What is a Vegan Kitchen?
A vegan kitchen is a kitchen that uses only plant-based products, avoiding animal-derived ingredients such as meat, dairy, and eggs. If everyone in the household is vegan it makes it easy to make the whole kitchen vegan. However, if the kitchen is shared by others that do not eat a plant-based diet, then kitchen spaces can be divided. Making shelves in the pantry and refrigerator will make things easier and organized.
Shopping for Vegan Ingredients
- Shop at vegan-friendly stores, including specialty stores and health food stores, for vegan ingredients.
- Look for vegan-certified products and read labels to check for animal-derived ingredients.
- Buy vegan substitutes for common animal-derived ingredients, such as vegan butter, vegan cheese, and vegan milk.
Preparing a Vegan Pantry
- Stock your pantry with staples such as rice, beans, grains, and nuts.
- Add vegan snacks, such as veggie chips, crackers, and popcorn.
- Add condiments, such as vegan mayonnaise, vegan sour cream, and vegan salad dressings.
Stocking the Refrigerator
- Include fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apples, oranges, bananas, carrots, and kale.
- Add plant-based proteins, such as tofu, tempeh, seitan, and lentils.
- Include vegan cheese, vegan milk, and plant-based yogurts.
Stocking the Freezer
- Include vegan ice cream, vegan pizzas, vegan burgers, and vegan burritos.
- Add frozen fruits and vegetables, such as berries, spinach, and broccoli.
- Add vegan prepared meals, such as lasagna, shepherd’s pie, and mac and cheese.
Buying Vegan Kitchen Essentials
- Purchase vegan cookware, such as pans, baking sheets, baking dishes, and utensils.
- Buy vegan-friendly cleaning products, such as sponges, dish soap, and all-purpose cleaner.
- Buy vegan-friendly cookbooks for recipe ideas.
Setting Up a Vegan Kitchen
- Designate a specific area of the kitchen for vegan food, if sharing kitchen with non-vegans.
- Use color-coded cutting boards and utensils to avoid cross-contamination.
- Place animal-derived ingredients in a designated area away from vegan foods.
Cleaning the Kitchen
- Deep clean the kitchen to remove any traces of animal-derived ingredients.
- Wash all dishes, cutting boards, and utensils with hot, soapy water.
- Use vegan-friendly cleaning products to clean surfaces and appliances.
Measuring and Labeling Ingredients
- Measure ingredients carefully before adding them to recipes.
- Label all vegan ingredients and store in clearly labeled containers.
- Use color-coded labels to avoid cross-contamination.
Vegan Kitchen Safety
- Properly store vegan ingredients in the refrigerator and freezer.
- Discard any spoiled or expired vegan ingredients.
