Tag Archives: vegan

Pairing Perfect Wines With Vegetarian Dishes

Melding the varied flavors of vegetable-focused cuisine with the nuanced profiles of fine—and even budget—wines can transform a simple meal into an extraordinary dining experience. From the earthy undertones of roasted vegetables to the vibrant zest of fresh herbs, each vegetable dish holds a unique flavor profile that, when paired with the right wine, can be elevated via enhancing flavors and overall meal complexity. Below are expert tips for harmonizing garden-fresh and vineyard-driven delights.

When Garden Meets Grapes: Elevating Vegetable Dishes with Perfect Wine Pairings

 vegetarian.png

Have you ever wondered why a glass of wine tastes so much better when paired with the right dish?

While it’s true for any cuisine, wine pairing for vegetable dishes in particular can be a game-changer—and not just benefitting those living a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, but rather everyone who enjoys gastro gifts from the garden.

The art of wine pairing, once thought to be reserved for meat and seafood dishes, has evolved to embrace vegetarian cuisine. Understanding how to pair wine with vegetarian dishes is an art that can elevate your dining experience to new heights. Here, we delve into the nuances of wine pairing with vegetarian food, considering ingredients, cooking methods, and seasoning. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, these tips and examples will help you choose the perfect wine to complement your vegetarian dishes.

Understanding the Ingredients

Vegetarian dishes often feature a variety of vegetables, grains, legumes, and plant-based proteins. Each ingredient brings its own flavor profile, from the earthy tones of mushrooms to the sweetness of roasted bell peppers. When pairing wine, consider the dominant flavors of the dish. For instance:

  • Mushrooms: Earthy and umami-rich mushrooms pair well with Pinot Noir or Chardonnay. For example, mushroom  risotto’s creamy texture and deep umami flavors of a well-made mushroom risotto are beautifully complemented by a Pinot Noir, whose earthy undertones enhance the dish’s richness.
  • Tomatoes:  The acidity and sweetness of tomatoes complement well with Sauvignon Blanc or Chianti. The savory and slightly tangy tomato sauce used in eggplant parmesan pairs excellently with Chianti. Its bright acidity and red fruit flavors balance the dish’s robust flavors.
  • Greens: Leafy greens like spinach and kale, with their slight bitterness, match nicely with crisp whites like Pinot Grigio or Grüner Veltliner.  Take Kale and Apple Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette as an example,  the fresh, slightly bitter kale, combined with sweet apple and tangy lemon vinaigrette, pairs beautifully with Grüner Veltliner. The wine’s crispness and slight peppery notes enhance the salad’s flavors.
  • Root Vegetables:  Sweet and earthy root vegetables, such as carrots and beets, pair wonderfully with wines like Merlot or Zinfandel. The sweet, earthy flavor of roasted beets pairs harmoniously with the smooth, fruity notes of Merlot.

Cooking Methods

The way a dish is prepared can significantly influence its wine pairing. Here are some common vegetarian cooking methods and corresponding wine suggestions:

  • Grilling: Grilled vegetables often have a smoky, charred flavor. Pair them with robust wines like Syrah or Malbec. The smoky, charred flavors of the grilled vegetables find a perfect match in Malbec, whose robust fruit flavors and tannins stand up to the boldness of the dish.
  • Roasting:  Roasting enhances the sweetness of vegetables. Consider wines with a hint of sweetness or spiciness, such as Riesling or Grenache, like Roasted Butternut Squash Soup. The sweet, creamy flavors of roasted butternut squash soup are complemented by the slight sweetness and acidity of Riesling, balancing the richness.
  • Stir-frying:  Stir-fried dishes, especially those with Asian influences, pair well with aromatic whites like Gewürztraminer or light reds like Gamay. The aromatic and slightly spicy flavors in stir-fried tofu or vegetables are enhanced by Gewürztraminer. This wine’s floral and lychee notes, along with its slight sweetness, balance the dish’s flavors.
  • Raw: Fresh, raw dishes such as salads or crudités benefit from crisp, light wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Rosé.   The fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella in a Caprese salad pair nicely with a crisp Rosé, whose acidity and light fruit flavors enhance the dish’s freshness.

