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| Vegan Prepper Tips & Pantry Recipes |
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There are lots of great vegetarian, vegan and Lenten foods that can be used in a crisis situation, but knowing what to stock and how to use it is a little different for vegans than it is for omnivores.
If you're vegetarian, vegan or observing Lent, you probably won't want to live off SPAM and Vienna Sausages!
Every prepping situation is different.
We needed certain supplies last year, when a tornado hit our town and we were without power & potable water for a few days.
This year, our needs are a little different as we face a pandemic.
So, versatility matters!
Vegan diets are typically based on Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains, and Legumes. Some Vegans also eat Meat or Dairy Analogs.
I know we usually love our fresh foods, but if you're in a situation in which you need to be aware of germs, then packaged, processed, or peel-able foods may be safer. Other times, you'll have a power outage and a whole refrigerator of produce that needs to be used before it spoils. So, some of these recipes use fresh produce, some use only pantry items.
So, let's look at what to buy, and how to use those ingredients.
Which of these recipes will work for you will depend on your access to condiments, spices, refrigeration, fresh produce, and cooking facilities. Some recipes here will work for each common preparedness scenario.
I'm writing this for the reader who is in an urban or suburban setting and doesn't live self-sufficiently "off the grid." This post is assuming that money and time are an issue, and is full of frugal and quick recipes.
Government websites are very helpful for a general awareness of how to stock for an emergency.
This is a resource from FEMA
And this is one from the CDC
Here are some things to consider when stocking your pantry:
Processed Foods
For a handy list of vegan processed foods, I like this list from PETA.
(Although I strongly disagree with some of their methods and ideology, their info is still helpful)
PETA's List of "Accidentally Vegan" Processed Foods
Don't forget that your Dollar Store can be a great source of all sorts of processed foods that happen to be vegan - everything from cookies & crackers, to breakfast foods and soymilk.
Water
The Government's current recommendation is that every household have enough water to allow for at least three days, and sometimes up to a
two week supply at the rate of 1 gallon per person per day. Although that may not be feasible for everyone, it is a good idea to have
some water on hand if you can.
Grains
Whole Grains are much more likely to go rancid, spoil, or attract pests than their refined counterparts. For an emergency food supply, a stock of refined grain products might be in order. But, it's your choice. If you choose whole grains, make sure you rotate them through in a timely fashion, and store them at cool temperatures as much as possible.
Also, make sure you store grains in sealed canisters, not in cardboard or paper boxes that they often come in. One package with bugs can infest a whole pantry if they aren't stored properly. And, sometimes mistakes happen in the supply chain, and grains have bugs when you purchase them, so transfer them to a canister right away.
I use screw-top plastic canisters from the dollar tree. Gallon pickle jars with screw-top lids are also popular with some.
In some crisis situations, you may be without power, and cooking a hot meal that requires long simmering may be difficult or impossible. Several Vegan staples can be prepared by just adding water. Sometimes the water doesn't even have to be hot:
Bulgur Wheat
A whole grain that is pre-cooked. It doesn't have an infinite shelf life, but I find it usually lasts several months in the pantry. You can combine one part Bulgur and one part water, and (ideally) refrigerate for a few hours until water is absorbed. If Hot water is available, then the time to absorb the water is reduced to about 1/2 hour! Then it's ready to eat!
The amount of water needed might vary by preference. Some people prefer one part grain to 2 parts water, then drain and press dry at serving time. But I prefer a 1:1 ratio, just adding dressing to moisten at serving time.
Here are a couple of recipes for Bulgur
A no-cook recipe:
Tabouli
If you have a working stove burner, this one does not require soaking the bulgur in advance, simply follow the directions in the recipe:
Bulgur Pilaf ( Pourgouri )
Couscous (not the pearl-sized Israeli kind, but the super small Moroccan kind)
To make Couscous, simply use one part couscous and two parts boiling water (1/3 cup couscous to 2/3 boiling water for a single person). Cover 5 minutes. Fluff with fork. You're ready to add other ingredients to make a meal : )
For a simple instant meal, I sometimes boil a handful of frozen veggies and a handful of canned beans in 2/3 cup water, then add 1/3 cup couscous, remove from heat & cover. 5 minutes later, you can add your favorite seasoning, and a crunchy topping like nuts - and enjoy!
No-cook recipes:
Couscous Fattoush Salad
Italian Lunchbox Salad
Southwestern Lunchbox Salad
Couscous can be substituted for Quinoa in many Quinoa Salad recipes, like this one:
Quinoa and Lime Salad
Quick Oats
Quick Oats can be combined with cool liquid and covered for about 15 minutes before eating. Or, with boiling water can be ready in about 3 minutes.
Oats can be used for Overnight Oats when cooking is not possible
Oats, Easy, Cool & Creamy Summer
or, if you can boil water, make your own Instant Oatmeal!
MYO Maple Instant Oatmeal
Minute Rice
I know it's not as good as the "real" stuff - but in a pinch, it works. Just follow the directions on the box.
Lentil & Rice Salad (Use canned Lentils if electricity is not available)
Mix & Match Italian Rice Salad
Crackers
Of course, Crackers can be eaten right out of the box, or with a little peanut butter or hummus : )
Pasta
Remember, smaller shapes tend to have shorter cooking times. Whole grain pastas, while wholesome, have shorter shelf life and longer cooking times.
