Garden café at Apollo Wellness Center at the Apollo Hospital campus in Jubilee Hills hosted a ‘Vegan Healthy Menu’ on Sunday. Tollywood Superstar Ram Charan and other celebs tasted the menu presented by renowned holistic practitioners Andrea Flenda and Nimesha Bhagia.
The menu incorporates elements of health, wellness, positivity and nourishment, said Upasna Kamineni, Managing Director, Apollo Life. It consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, lentils and legumes, nuts, seeds, spices, fermented and preserved foods. It respects seasons, food combinations and follows ancient traditions for preparations.
Beets, lentils, pumpkins, apples and walnuts are some of the ingredients used for salads. Vegan probiotic rich cheese made from fermenting soaked nuts were used to replace dairy cheese. This is a much healthier option especially for those who are lactose intolerant, says Andrea Flenda. In addition, vegan blue cheese and vegan feta was available. Breads and crackers were made from whole gluten free flours like Jowar and brown rice. The main course had vegan risotto made with beet purée and vegan Parmesan. Mini bean burgers - gluten free and vegan - with vegan coleslaw and baked sweet potatoes were also part of the menu, besides Mexican rice and beans, and grilled veggies.
Dessert were baked apples with a vanilla creme sauce - made from coconut milk and macadamia and a warm chocolate fudge. No white sugar, hydrogenated fats, refined oils, dairy, meats, eggs, fish or chicken were used. The cooking was done using coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil for salads. The food is devoid of MSG, artificial flavours and preservatives too. To aid the children affected by floods, Apollo is gifting a meal for every vegan healthy cake bought. A cake mixing ceremony followed.