Seasoning and Sauces

Seasonings and sauces can dramatically alter the flavor profile of a dish, impacting the wine pairing. Here are some examples:

  • Herbs:  Fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, and mint call for wines that enhance their freshness. Think of Sauvignon Blanc or Vermentino for your favorite Pesto Pasta. The fresh basil in a vibrant pesto sauce pairs beautifully with Vermentino, whose citrusy and herbaceous notes complement the herb’s freshness.
  • Spices:  Spicy dishes, whether it’s a dash of chili or a complex curry, pair well with slightly sweet wines like Riesling or off-dry Chenin Blanc. The heat and aromatic spices in a chickpea curry are balanced by an off-dry Chenin Blanc, whose slight sweetness tempers the spice.
  • Creamy Sauces:  Creamy or cheesy sauces, often found in vegetarian pastas or casseroles, pair excellently with full-bodied whites like Chardonnay or Viognier. The rich, creamy sauce in fettuccine Alfredo finds a perfect match in Chardonnay, whose full body and buttery notes complement the dish’s richness.
  • Tangy Sauces:  Tangy sauces, such as vinaigrettes or lemon-based dressings, match nicely with high-acidity wines like Albariño or unoaked Chardonnay. The tangy lemon and fresh herbs in a quinoa salad pair well with the high acidity of Albariño, enhancing the dish’s bright flavors.

Pairing wine with vegetarian dishes is a rewarding endeavor that opens up a world of flavors. By considering the ingredients, cooking methods, and seasonings, you can create harmonious pairings that elevate your meals. Whether you’re enjoying a simple weeknight dinner or hosting a lavish gathering, these wine and vegetarian food pairings will impress and satisfy you.  For the Silo, Sylvia Ba.


Wine consultant Sylvia Ba is a vinicultural expert with the “VinoVoss” AI Sommelier wine search engine and recommendation system developed by BetterAI.

Great Tips On How To Vary Your Meals

Do you get tired of eating the same or similar food every day? No matter how creative you might be in the kitchen, you cannot avoid repeating some recipes over and over again.

Healthy eating is usually linked with habits, as only in that manner you can keep your health in balance and keep diseases away.

Still, what to do when you get bored eating great all the time? Should you go after that burger? Should you indulge in high-sugar food?

Or you should do something completely unexpected? The answer is very simple as all you should do is vary your meals.

If you eat broccoli on Monday and don’t place it on your plate before Friday again, you are spinning your meals and your body will love it.

Here is how to vary your meals, so you can still eat healthily.

Do Not Ignore Sweets

Healthy eating doesn’t mean that you should completely forget about eating sweets, ever again.

No, eating well is more about balance and finding ingredients packed with high-quality products and no sugar or with a more natural sugary option. This is why vegan frozen desserts are always a great idea when you want to continue eating great, but enjoying that taste that homemade treats offer.

Frozen desserts are always easy to store and great to have around when you have unplanned guests.

Add Greek Yogurt To Your Diet

Ok, this is a life hack. Greek yogurt is not only great to store, and easy to carry with you, but it is also very beneficial when it comes to your health.

Greek yogurt is famous for its creamy and thick texture, making it great for salads or a nice addition to fruit salad.

Greek yogurt can be used alone, as a snack on the go, and you can choose between plain and flavored options.

Increase Your Protein Intake

When you include protein-based food into your diet, you will immediately start eating healthier and more diverse.

Nuts are packed with protein and snacking them throughout the day sounds great, right?

Food that is naturally rich in protein is usually great to eat as a snack, to mix with other ingredients, and serves perfectly for weight loss.

Here are some sources of protein that should make your diet more diverse instantly:

  • dairy products
  • nuts
  • peanut butter
  • eggs
  • beans
  • lean meat

Last But Not Least… Drink Water

Did you know that people are often just thirsty when they need food? This is because when a dehydrated body sends signs that it needs to be filled, the brain doesn’t dissolve immediately if you need water or food.

This is why people tend to overeat and later on realize that they just need more glasses of water.

Plus, drinking water regularly is important for your overall health so stick to it.

Five Extra Tips On Keeping Your Meals Diverse

  • Choose baked potatoes
  • Eat your greens first
  • Cook at home more often
  • Eat fresh fruit instead of dried one
  • Choose popcorn instead of chips

One extra tip: Get enough night’s sleep.

What Are The Different Types Of Vegan Meal Planning?

Meal planning is such a time saver. Not only do those who care about their nutrition get to save time while planning meals, but they continue eating healthy, even on the busiest days. Are you already on a plant-based diet or just thinking about it?
Whether you are just trying to implement vegan or vegetarian meal prep into your lifestyle, or you are looking for some new tips – this article will provide what you need. Here is how to get your plant-based diet on track via meal planning.

Think About Pro Guidance


Making changes to your diet isn’t easy, but it is always worth it because there is always a goal behind it. Do you want to build muscles? Lose weight? Have a more balanced diet? Experience a vegan pregnancy diet plan? Or just explore more intuitive eating?


