Pretty Plant Powered #5: Embracing Authenticity on Your Plant-Based Journey

Hello and welcome to Pretty Plant Powered, a fortnightly newsletter where I share must-know tips, mouth-watering recipes, and my fave restaurant reviews!

In this edition, I delve into the power of authenticity and I share a personal story of navigating social situations as a vegan and emphasise the importance of holding onto our values.

Additionally, I review a Greek culinary haven, and share a delectable recipe for an Apple and Walnut Salad that will leave you craving more…

Beyond Conformity: Thriving with Authenticity on the Plant-Based Path

When I was 19 years old, I had been vegetarian for about six months. During that time, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to gain some work experience in the film industry. As a way to celebrate our efforts, our team went out for a nice dinner one evening.

Excitedly perusing the menu, I settled on a pasta dish that caught my attention. However, when the plate arrived, I realized to my disappointment that it was the meat version of the dish instead of the vegetarian one I had intended to order.

In that moment, I faced a dilemma: should I send it back and risk inconveniencing others or simply accept it and move on?

Feeling a bit unsure, I decided to avoid making a fuss and went ahead and ate the meal. While it wasn't the end of the world, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of regret. It was a small slip-up that left me both mentally and physically a bit off-kilter.

That incident served as a reminder of the importance of staying true to my values. From then on, I made a firm commitment to myself to never give in to peer pressure or compromise my beliefs out of mere politeness.

Navigating social events and dining out as a vegan can sometimes be challenging, especially if those around you are not familiar with veganism.

Back in 2015, vegetarianism and veganism weren’t as widely understood as they are now, so finding suitable options could be a bit trickier. There were times when choices were limited or even nonexistent, which could be frustrating and sometimes isolating.

However, I gradually learned how to communicate my dietary needs effectively and navigate social situations with empathy and understanding. I realised that it's perfectly okay to speak up and kindly request alternatives or modifications to suit my plantbased lifestyle. Over time, I became more comfortable with asserting my needs and finding solutions that worked for everyone involved.

That experience taught me an important lesson: compromising my beliefs for the sake of politeness or convenience is rarely worth it.

I've come to understand that sending back a dish that doesn't align with my values is not impolite but rather an act of self-respect and staying true to myself.

As I continue on my vegan journey, I embrace the growth and learning that comes with it. Each experience has made me more confident in my choices and more adept at navigating a non-vegan world.

It's a reminder that small acts of staying true to ourselves can have a positive impact and contribute to a more compassionate and understanding society.

Restaurant Review: The Life Goddess

Journey to Greece without leaving London at The Life Goddess, where Greek cuisine reigns supreme…

Our dining experience at this beautiful restaurant was an absolute delight. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by shelves adorned with beautifully decorated food items straight from Greece. The atmosphere was warm, cosy and inviting, creating the perfect setting for a memorable date night!

The service at The Life Goddess was exceptional, with friendly and attentive staff who made us feel incredibly welcome throughout our visit.

The authentic Greek dishes served at The Life Goddess were simply incredible. We started with a mouthwatering assortment of olives, creamy tumeric hummus, and fresh pitta bread that set the stage for an incredible culinary journey.

As our main courses arrived, we couldn't help but be transported to the sun-soaked shores of Greece.

The giant butter beans in a light tomato sauce were an absolute delight, cooked to perfection and bursting with flavour. And the stuffed aubergine with caramelised onion in tomato sauce showcased the chef's expertise and creativity.

Every bite was a harmonious blend of Mediterranean goodness!!!

I wholeheartedly recommend The Life Goddess. It is a hidden gem in central London, offering an unforgettable experience for any food lover.

You can find The Life Goddess in two convenient locations: Store Street, Fitzrovia, and Kingly Court, Carnaby Street.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Recipe: Apple and Walnut Salad

This Apple Walnut Salad is topped with crunchy walnuts and a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. It will make you crave your next salad, I ate both portions in one sitting (whoops!)

INGREDIENTS

BALSAMIC DRESSING

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 2 tablespoons maple syrup

• 1 teaspoon spicy brown mustard

• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

SALAD

• 6 cups mixed greens

• 1 medium apple , thinly sliced (I used 2x for a salad main for myself)

• ¼ red onion , thinly sliced (I used 1/2 !)

• ½ cup raw walnuts , roughly chopped

• ¼ cup feta cheese , crumbled (vegan of course!)

INSTRUCTIONS

To prepare the balsamic vinaigrette, add the olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, and salt to a small bowl. Whisk well, until the dressing looks thicker, then set it aside.

To assemble the salad, add the mixed greens to a large serving plate and top it with the sliced apples and red onion. Then sprinkle on the walnuts and feta, if using.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. You might not use all of the dressing right away, but I like to serve the extra on the side in case guests would like to add more. Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It will thicken when chilled, so run the jar under warm running tap water to thin it out again.

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Until next time,

Ami x

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