend (for those in the UK)? πŸ‘‡πŸ½

#bankholidayweekend #jubileeweekend #poitiers #livingpcosfree #lestempsestbon #summerholiday #birthdayfun #itsmybirthday #nutritionist #plantbasednutritionist #summerberries
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HAVING FUN IN A WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU ✨ Having fun is an essential part of being human but it looks different for everyone. My tip for those enjoying the long weekend or a special day in your life is to find moments to have fun in a way that is meaningful to you. I carved out some time this weekend for a break in France with my friends and it's the most relaxed I've felt in a long time. My friends asked me yesterday what I'd like to do for my birthday and my wish was to go to the local supermarket 🍊 It's the little things for me that make a day special and one of my favourite things to do on holiday is to visit the local fruit and vegetable markets. I have learnt to become much more confident about asking for what I want and more in tune with my mind and body as I've gotten older (in a way that is thanks to PCOS!) I don't need to celebrate birthdays or milestones in a typical way. For me, cooking delicious plant-based meals with friends, eating outdoors, being active and not feeling pressure to do things a certain way or at certain times is the dream birthday ✨ Lastly, I'm so happy you are all here and on this page. If you would like to leave a review of Living PCOS Free on Amazon or GoodReads (you don't need to have bought via there), that would absolutely make my day πŸ’› I've popped the link in the bio. Thank you to everyone who has left a review so far ☺️ How are you celebrating the long weekend (for those in the UK)? πŸ‘‡πŸ½ #bankholidayweekend #jubileeweekend #poitiers #livingpcosfree #lestempsestbon #summerholiday #birthdayfun #itsmybirthday #nutritionist #plantbasednutritionist #summerberries
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THE LIFT RETREAT 2022 ✨

Two weekends ago, I went a personal transformation retreat with the most beautiful group of people, hosted by the inspiring @richardnewmanspeaks @plantpowerdoctor

It was the most incredible weekend of connection, self-discovery and growth and I'm STILL learning πŸ’› Looking at the notes I had made, reminding myself of my values and looking ahead to the future. Thinking about the future doesn't come easily to me. I'm prone to rumination and being "stuck in the past" (I'm often nostalgic for things that happened yesterday!). In the last two weeks, I have been visualising future goals and dreams and it has made me feel stronger, more confident and I've already been taking up new challenges πŸ™ŒπŸ½ It feels great ☺️

The grounding yoga practices and daily meditations with @11sherinshe11 and the MOST delicious and nourishing plant-based meals by @feed_me_momma cooked with so much love were real highlights. Also those stuffed Medjool dates were the best I've ever eaten πŸ˜‹

As with anything that looks effortless, a huge amount of care, love and attention to detail had gone into this weekend. I was completely blown away. Things have been very hectic this year and the LIFT retreat allowed us to press pause, reflect, introspect and come back even stronger. Thank you Richard, Gemma and the entire team for elevating us all ✨

#LiftRetreat2022 #personaltransformation #retreat #newforest #plantbasedretreat #veganfood #yoga #meditation #newbeginnings #dreams #visualisation #goalsetting
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THE LIFT RETREAT 2022 ✨ Two weekends ago, I went a personal transformation retreat with the most beautiful group of people, hosted by the inspiring @richardnewmanspeaks @plantpowerdoctor It was the most incredible weekend of connection, self-discovery and growth and I'm STILL learning πŸ’› Looking at the notes I had made, reminding myself of my values and looking ahead to the future. Thinking about the future doesn't come easily to me. I'm prone to rumination and being "stuck in the past" (I'm often nostalgic for things that happened yesterday!). In the last two weeks, I have been visualising future goals and dreams and it has made me feel stronger, more confident and I've already been taking up new challenges πŸ™ŒπŸ½ It feels great ☺️ The grounding yoga practices and daily meditations with @11sherinshe11 and the MOST delicious and nourishing plant-based meals by @feed_me_momma cooked with so much love were real highlights. Also those stuffed Medjool dates were the best I've ever eaten πŸ˜‹ As with anything that looks effortless, a huge amount of care, love and attention to detail had gone into this weekend. I was completely blown away. Things have been very hectic this year and the LIFT retreat allowed us to press pause, reflect, introspect and come back even stronger. Thank you Richard, Gemma and the entire team for elevating us all ✨ #LiftRetreat2022 #personaltransformation #retreat #newforest #plantbasedretreat #veganfood #yoga #meditation #newbeginnings #dreams #visualisation #goalsetting
3 months ago
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BREAKFAST IS MY FAVOURITE MEAL OF THE DAY πŸ™ŒπŸ½

Thank you @sheerluxe for sharing my favourite breakfast ideas (link in bio to read the full article). I love starting my day with a plant-based breakfast such as porridge with soya milk and berries, tofu scramble with veggies or a smoothie. These are packed with dietary fibre and protein, omega-3 fats (I always include 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed) and other micronutrients. I try to enjoy any decaf or caffeinated drinks 1-2 hours after breakfast as these can interfere with iron absorption.

