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Vegetarian menus are always an indispensable part of the Vu Lan Festival, not only because of their purity but also because of the profound meaning they convey. Eating vegetarian during this season of filial piety is a way for each child to express boundless gratitude for the nurturing and upbringing of their parents, while also sending their best wishes.
This is an occasion to pray for the health and well-being of parents while they are alive, and for their souls to find peace and blessings after their passing, alongside their children and grandchildren. Given this sacred meaning, preparing delicious and nutritious vegetarian dishes for the Vu Lan offering becomes even more important.
Vegetarian spring rolls
In vegetarian offerings for important holidays like Vu Lan, vegetarian spring rolls always hold a special place. Although fried, made entirely from fresh vegetables, these spring rolls not only provide a large amount of fiber but also significantly reduce excess calories compared to regular spring rolls made from meat or seafood.
Despite being a fried dish, this vegetarian spring roll, made with vegetables, provides a large amount of fiber and limits excess calories.
When enjoying vegetarian spring rolls, combining them with fresh green vegetables not only provides essential vitamins and minerals but also supports smoother digestion. Especially when served with fresh rice noodles, vegetarian spring roll noodle soup will surely leave you feeling full without worrying about weight gain, making it ideal for those on a diet or maintaining their figure.
Vegetarian spring rolls
If you think vegetarian food is usually bland, try vegetarian spring rolls – a light and refreshing option that's also incredibly delicious. This dish provides significant nutrition, especially a rich source of vitamins from vegetables, helping the body absorb nutrients more effectively. Furthermore, unlike saturated animal fats which can be harmful to health, the unsaturated plant-based fats in vegetarian spring rolls are very beneficial for the cardiovascular system and blood pressure, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while protecting your health.
Vegetarian spring rolls are a dish that completely wins over vegetarians with their harmonious combination of fresh vegetables and mushrooms, along with a rich sauce, creating a refreshing and delicious flavor.
Tofu
When it comes to vegetarian cuisine, tofu and soy products are always top choices. Soybeans are highly regarded by nutritionists as a particularly good source of protein because they contain all nine essential amino acids that the body cannot synthesize on its own. While meat-eaters primarily obtain these compounds from animal proteins like beef, chicken, and eggs, soybeans are an ideal source for vegetarians. In addition, soybeans contain potassium, iron, fiber, and especially polyunsaturated fats, including important omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which are very beneficial for overall health.
Tofu is a familiar and versatile ingredient in vegetarian dishes.
According to nutrition experts, soy products are not only nutritious but also safe for health. In particular, like all vegetables and grains, soy-based foods are completely cholesterol-free, allowing you to enjoy them with peace of mind.
There are many delicious and easy-to-make vegetarian dishes using tofu.
Mushroom
Mushrooms are a low-calorie yet incredibly nutritious food. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and powerful antioxidants, mushrooms have long been recognized as an important part of any healthy diet. With their naturally sweet umami flavor, mushrooms are often used as a meat substitute in many vegetarian dishes, offering a rich and appealing taste. Depending on the variety, mushrooms can provide nutrients commonly found in meat, such as iron, selenium, zinc, copper, and several B vitamins, including vitamin D.
Mushrooms are a common ingredient in vegetarian dishes.
Specifically, according to Dr. Marvin Moser, Clinical Professor of Medicine at Yale University, two out of three people over 75 years old have high blood pressure. To achieve lower blood pressure, older adults should follow a diet rich in potassium and low in salt. Consuming mushrooms may help alleviate high blood pressure because they are high in potassium and low in sodium, which is very beneficial for cardiovascular health.
Mixed vegetarian salad
Salads are always one of the most popular vegetarian dishes, loved by many for their ease of eating and their ability to stimulate the taste buds. With main ingredients including: sour starfruit, cucumber, banana blossom, carrots, wood ear mushrooms, pineapple, fried tofu, vegetarian noodles... mixed vegetarian salad offers a variety of flavors and colors.
If you're a vegetarian, you can't miss this light and refreshing vegetarian salad.
The nutritional components in vegetarian salad contain all the necessary elements to nourish the body. Because it is primarily plant-based, mixed vegetarian salad helps the digestive system function more gently, reducing bloating and indigestion compared to consuming conventional foods. This is a perfect choice to balance meals during the Vu Lan season.
Lotus seed and longan sweet soup
In the menu of vegetarian desserts, lotus seed and longan sweet soup is a particularly unique and indispensable choice. This sweet soup is not only appealing in flavor but also offers many health benefits.
Lotus seeds are not only a nutritious food but also a valuable medicinal ingredient in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with effective therapeutic and preventative effects. Lotus seeds contain many substances such as lipids, iron, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus… and are rich in vitamins B1, B2, C, E… which have anti-aging effects, improve blood circulation, and help the skin become rosy, bright, and smooth.
Longan is also a precious medicinal herb commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, with effects such as nourishing the blood, strengthening the heart, invigorating the spleen, and being particularly effective in calming the nerves and treating insomnia. The combination of lotus seeds and longan creates a dessert that is not only delicious but also soothes the soul, bringing relaxation after moments of reverence with family.
