The A-Z of vegetarianism
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P is for...
Paella: Originally from Spain, traditionally made with rice, green vegetables, meat and seafood, but of course paella is equally tasty made suitable for veggies with added tofu, Quorn™ or anything else you fancy. Recipe: Veggie Paella.
Pak Choi: Also known as Chinese cabbage and horse’s ear, it looks a bit like a squat celery and is often used in stir fries.
Palestine Soup: Made with Jerusalem artichokes.
Pancakes: Thin, flat, and prepared from a batter, pancakes are a really versatile foodstuff that can be enjoyed in sweet or savoury meals.
Paneer (or Panir): Soft, mild flavoured cheese which doesn't melt when cooked. Common in South Asian cuisine.
Paratha: Bread made without yeast, often stuffed with vegetables and served with Asian food.
Parmesan: A hard cheese that isn’t suitable for vegetarians. Parmesan / Parmigiano-Reggiano is an EU Protected Designation of Origin product, it can only be produced in a certain part of Italy and has to be made using calf rennet. There are currently two veggie alternatives to Parmesan approved by the Vegetarian Society: Bookham’s Not Just a Pasta Cheese and Parmazano. We’ve produced a set of small Say Cheese cards which can be given to shops, cafes and restaurants using Parmesan in their products. These cards explain that Parmesan isn’t vegetarian and suggests alternatives to keep veggie customers happy. Please help spread the word. Each sheet contains 6 of the cards. Order Form
Passata: Smooth pureed tomatoes that have been sieved to remove all seeds and lumps.
Peanut: Also known as groundnut or monkey nut even though it’s not actually a nut! It’s a bean, and as well as being a tasty snack, peanuts are used for many other products including cosmetics, nitroglycerin, plastics, dyes, paints, varnish, lubricating oil, furniture polish, insecticides and peanut butter.
Pearl Barley: Processed barley without the outer husk. Often used in stews. Not to be confused with Pearl Jam.
Pesto: A sauce traditionally served with pasta, made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic and olive oil. But of course it doesn’t need the Parmesan (see above) and tastes just as good with a vegetarian alternative - or no cheese at all. Always check the label of shop bought pesto to ensure that it’s suitable for vegetarians.
Pigs: See 10 things about Pigs
Pitta: Flat bread which can be split open and stuffed full of delicious veggie food or used to scoop sauces or dips.
Polenta: Made from boiled cornmeal, polenta has a smooth, creamy texture. Can be purchased ready-made or as a grain.
Pomegranate: A fruit full of seeds which are surrounded by pulpy, juice-filled sacs. The juice can be used to make grenadine cordial.
Prosciutto: Thinly sliced smoked and spiced Italian ham.
Pulses: Common name for peas, beans and lentils. An invaluable source of protein, many other nutrients and the basis of many tasty and healthy meals. Bean Burger
Pumpkin: See 10 things about Pumpkins
Puri: Small pancake shaped bread made without yeast and deep fried in hot oil.
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