A small study in 2015 found that women who regularly skipped breakfast had a disrupted cortisol (stress hormone) rhythm and elevated blood pressure compared to women who were breakfast eaters. The authors concluded that if this became a habit, it could increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in some people.

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is especially important to choose a breakfast that keeps your energy levels consistent. I have lots of breakfast recipes in our new book Living PCOS Free including an anti-inflammatory turmeric tofu scramble, overnight oats with stewed berries and chickpea flour pancakes 🌱

Are you a breakfast eater? I'd love to know what your favourite plant-based breakfasts are? πŸ‘‡πŸ½
BREAKFAST IS MY FAVOURITE MEAL OF THE DAY πŸ™ŒπŸ½

Thank you @sheerluxe for sharing my favourite breakfast ideas (link in bio to read the full article). I love starting my day with a plant-based breakfast such as porridge with soya milk and berries, tofu scramble with veggies or a smoothie. These are packed with dietary fibre and protein, omega-3 fats (I always include 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed) and other micronutrients. I try to enjoy any decaf or caffeinated drinks 1-2 hours after breakfast as these can interfere with iron absorption.

A small study in 2015 found that women who regularly skipped breakfast had a disrupted cortisol (stress hormone) rhythm and elevated blood pressure compared to women who were breakfast eaters. The authors concluded that if this became a habit, it could increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in some people.

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is especially important to choose a breakfast that keeps your energy levels consistent. I have lots of breakfast recipes in our new book Living PCOS Free including an anti-inflammatory turmeric tofu scramble, overnight oats with stewed berries and chickpea flour pancakes 🌱

Are you a breakfast eater? I'd love to know what your favourite plant-based breakfasts are? πŸ‘‡πŸ½
BREAKFAST IS MY FAVOURITE MEAL OF THE DAY πŸ™ŒπŸ½

Thank you @sheerluxe for sharing my favourite breakfast ideas (link in bio to read the full article). I love starting my day with a plant-based breakfast such as porridge with soya milk and berries, tofu scramble with veggies or a smoothie. These are packed with dietary fibre and protein, omega-3 fats (I always include 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed) and other micronutrients. I try to enjoy any decaf or caffeinated drinks 1-2 hours after breakfast as these can interfere with iron absorption.

A small study in 2015 found that women who regularly skipped breakfast had a disrupted cortisol (stress hormone) rhythm and elevated blood pressure compared to women who were breakfast eaters. The authors concluded that if this became a habit, it could increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in some people.

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is especially important to choose a breakfast that keeps your energy levels consistent. I have lots of breakfast recipes in our new book Living PCOS Free including an anti-inflammatory turmeric tofu scramble, overnight oats with stewed berries and chickpea flour pancakes 🌱

Are you a breakfast eater? I'd love to know what your favourite plant-based breakfasts are? πŸ‘‡πŸ½
BREAKFAST IS MY FAVOURITE MEAL OF THE DAY πŸ™ŒπŸ½

Thank you @sheerluxe for sharing my favourite breakfast ideas (link in bio to read the full article). I love starting my day with a plant-based breakfast such as porridge with soya milk and berries, tofu scramble with veggies or a smoothie. These are packed with dietary fibre and protein, omega-3 fats (I always include 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed) and other micronutrients. I try to enjoy any decaf or caffeinated drinks 1-2 hours after breakfast as these can interfere with iron absorption.

A small study in 2015 found that women who regularly skipped breakfast had a disrupted cortisol (stress hormone) rhythm and elevated blood pressure compared to women who were breakfast eaters. The authors concluded that if this became a habit, it could increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in some people.

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is especially important to choose a breakfast that keeps your energy levels consistent. I have lots of breakfast recipes in our new book Living PCOS Free including an anti-inflammatory turmeric tofu scramble, overnight oats with stewed berries and chickpea flour pancakes 🌱

Are you a breakfast eater? I'd love to know what your favourite plant-based breakfasts are? πŸ‘‡πŸ½
BREAKFAST IS MY FAVOURITE MEAL OF THE DAY πŸ™ŒπŸ½

Thank you @sheerluxe for sharing my favourite breakfast ideas (link in bio to read the full article). I love starting my day with a plant-based breakfast such as porridge with soya milk and berries, tofu scramble with veggies or a smoothie. These are packed with dietary fibre and protein, omega-3 fats (I always include 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed) and other micronutrients. I try to enjoy any decaf or caffeinated drinks 1-2 hours after breakfast as these can interfere with iron absorption.

