As winter blankets the outdoors with frosty chills, our cravings for the smoky, savoury delights of barbecue often take a backseat. However, who said barbecue is solely a summertime affair? In this blog, we embark on a flavorful journey to bring the barbecue indoors and explore the realm of mock meat. Discover how you can infuse your winter nights with the enticing aromas and tastes of a barbecue feast, all within the cosy confines of your kitchen.

Unleashing the Art of Mock Meat

Mock meat, also known as meat replacements or plant-based alternatives, has progressed from an afterthought to a gourmet phenomenon. Mock meat is made from a range of plant-based ingredients, including soy, seitan, tempeh, and jackfruit, and it has textures and flavours that rival traditional meats. Embracing imitation meat not only appeals to vegetarians and vegans, but it also provides a healthier and more environmentally aware option for everyone.

Choosing the Right Mock Meat

The market offers a variety of mock meat options, including plant-based burgers, chicken-style strips, and sausages. The ideal imitation meat for your indoor barbecue adventure is determined by your particular preferences and the desired flavour profile. Experiment with different varieties to find the ideal pairing for your winter barbecue.

Setting the Stage

Although outdoor barbecues are appealing, indoor barbecues offer advantages such as a regulated environment, accessibility, and the comfort of your kitchen. Invest in a high-quality indoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or electric grill to achieve the desired grill markings and smoky flavour.

Marinating magic 

Marinating is crucial for a great BBQ. Make a flavourful marinade for your faux meat by combining herbs, spices, oils, and acidic ingredients such as citrus or vinegar. Allow the faux meat to marinade for at least 30 minutes so that the flavours can penetrate and heighten the taste.

Embracing Smoky Flavours

The natural smokiness of outdoor grilling may be replicated indoors. Consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to your marinade, as well as smoked paprika and other smoky spices. Alternatively, invest in a stovetop smoker to get that true BBQ flavour.

Mock Meat Barbecue Recipes to Keep You Warm This Winter

Ingredients:

Simply Better Spicy Fingers

Simply Better Nuggets

Bell peppers (red, yellow, green) chopped into bits.

Red onion, chopped into pieces

Olive oil

Garlic powder, paprika, and cumin

Add salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the indoor grill or stovetop grill pan. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to make a marinade. Thread Simply Better Spicy Fingers, Nuggets, bell peppers, and red onion onto skewers. Brush the marinade onto the skewers and cook until the mock meat turns golden and the vegetables are soft. Serve the skewers with your preferred dipping sauce.

Ingredients:

Simply Better Awadhi Seekh Kebabs.

Pita Pockets

Chopped cucumber

Cherry tomatoes (halved)

Fresh mint leaves.

Tahini sauce

Instructions:

Preheat the indoor grill or stovetop grill pan. Grill the Simply Better Awadhi Seekh Kebabs until uniformly cooked. Grill pita pockets till warmed through. Spread a generous layer of hummus into each pita pocket. Insert grilled Awadhi Seekh Kebabs, then top with sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, fresh mint leaves, and tahini sauce. Close the pita pockets and enjoy your delicious kebab creation.

What is a smoky flavour for meat?

A smoky flavour for meat is a particular taste obtained by exposing the meat to smoke while cooking. This flavour is sometimes linked with traditional cooking methods, such as smoking meat over wood or charcoal. The addition of smokiness improves the entire flavour profile of the meat, adding depth and complexity to the gastronomic experience.

With Tata Simply Better, Tata Consumer Products has entered into a new category, aimed at consumers who want to include more plant-based ingredients in their diet without compromising on taste. Tata Simply Better comes with a variety of products that are 100% plant-based,  & it tastes just like chicken. Plant-based ingredients are a source of rich nutrients and are at par with the alternatives.

Tata Simply Better has four delicious plant-based food variants and these include - Nuggets, Burger Patty, Awadhi Seekh Kebab, and Spicy Fingers. The product range is rich in protein, trans-fat free, and has no added preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours. While regular food/ alternative food products need to be refrigerated, Tata Simply Better can be refrigerated and stored at room temperature, making this a convenient and travel-friendly product. 

Discover the nutritional goodness and fabulous chicken-like taste of Tata Simply Better’s plant-based products. It's all real, and it comes from plants. 

It isn't just good - it's Tata Simply Better.