She’s already gained huge popularity in the vegan world following the release of her book, Vegan Eats, and now Rachel Ama has joined forces with by CHLOE. for a very exciting venture.
To celebrate World Vegan Month, the British chef has conjured up three new tasty dishes for by CHLOE.’s London menu. As well as a heartwarming Thai green curry, customers can also try Rachel’s delicious jerk cauliflower and Caribbean wrap.
For anyone thinking of trying veganism this November, Rachel advises: “There are so many positive reasons to give it a go, and it is really delicious! You’ve just got to find your new go-to meals which is great because there are so many vegan recipes out there.
“Don’t be hard on yourself, take it step by step if that suits. If you love chilli, try a vegan one! My one won’t make you think you’re missing out on meat. Or if you have a favourite curry, use the same seasonings and swap the meat for chickpeas and vegetables and it will still taste delicious.”
Commenting on why she thinks the conversation about plant-based eating has become widespread over the past few years, Rachel adds: “Because we’re in a digital age where we can access information so quickly and easily.
“I wasn’t shown slaughterhouses in school, I lived in a city which is far removed from farming and was shown a ‘healthy food chart’ of meat, fish and dairy. The chicken I would buy had a happy chicken on the label whereas now, there are academic studies telling us that one of the best ways we can help our planet is to adopt a vegan diet.
“There are academic books and documentaries where we are shown how plant-based diets can improve our health, which is giving people a more informed choice.”
Talking about the inspiration behind her new dishes for by CHLOE. Rachel says: “I’ve grown up in London and have Caribbean, African and Welsh roots. I’ve always been surrounded by different cultures and incredible food from around the world and that inspires my cooking.
“For my partnership with by CHLOE., I’ve gone for two Caribbean inspired recipes, as Caribbean food is my favourite, plus a Thai recipe which is my other favourite,” she adds.
Discussing her journey to veganism, Rachel explains: “I cut out dairy around eight years ago which was a lot harder to do back then as there were so few replacements compared to now. But as soon as I saw how meat and fish ended up on my plate, I went vegan the next day.
“I’ve always loved animals and had pets, I just hadn’t made the association before between the meat I ate, and the animals I called pets until I saw the real journey and it broke my heart.
“The challenges for me were always social,” she continued. “I didn’t grow up with any vegan or vegetarian friends, so me being vegan made birthday dinners, gatherings and so on a little bit awkward – trying to find a vegan option or explaining why I didn’t want to eat the meat. I just eat before I go out now or make something to bring – eating out as a vegan is a lot easier now.”
And that’s where Rachel’s love for by CHLOE. comes in. Speaking about why she decided to team up with the US brand, she says: “I love that by CHLOE. has opened multiple stores in London, making eating vegan so much more accessible to people, and was so excited to collaborate with them on some of my recipes.”
And it seems everyone is a fan of Rachel’s cooking as her book, Vegan Eats, recently won Best Vegan Cookbook. For those who haven’t tried it yet, Rachel says they can expect “lots of flavour and over 100 recipes”.
“There are really simple ones you can make in batch for quick weekday dinners, from chillies, curries, peanut fried rice, ratatouille and so on,” she explains.
“There are Caribbean recipes, plus my personal favourite, African peanut stew. I put so much into this book, from adding the music I love, fabrics my mum brought back from her last trip to Sierra Leone, plus recipes inspired by my Grandma Pat from St Lucia who was the most amazing cook! All in the hope of making a really fun, delicious, flavourful cookbook.”
Rachel’s three dishes will be exclusively available at by CHLOE. London Oxford Circus, Covent Garden, Tower Bridge, and their newest eatery at The O2, throughout November.
For more information, visit eatbychloe.com