A small study in 2015 found that women who regularly skipped breakfast had a disrupted cortisol (stress hormone) rhythm and elevated blood pressure compared to women who were breakfast eaters. The authors concluded that if this became a habit, it could increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in some people.

If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is especially important to choose a breakfast that keeps your energy levels consistent. I have lots of breakfast recipes in our new book Living PCOS Free including an anti-inflammatory turmeric tofu scramble, overnight oats with stewed berries and chickpea flour pancakes 🌱

Are you a breakfast eater? I'd love to know what your favourite plant-based breakfasts are? πŸ‘‡πŸ½
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BREAKFAST IS MY FAVOURITE MEAL OF THE DAY πŸ™ŒπŸ½ Thank you @sheerluxe for sharing my favourite breakfast ideas (link in bio to read the full article). I love starting my day with a plant-based breakfast such as porridge with soya milk and berries, tofu scramble with veggies or a smoothie. These are packed with dietary fibre and protein, omega-3 fats (I always include 1-2 tbsp ground flaxseed) and other micronutrients. I try to enjoy any decaf or caffeinated drinks 1-2 hours after breakfast as these can interfere with iron absorption. A small study in 2015 found that women who regularly skipped breakfast had a disrupted cortisol (stress hormone) rhythm and elevated blood pressure compared to women who were breakfast eaters. The authors concluded that if this became a habit, it could increase the risk for cardiometabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes in some people. If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), it is especially important to choose a breakfast that keeps your energy levels consistent. I have lots of breakfast recipes in our new book Living PCOS Free including an anti-inflammatory turmeric tofu scramble, overnight oats with stewed berries and chickpea flour pancakes 🌱 Are you a breakfast eater? I'd love to know what your favourite plant-based breakfasts are? πŸ‘‡πŸ½
3 months ago
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LIVING PCOS FREE BOOK LAUNCH PARTY ✍🏽

Thursday night was a huge milestone for @drnitubajekal and I, as we celebrated the publication of our new book, Living PCOS Free, now available in the UK wherever books are sold πŸ’• (out in the USA on 13th June!)

The positive atmosphere, infectious energy and excitement in the room was absolutely unreal. We chose the beautiful @thehearth.me to host the event, a women's space in Queen's Park, London.

We kept the event as low waste as possible with delicate plant based canapés plated up by Chef Rishim and his team @tendril_kitchen and an alcohol-free bar in keeping with the wellbeing aspect of our book with ginger kombuchas, cucumber seltzers and a housemade fresh raspberry mocktail. No hangovers, just good vibes ✨

It was amazing to see worlds collide with old friends meeting, new connections being made and so much laughter and meaningful conversation. 

Thank you to everyone who has supported our dream of becoming published authors and for spreading the word about PCOS, a common hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth. Whether you have bought a copy of the book, shared our posts, talked about PCOS to a loved one or left a review of our book on @goodreads or @amazon
YOU are helping to destigmatise this condition and raise awareness πŸ™ŒπŸ½

#LPFbooklaunch #LivingPCOSFree #nutritionist
#drnitubajekal #plantbasednutritionist #thehearth #tendrilkitchen #vegancanapes #polycysticovariansyndrome #pcod #pcossupport #rohinibajekal #queenspark #pcosjourney #booklaunchparty
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LIVING PCOS FREE BOOK LAUNCH PARTY ✍🏽 Thursday night was a huge milestone for @drnitubajekal and I, as we celebrated the publication of our new book, Living PCOS Free, now available in the UK wherever books are sold πŸ’• (out in the USA on 13th June!) The positive atmosphere, infectious energy and excitement in the room was absolutely unreal. We chose the beautiful @thehearth.me to host the event, a women's space in Queen's Park, London. We kept the event as lowΒ waste as possible with delicate plant based canapΓ©s plated up by Chef Rishim and his team @tendril_kitchen and an alcohol-free bar in keeping with the wellbeing aspect of our book with ginger kombuchas, cucumber seltzers and a housemade fresh raspberry mocktail. No hangovers, just good vibes ✨ It was amazing to see worlds collide with old friends meeting, new connections being made and so much laughter and meaningful conversation. Thank you to everyone who has supported our dream of becoming published authors and for spreading the word about PCOS, a common hormonal condition that affects 1 in 10 women and people assigned female at birth. Whether you have bought a copy of the book, shared our posts, talked about PCOS to a loved one or left a review of our book on @goodreads or @amazon YOU are helping to destigmatise this condition and raise awareness πŸ™ŒπŸ½ #LPFbooklaunch #LivingPCOSFree #nutritionist #drnitubajekal #plantbasednutritionist #thehearth #tendrilkitchen #vegancanapes #polycysticovariansyndrome #pcod #pcossupport #rohinibajekal #queenspark #pcosjourney #booklaunchparty
3 months ago
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