Even if your reason is not listed here, you should know that the best way to get the result that you want is a plant-based nutritionist ; a person of this sort of expertise can help enhance toddler/child/adolescent nutrition, help you achieve your sports goals, and help you deal with many digestive problems.
Not only that, but plant-based nutrition can help you organize your meal in such a way that you will have enough time to cook, eat peacefully, and easily achieve all of your other plans.

Sketch Out A Week Of Meals


This step may sound confusing and like a lot to chew on. But in reality, it’s very easy. All you have to do is choose a dinner for every day of the week. If possible, think about leftovers and use them for an extra meal.
Once you plan your meals, you are ready for the next step – grocery planning. Make a specific grocery list of things that you will need. Not sure what you might need for a feel of a plant-based diet? Check the next step.

Chop Vegetables


One of the best things about a plant-based diet is that you get to eat a lot of vegetables. This is not only healthy but easy to prepare. Chopping vegetables is easy, plus vegetables are super easy to store and use whenever you want.
Chop your vegetables in advance: fill your cups with onion, sliced mushrooms, and sliced cabbage… This will make everything much easier and faster to prepare.

Fast Tips On Meal Prep


● Stock your kitchen counter with beans, lentils, and whole grains
● Have olive oil
● Use oatmeal for breakfast
● Cook for two days
● Keep track of your recipes
● Drink water
● Start small
● Get organized
● Invest in high-quality containers
● Keep a variety of spices
● Always use your meal prep recipes to make a grocery list
● Use glass containers
● Freeze your food

Make new lifestyles more fun and delicious with new recipes. Start small, take it slow, and go step by step. Stay hydrated, hire a professional to help you navigate your new changes, and be persistent. Remember that it takes three weeks for something to become a habit, and three months for something to become a lifestyle. For the Silo, Bill Gordon.

NBA Player Ends Eating Red Meat To Lower Carbon Footprint

The individual’s role in combating climate change is becoming a prevalent topic, following the release of the IPCC report this autumn. Leading by example, NBA star Lauri Markkanen is taking a stance by changing his daily eating habits. As his first action to combat climate change on a personal level, the Chicago Bulls player has given up eating red meat.

“As my first action for #DontChoke, I pledge to stop consuming red meat as a concrete step towards minimizing my personal carbon footprint. Every move counts, play your part”, Markkanen declares on social media.  

Following his #DontChoke collaboration with renewable energy company Neste, the decision is an exemplary step in doing his part in the fight against global warming.

Markkanen explains, that having recently become a father has made the well-being of the environment even more significant to him. Markkanen encourages his fans to follow in his footsteps to ensure a better environment for generations to come. “I want to do everything in my power so that my child will grow up in a clean environment, like I did. This is a call to all my fans to do their share”, Markkanen explains.

The #DontChoke campaign is a call to action for individuals to do their share in battling climate change. The NBA player kicked off the campaign by shooting hoops with a basketball covered with a hand painted visualization of this year’s heat map. Throughout the on-going campaign, Markkanen will consider the elements of his own lifestyle and opt for more sustainable alternatives. Leading by example, the NBA player hopes to encourage others to make their own climate pledge.

Los Angeles Bans Fur

LOS ANGELES (September, 2018) – Following years of campaigning by In Defense of Animals to end the barbaric fur trade, Los Angeles is making history by becoming the largest city in the world to ban fur sales. Los Angeles’ City Council today voted unanimously to draft an ordinance outlining a city-wide fur ban.

“Los Angeles’ historic move to ban fur sales today is likely to herald the end of the barbaric fur industry for good,” said In Defense of Animals President, Marilyn Kroplick M.D. “This major city sets global fashion and culture trends, and has sent a message to the world that animals should not to be abused for clothing. We are delighted by this significant victory for animals, the public, and activists and organizations around the world who have exposed the cruel fur industry.”

 

Los Angeles’ fur ban ordinance will prohibit the sale of apparel and accessories made in whole or in part of fur, including coats, handbags, shoes, hats, and jewelry. Retailers will be given a two-year phase-in period. The fur ban ordinance will need to be approved and signed by Mayor Eric Garcetti before officially becoming law.

 

Councilmembers Paul Koretz proposed the ordinance and highlighted the far-reaching impact of this ban, stating to the chamber, “Other big cities will see what we’re doing and follow our lead, and pretty soon there will be no big cities in which you can buy a fur coat anywhere in the United States.”

