In recent years, the world has witnessed a significant shift towards plant-based diets, and Malaysia has emerged as a surprising champion in this global trend. Ranked as the 3rd most vegetarian-friendly country in the world (Oliver’s Travels, 2017), Malaysia showcases the growing acceptance of vegetarianism as a lifestyle choice. What’s even more intriguing is that vegetarianism in Malaysia isn’t limited to just Buddhists or Hindus; it’s a dietary choice embraced by people from all walks of life who aspire to lead healthier lives while addressing pressing issues like health, environment, and ethics.

3 Reasons To Go Vegetarian

People choose vegetarianism for various reasons, each with its unique set of motivations. Here are some of the factors:

1. Health: Many individuals opt for a vegetarian diet to improve their health. Research suggests a well-balanced vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases, lower cholesterol levels, and contribute to overall well-being.
2. Environmental Concerns: The meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. Choosing vegetarianism can significantly reduce one’s carbon footprint and help combat climate change.
3. Ethical Considerations: For some, choosing a vegetarian diet is a reflection of their ethical beliefs. They are driven by concerns about animal welfare and the ethical treatment of animals.

AJI-NO-MOTO® plays a vital role in making vegetarian cuisine even more enticing. It’s essential to emphasise that AJI-NO-MOTO® is vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect addition to any plant-based meal. 

Here are 3 tips on using AJI-NO-MOTO® to unlock the savoury richness of vegetables:

1. Enhancing Flavor: AJI-NO-MOTO® adds umami, the fifth basic taste, to your dishes, enhancing the overall flavour profile. Sprinkle AJI-NO-MOTO® on sautéed vegetables, soups, or stir-fries to elevate their taste.
2. Balancing Flavors: Vegetarian dishes can sometimes need more depth and complexity. AJI-NO-MOTO® helps balance flavours and makes your dishes more satisfying, ensuring that each bite is a burst of deliciousness.
3. Reducing Sodium: One of the benefits of using AJI-NO-MOTO® is that it allows you to reduce your reliance on salt for flavouring. This can be particularly advantageous for those watching their sodium intake.

AJI-NO-MOTO® contains ⅔ less sodium than regular salt. Hence, using AJI-NO-MOTO® allows you to reduce salt intake by partially reducing salt in your cooking while still maintaining the deliciousness of the dish.

Ingredients

1 cup Wheat flour
1/2 tsp AJI-NO-MOTO®
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Chili powder
1/4 tsp Coriander powder
1/4 tsp Fennel powder
1/4 tsp Cumin powder
2 stalks Eggplant, skin removed and cut 5cm lengthwise
2 nos Egg, beaten
200 g Breadcrumbs
Enough Cooking oil

Instructions

1. Mix wheat flour, chilli powder, coriander powder, fennel powder and cumin powder in a bowl.
2. Season with AJI-NO-MOTO® and salt. Mix well.
3. Coat eggplant fingers with the flour mixture. Then, dip them in beaten eggs and coat evenly with breadcrumbs.
4. Heat oil and deep-fry the eggplant fingers until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked.

Ingredients

Enough to cook Cooking Oil

Ingredients A: For Steaming

20 – 25 Green chillies, sliced
10 nos Bird’s eye green chillies, sliced
4 nos Shallots
2 cloves Garlic
2 nos Green tomatoes, cut into four

Ingredients B: To Taste

1/2 tsp AJI-NO-MOTO®
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Lime juice

Instructions
1. Steam ingredients (A) for 5 minutes and roughly pound them.
2. Heat up oil and sauté until fragrant.
3. Season with (B) and cook for a while.
4. Serve with rice and dishes.

Ingredients:
1 tbsp Cooking oil
3 nos Garlic, minced
1 no Red onion, minced
½ inch Ginger, sliced
1000 ml Water
100 g Carrot, coarsely chopped
5 nos Baby corn, cut diagonally
50 g Chicken meat, cut into cubes
200 g Mustard leaves
50 g Oyster mushroom, shredded
½ tsp AJI-NO-MOTO®
1 tsp Salt
2 nos Leaf celery
½ tbsp Fried onion

Instructions:
1. Heat up cooking oil and sautee garlic, red onion and ginger until golden brown.
2. Add water, chicken meat, carrot and baby corn. Boil until carrot and baby corn turns soft and until the chicken is cooked.
3. Add mustard leaves and oyster mushrooms and stir well.
4. Flavour with AJI-NO-MOTO® and salt.
5. Sprinkle some leaf celery and fried onion.
6. Ready to serve.

In conclusion, the rise of vegetarianism in Malaysia is not just a dietary choice; it’s a movement driven by health-conscious individuals concerned about the environment and animal welfare. AJI-NO-MOTO® has emerged as a valuable ally for those seeking to explore the world of vegetarian cuisine. Its ability to enhance the flavours of plant-based dishes makes it an essential ingredient in any vegetarian kitchen.

As we’ve seen, choosing a vegetarian diet aligns with a host of health, environmental, and ethical reasons. With AJI-NO-MOTO®, you can explore a flavourful and fulfilling vegetarian journey. So, whether you’re a committed vegetarian or just curious about this lifestyle, don’t hesitate to experiment with AJI-NO-MOTO® and elevate your vegetarian cuisine to new heights of taste and satisfaction. Happy cooking!