And, you may be able to reduce cooking time using this method
Italian Pasta Salad with Fat Free Vinaigrette
Vacation Soup (this is very versatile, and can be made with whatever veggies you have - or none at all : )
Flour
I usually stock All Purpose Flour & White Whole Wheat Flour. Remember that the whole grain has a shorter shelf life, and requires a longer baking time. These are great for making bread and making my own mixes. Don't forget to stock other basic vegan baking ingredients such as baking powder, sugar or sweetener, salt, tapioca starch, cornmeal, etc.
If you have a range top or working burner, but not an oven:
Five Traditional Breads to Make Without an Oven
Cornbread, Ten Minute Summer
From Vegan Whole Grain Pancake & Waffle Mix (JUST ADD WATER! : )
Blueberry Pancakes
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Grilled Banana Pancakes
Strawberry Pancakes
If you are able to bake, try these:
From Vegan Muffin Mix
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Vegan Pumpkin Mini Muffins
Banana Walnut Muffins
Blueberry Muffins, Quick, Easy, Healthy
Cranberry Streusel Muffins
Zucchini Mini Muffins
From Stir & Pour Yeast Bread Mix
Stir & Pour Garlic Bread Sticks
Stir & Pour Cinnamon Sugar Bread Sticks
Stir & Pour Dinner Rolls
Stir & Pour Toasting & Sandwich Loaf
Stir & Pour Focaccia
Stir & Pour Thin Sandwich Buns
And, if you have access to a working microwave:
3 Minute Blueberry Muffin for 1
Chocolate Muffin for One, 3 Minute, Double Chocolate
Legumes or Beans
In a situation in which you have no power, canned legumes are best.
They are also the easiest package to decontaminate.
If you do have power, dried legumes certainly give you a lot more bang for your buck!
Make sure that any canned legumes you buy don't have meat (bacon, fatback, etc). I find that many manufacturers use the word "seasoned" to mean "cooked with meat." Check the ingredients.
Split Red Lentils are the fastest to cook among dried legumes, then other split lentils, then split peas, then various kinds of beans - some taking longer than others. Some of the longest cooking times are Chickpeas and Soybeans. Check cooking times for whichever dried legumes you stock up on, in case cooking fuel is at a premium in your situation.
These are no-cook recipes:
Black Bean and Corn Salad
Black-Eyed Pea Salad
Fruited Black-Eyed Pea Salad
And this recipe that I think I've made every time I've needed a food when the power was out. Almost any kind of bean will work in a pinch : )
White Bean Salad
If you have more ability to cook or simmer, these are great choices:
Black Bean Soup (Slow Cooker)
Chili
Family Favorite Lentil Soup
Lemony Dal
Masala Dal
Red Lentil Soup - Moroccan or Sephardic Styles
Split Pea Soup
Claire's Southern Delight
Fruits and Vegetables
Canned or Dried will be the most reliable supplies here. And, once again, Canned goods are easier to decontaminate, if needed.
When buying canned Fruits and Veggies, take into account where substitutions can be made for foods you normally use fresh. For instance, I use celery for added crunch in a grain or bean salad. But, in a crisis, I might substitute Sliced Water Chestnuts from a can for a similar crunch.
Olives and Capers and Marinated Artichokes are little luxuries that can really make a meal more palatable when fresh fruits and veggies aren't an option.
This is a favorite Fruit Salad, made from canned Mandarin Oranges, and Bananas and Apples which can be peeled if need be:
Fruit Salad
If you can access a microwave, you can try these:
Three Minute, Three Bite Brownie for One
Easy Microwave Fudge for One
Nuts and Seeds
If your family enjoys nuts and seeds, they're great for an emergency, as they take little space and provide lots of energy.
Peanut Powder is also good, and can be used to make these great recipes
3 Minute Asian Peanut Sauce
Or LOWFAT Lowfat Asian Peanut Sauce
Asian Peanut Noodles
Asian Peanut Rice Bowl
Asian Peanut Wrap
TVP
Texturized vegetable protein has a very long shelf life, and can be reconstituted using just boiling water. It takes on the flavor of whatever sauce you add to it. Be cautious, though. It is very high in fiber, and can be gassy for some folks. For this reason, it might be best to use it as an occasional addition to your diet, rather than an everyday staple.
Quite frequently, TVP mince can be used in place of something like ground beef in a fried rice, or in chili. The larger chunks can be used in place of meat to make a stew.
Like this:
Philippine Style Fried Rice
If TVP is something you'd like to explore, there are lots of recipes to experiment with out there, like these:
40+ TVP Recipes
Aseptic Tofu or Non-Dairy Milks
I buy Soymilk from the Dollar Store. Aseptic Silken tofu can also be handy in a pinch.
If you have access to a blender, and almond butter, you can make your own Almond Milk in just two minutes!
Two Minute Almond Milk
In addition to all these ideas, you might also try keeping a copy of this book on your shelf:
Apocalypse Chow
It has lots of great recipes & prepping ideas. (This isn't an affiliate link - just a product I like)
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