 

4 million Los Angeles residents and nearly 50 million tourists who visit the city every year will be affected by the ban, making it the world’s most significant fur sales restriction to date.

Los Angeles’ ban follows fur sales bans in San Francisco, Berkeley, and West Hollywood. More than 20 countries worldwide have taken national legislative action against fur including the UK, Austria and the Netherlands.

 

The Los Angeles fur ban builds on years of dedication and hard work of California activists including several members of In Defense of Animals who have spent many years of their lives fighting fur and hosting Fur Free Friday events every year without fail.

Learn more at www.furkills.org

In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization with over 250,000 supporters and a 30-year history of fighting for animals, people and the environment through education, campaigns and hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

Supplemental-  Germany Votes To Ban Remaining Fur Farms

Carnivores Anonymous Doctor Says Plant Based Diet Fuels Athletic Success

Vegan Cardiologist Heather Shenkman hosts free Carnivores Anonymous 12-Step programs (the next one held on January 22 in Woodland Hills , Los Angeles) to achieve optimum health and tackle food addiction through plant-based eating. While Dr. Shenkman performs complex angioplasties to open up clogged coronary arteries, she prefers to help her patients reduce their risk of heart disease through a healthy lifestyle, including a plant-based diet and regular exercise, in addition to medication when appropriate.

Dr. Heather Shenkman“I am a strong believer in a plant-based diet for heart health,” said Dr. Shenkman. “Join me at Carnivores Anonymous  to learn how a plant-based diet has fueled my athletic success, and why I recommend it for all my patients.”

Dr. Shenkman has followed a plant-based diet for thirteen years. She is also an avid athlete, having completed over a hundred events of various distances, from sprint triathlons to Ironman distance triathlons, marathons and ultra-marathons, and several hundred-mile century cycling events.

Carnivores Anonymous meetings brings together a fellowship of like-minded people who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other to recover from eating animal products including meat, dairy, fish, and eggs. The only requirement for membership is a desire to move toward a vegan diet.

“Carnivores Anonymous is a safe and supportive space that enables you to achieve your goals,” said Carnivores Anonymous Director, Marilyn Kroplick M.D. “We encourage everyone to come down to our meeting in Woodland Hills.”

Whether you are a carnivore, vegan, or somewhere in-between, join Carnivores Anonymous and explore food in a whole new way. For the Silo, Alyson Burton.  Featured image- Carnivores Anonymous group meeting. photo by Fleur Dawes. 

Carnivores Anonymous Logo

Body Check North America Study Shows Natural Look Is The New Sexy

A new study of the dating app Jaumo concludes that superficiality in online dating is just a preconceived prejudice. A survey among North American users shows that the majority of participants do find athleticism attractive but a couple of extra pounds on the hips will not necessarily decrease your chances of finding a date.

What attracts Jaumo users? 
What is it, that attracts one person to another? Which body features are most important to most people? To answer these questions, Jaumo carried out a survey among more than 4,400 Jaumo users from the US. Jaumo interviewed them over a period of 4 weeks about their preferences in regards to their own body and personal ideals required of a partner. Users could agree or disagree with the statements outlined in the survey.

Image: whoabooty.com

Jaumo users are not only active flirters.
63 percent of the users find an athletic partner attractive and more than half of the respondents don’t mind a couple of extra pounds on their significant other’s hips. It is noticeable that significantly fewer users, namely 42 percent, consider an athletic body sexy. And the sexes even completely agree on this question!

Raw data from Jaumo Survey.

 

 

 


Hairy is not scary.
On the subject of body hair, the female users are pretty much in total agreement: 76% think chest hair belongs on the male body. The male users see this somewhat differently, but nonetheless, 64 percent of respondents agree. A natural look is also preferred in the downstairs department. 63 percent find a hairy pubic area perfectly acceptable and a total of 70% of the women prefer to see hair when they look down.

The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach.
Vegan, vegetarian, low-carb or meat-eater – with so many varied eating preferences, it may be difficult to find a partner with the same nutritional routine. For 77 percent of the Jaumo users, however, a compatible diet with their partner is seen as a must. For the Silo, Racheal A. Mack.

Jaumo founders Jens Kammerer and Benjamin Roth.

About Jaumo
Jaumo is a dating app founded by Jens Kammerer and Benjamin Roth in 2011. Jaumo has 20 million users in 180 countries around the world, more than 2 million of them in the USA and Canada. The dating app is available for free for iOS at the Apple Store and Android at the Google Play Store. The driving force of the two friends from Germany is to offer an uncomplicated and user-oriented product that binds satisfied customers.