Having been a “veggie” for almost two years, in recent months I had been thinking of turning vegan. And yes, I mean giving up the whole shebang: cakes, chocolate and anything made from animals! As Lent came around, it seemed to be the perfect opportunity to give it a go.
Although it is still, to some extent, unusual to meet a vegan (or even a vegetarian), there is no doubt that times are changing. Once upon a time, people saw vegetarians and vegans as tree-hugging hippies. Nowadays, even some of the most committed carnivores are ditching the meat and/or dairy. The reasons for this are many and varied, but commonly for animal welfare, the environment or simply because it is now seen as fashionable.
But are these opinions shared by Italians? Although a nation famous for some of the most exquisite meat dishes, cakes, pastries and tarts in the world, Italy has reportedly seen veganism and vegetarianism take its
According to the European Vegetarian Union, Italy is the country with the largest vegetarian and vegan population in Europe
citizens by storm. Already in 2009, over six million Italians were said to be vegetarian, according to Eurispres, equivalent to about 10% of the population. According to the European Vegetarian Union, Italy is the country with the largest vegetarian and vegan population in Europe; it is in fact estimated that by 2050, thirty million Italians will have turned to the “veggie” side. There is concern that becoming vegan leads to an unhealthy, bland and protein-free diet for the rest of your life. While it is true that I need to make a special effort to maintain a well-balanced diet, I definitely believe that it is possible to make vegan life more exciting than “eating leaves for dinner”, as one of my housemates put it.
I have been experimenting with vegan dishes, replacing the meat and dairy with vegetables, to surprisingly filling results. So, without further ado, I give you a simple and vegan-friendly Pasta Bake al Italiano!
by lavinia butt
vegan pasta bake
Photography: Christian Cable - Flickr