Veganuary Made Easy: Tips, Recipes, and Products for a Delicious Start

As Veganuary gains momentum, many people are exploring the world of plant-based eating. To help ease the transition, we spoke to Anna Stefanek, a local food blogger known for her vibrant and accessible vegan recipes. For Anna, veganism is more than a diet—it’s a celebration of colour, flavour, and creativity.

“When you’re starting out, don’t stress about being perfect,” Anna advises. “Think of it as adding more vibrant, nutrient-dense foods to your plate rather than eliminating things. That mindset shift can make all the difference.” Anna emphasises the importance of exploring different cuisines. “Try Indian, Thai, or Middle Eastern dishes. They often have naturally vegan options that are incredibly flavourful,” she says.

Another tip? Keep things simple. “Don’t rely too heavily on mock meats and vegan cheese alternatives at the beginning. While they can be delicious, they’re often hit or miss and might discourage you if you don’t love them right away. Instead, focus on beans, pulses, tofu, and tempeh for protein, and experiment with easy homemade recipes.”

Anna also highlights the importance of preparation. “Keep healthy, easy-to-grab snacks like nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and hummus with veggies on hand. It’ll make the transition so much easier when hunger strikes.” Finally, Anna reminds us to enjoy the process. “Not many people switch to veganism overnight. If you slip up, don’t worry. Enjoy the adventure of trying new foods and discovering new ingredients. The more fun you have, the more rewarding it will be.”

Anna’s Favourite Recipe: Hearty Butter Bean & Mushroom Stew

For Anna, comfort food is key to making Veganuary a success. Her Hearty Butter Bean & Mushroom Stew is a perfect example.

Ingredients:

• 2 cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 carrots, peeled and grated
• 120ml single soya cream
• 500ml vegetable stock
• 150g shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 150g oyster mushrooms, sliced
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 4 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and grated carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add the sliced shiitake and oyster mushrooms. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their juices and begin to brown. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and thyme.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the drained butter beans. Let the stew cook for 8-10 minutes, until the beans are heated through.
4. Stir in the single soya cream and adjust seasoning if needed. Turn off the heat and let the stew sit for a few minutes before serving.
5. Serve hot with bread or rice.

Three Products to Kickstart Your Vegan Journey

BOSH!: Simple recipes

BOSH! by Henry Firth and Ian Theasby is a plant-based culinary revolution, offering over 140 vibrant and approachable recipes designed to delight vegans and non-vegans alike, with a focus on fresh ingredients and bold flavours to inspire every home cook.

Brieftons QuickPush Vegetable Chopper 

The Brieftons QuickPush Food Chopper is a versatile kitchen tool that allows you to chop, dice, and cube fruits and vegetables effortlessly, featuring durable German stainless steel blades, a 1.2-litre BPA-free container, and two blade sizes for consistent, mess-free results. Perfect for speeding up meal prep with ease and precision.

Wellwoman Vitabiotics Vegan Tablets

Vitabiotics' 23 Vital Nutrients for Women provide comprehensive dietary support with key vitamins like B6, pantothenic acid, and iron to reduce tiredness and fatigue, complemented by Evening Primrose and Starflower Oils, making it an ideal choice for vegetarians and vegans seeking optimal wellness.