Healthy eating patterns, especially vegetarian and vegan, are becoming a trend and a lifestyle for many people. However, many people also eat a diet low in meat but lots of fruit and vegetables. With well-thought-out equipment and clever additions, a vegetarian kitchen can be adapted to a healthy and vital lifestyle. We show what makes a modern vegetarian kitchen.
New cooking pleasures in the vegetarian kitchen
Currently, about one in ten people in Germany follow a vegetarian or vegan diet, and it is estimated that there are more than one billion vegetarians worldwide. There are many reasons to adopt a diet that avoids animal products, but vegetarians and vegans are very concerned about animal welfare, climate and environmental protection. But giving up meat, fish and dairy products doesn’t mean you must say goodbye to delicious food. Quite the contrary: Many greens are completely reinventing classic ways of preparing food and experimenting with a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, venturing into new concoctions or preparing meat substitutes in such a way that they can easily compete with conventional schnitzel or spaghetti Bolognese.
Of course, cooking and preparing things becomes much fun when there is enough space in the kitchen, fresh herbs are available, and essential kitchen equipment is nearby. We’ll show you how you can set up a kitchen specifically for your vegetable needs, which tools are efficient, and which organizational aids will ensure you never lose track of the kitchen again. By the way, the vegetarian kitchen is for more than just vegetarians and vegans. Kitchen appliances provide more space for cooking, growing and seasoning healthy meals, which should sound tempting to hobby cooks even without vegetarian tendencies.
Kitchen for vegetables – how it differs from a “normal” kitchen.
As in most kitchens, in a fully equipped kitchen for vegetarians and vegans, you will find a refrigerator, a stove with an oven, and a sink area and worktop where food is prepped and prepared. However, the first differences with conventional cooking can already be identified here: Vegetarians and vegans cook differently than people who eat meat. Meat or meat substitute products are no longer used in vegetable dishes. Instead, fresh vegetables and herbs take centre stage, and specific kitchen tools are used more intensively than others. For example, refrigerators are designed primarily to keep vegetables and fruit fresh.
Since vegetarianism and veganism are no longer just nutritional trends but rather reflect an attitude to life, the preparation of dishes is also different. Many vegetarians and vegans consciously take time and enjoy working on their recipes. Fresh fruit and vegetables replace convenience and ready-made products, and meal preparation is celebrated uniquely. On the one hand, you know exactly what ingredients are in each food. However, on the other hand, you develop a very different understanding of healthy and delicious foods in which flavour enhancers or additives and colourings have no place. Gardeners can even grow their own vegetables, such as tomatoes, zucchini, or cucumbers, in the summer. But even without a garden, fresh herbs or sprouts can be planted beautifully in small flower pots in the kitchen so that fresh ingredients can always be used.
Planning and equipping a vegetarian kitchen
Anyone who likes to cook healthily needs plenty of space, practical tools, and innovative accessories that make working in a vegetarian kitchen easier. With our planning tips, you can optimally match your kitchen furniture to your cooking habits.
Sufficient storage space
If you look at the menu of a mixed diet eater, vegetables, beans, and nuts often play a secondary role. Frequently, they are used as a side dish for schnitzel, currywurst or steak. However, because vegetarian cuisine is so varied and varied, it makes sense to plan enough storage space in the kitchen. After all, kitchen cupboards should have room for fresh fruit and vegetables and a variety of dry supplies such as nuts, grains, rice, or legumes. Kitchen cupboards with internal pull-outs or apothecary cupboards, for example, are very suitable as storage cupboards because, on the one hand, they provide much space. On the other hand, they give a good overview of all the food.
Nowadays, more and more “no packaging” shops are being set up where you can get food and supplies without packaging. Instead, you bring your container and fill it with leftovers. On the one hand, this means you get the right amount of rice, beans or pasta as needed, and on the other hand, you protect the environment from further plastic waste. Lightweight bamboo containers are ideal for shopping. When you get home, supplies can be stored correctly and in a glass drawer or screw-top jar for a long time.
Although some fruits and vegetables are stored well in the refrigerator, others do not tolerate cold well. To maintain the taste and aroma of tomatoes, peppers, or bananas, these foods should be stored at room temperature. Storage systems such as baskets or pull-out boxes are ideal for potatoes, apples, onions, or carrots.
Spacious work surface
Different types of vegetables are often used to prepare delicious casseroles and colourful wok and wok dishes. Onions should be cut into rings, tomatoes into cubes, and bell peppers into strips. The extensive work surface ensures you have enough space when cutting and prepping. A worktop made of Dekton or stainless steel is ideal here. Not only does it look modern, but it is also very hygienic and easy to maintain. If the room is large enough, planning the kitchen island as a pure preparation area is worth considering. The entire work surface can be used since there is no sink or stove.
Good lighting
Good lighting in the work area is beneficial in several ways. This way, you can immediately see whether the lettuce is ready to eat after washing or whether there is still dirt on the leaves. You can see at a glance whether pressure marks or remaining cores from fruits and vegetables must be removed. Good lighting also ensures a high level of safety. After all, very sharp knives are often used when cutting and preparing food.
Space for kitchen equipment
Depending on individual preferences, smoothie makers, juicers or grain mills, vegetable slicers, and food processors are used in vegetarian kitchens. For a neat kitchen appearance, appliances are put into blind cupboards or tall cupboards after use. Corner base cabinets with shelves that can be moved upwards when necessary hide kitchen utensils and utilize the space in the corner of the kitchen to save space.
Multifunctional sink area
A well-designed sink area ensures kitchen tasks go hand in hand: rinsing, drying, peeling and chopping. For this purpose, a multifunctional built-in sink is an excellent choice. A double sink with practical accessories is ideal: Special cutting boards and containers can be hung on the sink. A kitchen faucet with a pull-out showerhead is also beneficial for easily washing giant vegetables such as zucchini or cucumbers. A shower hose also makes filling the cooking pot with water easy if, for example, a delicious vegetable soup is on the menu.
This goes into organic waste.
Tomato stems, zucchini tips or banana peels – a vegetarian kitchen produces much organic waste, so an extra-large organic waste container is essential. Equipped with a lockable lid, no odour comes out. It is convenient if organic waste is placed in a waste separation system with other waste containers under the sink. With a trash container embedded directly in the kitchen table, organic waste can be disposed of more quickly.
Socket with USB port
Sufficient power outlets are needed so that all kitchen equipment, such as a smoothie maker, grain mill, or food processor, can be powered by electricity, especially in a vegetable kitchen. Retractable sockets can be hidden in the worktop to keep the kitchen looking attractive. Socket systems with integrated USB ports are also very popular. A tablet can be connected here to instantly try out the latest vegetable recipe ideas.
Fresh herbs from the kitchen garden
Fresh herbs give each dish an unmatched taste and ensure that vegetarian meals are enjoyable. A kitchen herb garden ensures you always have chives, parsley, mint, thyme or other herbs at home. Now, a practical solution makes integrating a kitchen garden easy: plant boxes with an exceptional lighting system support growth so plants can survive without direct sunlight. Potted herbs also feel great on a windowsill or in a planted balcony flower box, supporting healthy and aromatic cooking.
Spice drawer
Dried spices and herbs are often used in vegetarian cooking to give vegetarian dishes a special taste. Kitchen cabinets for spices, oils, and vinegar make organizing things easy and help you find jars and jars of specific spices. It’s best to sort herbs and spices alphabetically or by group so you can find the right jar quickly.
Technology and kitchen equipment for the vegetarian kitchen
In a vegetarian kitchen, technical equipment should certainly be addressed. Various devices are used to support a healthy and varied diet.
Oven and steamer for healthy preparation
Besides the refrigerator, the oven is probably the most significant electrical appliance in a vegetarian kitchen. You can use it to make delicious cakes and muffins, as well as delicious breads and casseroles. Toasted granola mueslis is also very tasty and is served for breakfast with a bit of honey, dried cranberries and nuts.
Steamers are available as separate electrical appliances or integrated into the oven. They allow gentle cooking so vegetables remain crunchy and their vitamins are preserved. Sous-vide cooking is also popular. Vacuum-packaged food is prepared in a steamer at a low temperature.
Refrigerator with different cooling zones
The refrigerator may need to be more prominent in a vegetarian kitchen. It mainly stores fresh ingredients such as fruits, vegetables and spices. Since lettuce, savoy cabbage, or pak choi require a relatively large space, a spacious refrigerator with different cooling zones is essential. Separate boxes allow other foods to be stored separately and clearly. Modern refrigerators are equipped with a 0° cooling zone where the vitamins and minerals in food are retained for a very long time.
By the way, not all fruits and vegetables are suitable for storing in the refrigerator. Tropical fruits, tomatoes and zucchini lose their aroma at low temperatures, so they are best stored in a protected place at room temperature.
Induction cooker with cooking accessories
Works, grill plates, and Teppan Yaki plates are practical additions to a conventional stove for various vegetarian dishes. With cooking accessories, you can prepare delicious vegetable dishes in no time and benefit from low energy consumption.
Extractor hood with trough hood
Steaming vegetables and cooking potatoes produce fumes that must be vented using a powerful extractor hood. Stoves with integrated extractor hoods called downdraft fans extract smoke and odours where they arise – directly from the stove.
Food processor for multifunctional use
With a food processor, you can quickly prepare delicious smoothies full of vitamins. With the proper attachment, a food processor can perform various tasks, such as slicing vegetables, kneading bread dough, or chopping nuts. Additionally, this device is ideal for making hot sauces, dips or salad dressings. When purchasing, it is essential to look for a powerful food processor with sharp blades so that nuts or ice cubes do not cause problems for the mixer.
The vegetarian kitchen doesn’t just appeal to vegetarians and vegans
A balanced, healthy and vitamin-rich diet is becoming increasingly important. Ethical questions that address sustainable population supply or global climate protection affect us all and influence our eating habits. It’s no surprise that the number of vegetarians, vegans and flexitarians continues to increase.
A vegetarian kitchen meets the requirements for a varied diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Here, you’ll find plenty of space to store fresh food, you can spread out freely when cutting and preparing food, and you even have the opportunity to grow your own herbs—which seems like the perfect solution for any hobby cook who also loves food. Meat and fish are occasionally on the menu.