Think vegan food is skimpy? Think again! Vegan cuisine has exploded with an array of hearty fare that will keep even the most die-hard meat eaters wanting more. Plant-based eating has shifted from the preconceived lifeless salad to hefty, nutritional dishes filled with plant-based meat alternatives. However, some people do not wish to or cannot eat certain “fake” meat substitutes due to dietary restrictions, like gluten in seitan or soy in tofu. These restrictions does not mean you have to suffer with a barely green iceberg salad, topped with a measly assortment of tomatoes and onions. Or that you have to eat this day in and day out for the rest of your life. It just means you have to be a bit more creative in preparing meals that will sustain your body and mind. There is life after “fake” meat substitutes, so don’t despair. Here are a few tricks to create hearty, delicious meals without the fake stuff:

1. Mushrooms

Mushrooms, especially portobello, are among the key ingredients to making hearty foods. You can stuff baby bella mushrooms into this deep dish Lentil and Mushroom Shepherd’s Pie for a whole other level of comfort food. Or add some to a oven-baked Vegan Broccoli Mushroom Rotini Casserole for a quick and easy dinner among guests and household members alike. For a simple weeknight meal, try recreating classic stroganoff with this Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff which uses half portobello and half button mushrooms. And best of all, mushrooms can be used to make filling burgers, like a Mushroom Barley Griller and Portobello Mushroom Burger. Looking for a recipe to impress? Try this recipe below:

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