It’s not just All Saints' Day. November 1st is also World Vegan Day, dedicated to those who have embraced a lifestyle that excludes all animal-derived resources, from food to clothing. In this respect, vegans differ from vegetarians, positioning themselves at one end of a spectrum of dietary choices that either include or exclude animal-based products, as we described in this article.
On this occasion, we want to present you with the recipe from our Cesarina Ada from Castiglione delle Stiviere for preparing delicious vegan meatballs. It's a tasty and genuine dish that dispels the common notion that following a vegan lifestyle necessarily means giving up the pleasures of the table.
Vegan meatballs
Delicious 100% green bites that will delight everyone's palate
DifficultyEasy
Preparation time30m
Cooking time25m
€
CostLow
Ingredients
- 250 g boiled chickpeas
- 2 zucchinis
- 1 potato
- Basil to taste
- Mint to taste
- Chives to taste
- 1 clove of garlic
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Chickpea flour as needed (to thicken the meatball mixture)
Method
- Cut the zucchinis into small cubes and sauté them in a pan with a clove of garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Add salt and pepper.
- Let them cool and then blend the zucchinis.
- Blend the boiled chickpeas together with a boiled potato. Add the zucchinis, basil, chives, mint, salt, and pepper. You should get a well-mixed mixture (if the mixture seems too wet, add another cold potato or some chickpea flour until you reach the desired consistency).
- Form small meatballs with your hands (alternatively, you can fill silicone molds to make bite-sized pieces).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Place the meatballs on the tray and bake in the oven at 190°C for about 20-25 minutes (depending on the size of the meatballs).
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The History of World Vegan Day
It all began in 1944, when the Vegan Society was founded as an offshoot of the Vegetarian Society by Donald Watson and Elsie Shrigley, who felt the need to distinguish between not eating meat and not consuming any animal-derived products. The decision to establish November 1st as World Vegan Day was made by activist Louise Wallis in 1994, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Vegan Society, of which she was president. Wallis aimed to provide an opportunity for vegans worldwide to celebrate and promote veganism, highlighting its positive aspects for both human health and the planet.
Vegans Around the World
Data indicates a steady increase in the number of vegans worldwide. According to a 2020 analysis, about 3% of the global population follows a vegan diet, although the adoption rate varies significantly from country to country. Demographic statistics show that veganism is more common among younger people and those with higher levels of education.
In Europe, vegans make up approximately 5-7% of the total population, with countries like the United Kingdom and Germany reporting relatively high numbers of individuals following this lifestyle.
In the United States, veganism is gaining popularity, especially in major metropolitan areas. The increasing availability of vegan products in grocery stores and restaurants has certainly facilitated the adoption of this dietary practice.
Moving to Asia, India stands out for its long vegetarian tradition, which makes the transition to a vegan diet easier. However, in other Asian countries, veganism is less common, although it is beginning to spread, particularly among younger generations.