Over the past few months, it has become more and more commonplace to hear tell of companies training their chefs in plant-based cuisine. Aramark, a global leader in food service, facilities, and uniforms, announced its partnership with  The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) to train 1,000 of its chefs last August. Now, Chartwells Higher Education and Morrison Healthcare have also partnered with HSUS.

The new initiative aims to train and influence approximately 3,200 chefs and registered dieticians across the United States in 2018. Participants will learn how to whip up an array of plant-based breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks. Carrot osso bucco, mushroom street tacos, cauliflower fried rice, biscuits and gravy, and tofu scramble are all on the list.

“To me, these classes are about breaking that meat-and-two-sides mindset, stepping out of your comfort zone and creating exciting dishes that appeal to vegans and meat-eaters alike,” Vice President of Wellness and Sustainability for Chartwells, Laura Lapp, said in a statement.

The training program is called “Forward Food Culinary Experience” and will be an intensive, full-day experience. While Chartwells Higher Education will continue to shift 20 percent of its offers to plant-based by 2020 (by emphasizing fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and other plant-based protein), Morrison Healthcare will launch a 21 day plant-based challenge at select hospitals nationwide.

Make Your Own Plant-Based Food!

Inspired by these initiatives? We don’t blame you. We have some recipes by our Food Monster App bloggers that are pretty similar to some of the dishes listed above and figured we’d share them here for you to make!

This gluten-free Cauliflower Fried Rice by Bianca Scartabello is a great alternative to regular rice.

The beauty of cauliflower fried rice is the fact that you are eating ALL VEGGIES even though it feels like a grain.

These freshly baked Biscuits and Sausage Gravy by Heather Blackmon are comfort on a plate.

Some days just call for biscuits. Topping them with some warm (vegan) sausage gravy makes an even better treat. Perfect for a special family brunch when everyone is finally together around the table, or a quiet morning at home with extra time to yourself.

Breakfast doesn’t get more flavorful than this Curried Tofu Scramble by Liuba Grechen.

Just check out the veggies and the glow of the scramble! We’re drooling.

If you’re interested in reading more about different companies and institutions taking the initiative to go plant-based, Check Out the Simple Swaps this University Used to Make its Dining Hall Vegan! Then get inspired by the prestigious cooking school offering its first vegan course in spring 2018.

We also highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out!

Lead image source: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock