EPICURIOUS: CHICKEN FOR THOSE WHO DON'T WANT IT.

Want something crunchy to eat? How about crispy chicken?

Oh I get it! You're a vegan and can't eat meat.

Don't you worry, I have the perfect crispy vegan chicken recipe.

Initially, because the process seemed so laborious, I was hesitant to make this dish. But I was mistaken, it's actually super simple - if you follow the steps that is.

Before I give you the recipe, let me tell any unfamiliar readers a little about the philosophy and history of veganism. The goal of vegans is to protect animals, birds and insects, and save them from any form of cruelty or exploitation. This means they do not eat any of these living beings or consume products made from them, such as honey.

The term 'vegan', according to food historians, was first coined in 1944 by Donald Watson. He was a British woodworker, who meant for this diet to be non-dairy. But a few years later, honey and eggs were added to the list by the people who began to follow this diet.

In the last 20 years or so, veganism has commanded a strong presence in the US. Many people here have started to eat healthier and be true to their belief of protecting animals. The upside to this diet is that a) animals are protected, and b) it is a very healthy one. The downside is that it is an expensive and exclusive one.

In the US, not being able to afford healthier meal options ties in closely with race, class and environmental issues. According to the Move For Hunger (an NGO), 40 million people go hungry every day in the US, so they may never be able to access a vegan diet. Having said that, I think we need to challenge where the good food goes, keep up the good fight, and make sure food gets distributed evenly among all people.

Because of its popularity, as mentioned above, veganism may seem like a recent phenomenon. Interestingly, archeologists maintain that our pre-historic ancestors followed a plant-based diet. That would make sense as there were no tools to kill animals then.

This crispy, mouthwatering vegan 'chicken' could fool you into thinking it's the real deal

Culturally, Buddhists, Hindus and the Greeks have, at some time or the other, promoted a plant-based diet as well, and many still do. The people from the Jain religion, practised in many parts of India, eat only a vegan diet. In fact, they don't eat anything that gives life, such as seeds or vegetables obtained by killing a plant. They also do not use clothing made from animal products either. Not everyone, though, from this religion...