The Essential Guide to… is a unique magazine series that gives you everything you need to know about the world of food, all year round. Every issue is full of inspiration, top tips and the best recipes for cooking and entertaining. Each one tried, tested and tasted to perfection.

Meat-free meals

The Essential Guide To…

Do you know your ABCs? • If you’ve dropped meat and fish from your diet, you need to make sure you’re getting all the right vitamins and minerals. Here’s how…

AND DON’T FORGET THOSE MINERALS…

Your meat-free shopping list • If you’re giving the butcher’s counter a miss, try putting some of these in your trolley instead

10 WINTER WARMERS • Comforting, easy and utterly delicious, these versatile veggie stews and traybakes are great for sharing. Try swapping in a variety of vegetables to create new twists on old favourites

STORECUPBOARD STAPLES TO ADD EXTRA FLAVOUR • A great dish is only as good as its flavourings, so keep some of these must-haves handy. Once you’re all stocked up, a little can go a long way

How to bake the PERFECT PIE • Topped with filo, shortcrust or puff, a pie packed with vegetables, herbs, spices or nuts is one of those dishes that just makes you happy. And if you don’t have time to make your own pastry, shop-bought can be a real winner

Foolproof puff pastry

Busting the MEAT-FREE MYTHS • If you’re thinking of eating less meat – maybe for Veganuary or for a couple of days each week moving forward – there are a few common-held beliefs we’d quite like to clear up

WHO AVOIDS WHAT..?

Let’s do brunch • Sweet and savoury dishes for breakfast, lunch or whenever you fancy – and there’s even a vegan fry-up

6 of the best veggie burgers • Our favourites celebrate the versatile flavours of aubergine, cauliflower, fennel, mushrooms, beetroot, sweet potato, halloumi and falafel to make any menu mouthwateringly meat free. Because there’s more than one way to fill a bun…

Give PASTA a twirl! • It’s quick, it’s filling and it’s perfect for showing off all the wonderful flavours of vegetables, herbs and spices

Fresh mushroom tortellini

The (not so) humble CHICKPEA • Three heaped tablespoons of these little yellow powerhouses count as one of your 5-a-day. But why would you eat them from a spoon when there are so many other delicious ways to create chickpea magic?

I can’t believe it’s not meat • Spag bol without the beef or chilli without the carne – we’ve picked six traditional meaty favourites and given them a veggie twist

Around the world in 8 DISHES • Take a trip around the globe from the comfort of your own kitchen with a celebration of these much-loved veggie dishes from Morocco, India, Thailand and more…

GET TO KNOW YOUR SPICES…

Souper bowls • Chunky or creamy, delicate or fiery, soup is always a comfort. Try experimenting with vegetables, herbs and spices to discover your favourite combination

HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN…

Fancy a curry? • With veggie dishes, the biggest challenge is packing in enough flavour. But there’s no danger of that with a curry – all those wonderful spices really bring any vegetables to life. No wonder we love them…

Vegan menu for 6 • Looking to impress friends? This simple three-course menu takes you from Japan to Spain and then back to the UK for a showstopping chocolate coconut dessert

Not just for summer • Great textures, flavours, colours and, of course, the perfect dressing… What’s not to love about salad all year round? Especially when it looks and tastes this good

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And not a chip in sight… • If your meat-free diet includes a little (or a lot of) fish, dive into this selection of dishes which all go...