Top tips from Bobby Patel at Prashad for those thinking of going veggie this new year!

Wednesday, 18th December, 2013

It’s nearly 2014, which means two exciting things.  Firstly, more dates have been announced for Secrets of Prashad at Dean Clough Cookery School, which we’re really excited about. They’ve been a huge hit so far, and we’ve been really touched by all your support. You can find out more and book in our Gift Shop.

The other reason we look forward to January each year is that we get lots of new vegetarians coming into the restaurant to sample our veggie cuisine, after everyone makes their New Year’s Resolutions.  It’s really exciting for us to be part of so many people’s journey into vegetarianism, whether it’s a journey that lasts a lifetime, a year, or even just an evening at Prashad – so we thought we’d give you some tips! Bobby became a vegetarian again 10 years ago when he opened Prashad, so he knows what he’s talking about.  It hasn’t been hard for him, and he never misses meat…but he’s the first to admit that he has two world-class chefs cooking for him, so maybe he has it easier than everyone else!

• It has to mean something.  There are so many reasons to eat less meat – animal rights, the environmental impact of raising animals for meat, the health benefits…whatever it is doesn’t really matter, as long as it’s important to you.
• Subscribe to some of the great veggie magazines that are out there, like the Vegetarian Society’s mag.  They’re full of great tips and delicious recipes.
• Ease into it, and don’t put yourself under any pressure.  It doesn’t have to be forever!
• Find what you like! There’s so much exciting produce out there, from exotic veggies to meat substitues. We don’t serve substitutes in the restaurant because it’s not the food Kaushy cooked when she was a girl in India, but if it’s the texture of meat you miss, for example, quorn is a great way of recreating that.
• Get involved with #veggiehour – we host a Twitter hour for vegetarians all over the world to share recipes, tips and tricks from 1-2pm on a Thursday (UK time).  Follow us on Twitter at @Prashad_veggie and search for the hashtag #veggiehour to get involved.  We can’t wait to tweet you!

Merry Christmas from all at Prashad x