Fresh Vegetable Recipes

Why do vegetarians referr their foods after omnivores types?

I would think that a vegan's foods would be shaped and referenced towards things that do not have faces,like carrots, onions, beans, and eggplants, instead vegetarians references are the same as omnivores foods such as tofu turkey, or veggie-burgers tofu-dogs. I see meat shaped vegetables as contrary to their food philosophy. Are vegans and vegetarians really into their life style choices all the way or not? I am not criticizing your choices, we all have to eat, and having the right to classify yourselves as vegans and vegetarians could positively lend itself to change your meal descriptions to vegetarian focus, instead of the usual meat references towards foods. Heck, there is no one on earth who loves eggplant parmesan or mushroom-barley soup more that me, but you won't hear me naming it after some mock beef stew either.

Public Comments

1. Nobody has ever called me a vegetarian, but you make an interesting point. I would surmise that naming vegetarian dishes after meat based dishes is an attempt to gain acceptance with the general meat eating world. We are so influenced by the media that perhaps this is a way for vegetarians to fit in. Turkey is synonymous with Thanksgiving, so having tofurkey is a way to keep that tradition going while staying vegan. But that's just a guess! Eat what you want, however you want, whenever you want, and die happy! Redbird
2. I've actually never tried one.... but I am thinking about it... the purpose is not to not eat things that resemble meat.... the point is to not eat meat. BIG DIFFERENCE. David copperfield appeared to make the Statue of Liberty disappear..... as far as I know... it's still there and he was never arrested for stealing it... follow?
3. I'm a vegetarian and eating the fake meats is just an added bonus. They taste great and they are completely animal friendly. Its also an easy way to dine with friends and family who eat meat! I love being vegetarian and I'll never go back to eating meat!
4. I think you take yourself way too seriously.
5. I think it's all about marketing the products-especially to new vegetarians as they transition from food they're used to...
6. I was just wondering that myself after browsing through a vegetarian magazine today - please don't call it "chopped liver", call it what it is ----- NUT LOAF! Chopped nuts, lentils, green beans, etc, why even advertise it as mock chopped liver when it's not? Hypocritical is all it is. Even Better Veggie Loaf 2-3 boiled potatoes, skins removed, shredded 1 zuchini, peeled and shredded 1 small onion, minced 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1-2 carrots, shredded 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup cooked rice 3 eggs mix all ingredients in a mixing bowl (yes, crack open the eggs first and mix into mixture!) pour into small baking pan and bake@ 325 dgrees f for 20 minutes or until cooked through (Do check halfway through). It is also possible to fry pancake-style over medium heat. Okay to add grated cheese to this if you like, I have food allergies and so no dairy. Top with tomato salsa, or guacamole, or both. Also good with ranch dressing! salt and pepper
7. I'm getting tired of answering this question, but some vegetarians who used to eat meat might want to stay with some of the same textures and feel of foods they were brought up with. I don't see what the big deal is if some people want to do that. Food is a very cultural thing and becoming vegetarian doesn't necessarily mean the individual has made a drastic change from every aspect of the the culture he or she was accustomed to--just the eating meat part of it. I think it's kind of a silly thing to criticise--so what? "Symbols are for the symbol-minded" (George Carlin)
8. I don't like referring to my food in omnivore ways, I don't have a choice what soy and veggie products call themselves, I personally would prefer my own terms.
9. I wouldn't say it's contrary to our philosopy to eat something that is plant protein made to resemble animal foods. I know I'm eating something made of soy and/or wheat. I also remember enough to know the difference in taste or texture. I figure that if analogues help people reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products, bring 'em on, and who cares what they're called? Let's remember that most veg*ans grew up eating meat, and not only are they great for transition, but it also normalizes our diet, in my view.
10. You are an ididot. Buns are round so I'm going to make my grain and veggie patty round. Seasoned, textured soy (with delicious, sun dried tomatoes and Italian spices) is easy to shape into a sausage shape. What else should it be shaped like? A fricking triangle? No, because then it wouldn't fit into the bun very well. I love when meat-eaters come across as if they have some sort of copyright on the round shape and the tube shape. Are we not allowed to crumble anything, either, on the chance it might look like cooked hamburger? Get over yourself. You're not that clever. And don't pretend for a SECOND that you understand my philosophy. I highly suspect you're not smart enough to comprehend anything beyond "Meat taste good. Me want to eat meat." Your poorly written question (including its terrible use of punctuation) is exhibit A.
11. There is nothing that says you can't eat mock meats. They don't taste exactly like real meat but they are designed with convenience in mind. The important thing to remember is that it's healthier and more humane than actual meat.