Vegan and Vegetarian Spicy Recipes Ideas - Crank Up The Heat!
Vegan and vegetarian spicy food is a popular culinary sensation that can be found in almost every cuisine around the world. From the fiery flavours of Mexican chilli to the intense heat of Indian curries - meat-free spicy food has a way of tantalizing our taste buds and leaving us feeling both satisfied and exhilarated.
So, what makes spicy food so addictive? It turns out that the heat we feel when we eat spicy food is caused by a chemical compound called capsaicin, which is found in chilli peppers. When we eat capsaicin, it stimulates the receptors in our mouths that are responsible for detecting heat, creating a burning sensation that we often describe as "spicy".
Interestingly, although capsaicin is technically a form of pain, many people find the sensation of eating spicy food to be pleasurable. This may be because capsaicin also triggers the release of endorphins in the brain, that can create feelings of euphoria and well-being.
Of course, not everyone is a fan of spicy food. For some, the sensation of heat is simply too intense to enjoy. However, for those who do enjoy spicy food, there are countless ways to incorporate it into your diet. From hot sauces and salsas to spicy marinades and rubs, there are endless possibilities for adding heat and flavour to your favourite dishes.
We’ve a whole recipe hub dedicated to spicy food right here, from meat-free curries and spicy wings to BBQ skewers and our take on a vegetarian pork ramen – have a look at a few of our favourite spicy vegan and vegetarian recipes from around the world below:
Try our take on Laksa - a traditional South-East Asian spicy noodle soup or these Korean BBQ Skewers – flavoured with gochujang are a delicious addition to any BBQ party.
Coming in hot…how about this vegan take on a spicy chicken burger and fries, or a classic ramen recipe combining traditional Japanese flavours with a meat-free twist in this spicy vegetarian pork ramen (this is also a great use for your leftover Quorn Ham Roast).
Whether you're a die-hard fan of spicy food, love just a little heat, or are simply curious about its unique taste and effects, there's no denying that this culinary sensation is here to stay. So why not embrace the heat and spice up your next meal? Who knows, you may just discover a new favourite dish or flavour that you never knew you loved.
Find all these delicious recipes and more in our dedicated spicy foods hub here!
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