Yes, vegetables can be edgy as tofu in beer

'Sexy' cooking has come out on top in the Vegetarian Society’s Cordon Vert - geddit - Chef of the Future 2011 cooking competition.

Winning chef Jay Pindolia said: 'The competition allowed me to express my style and approach to vegetarian cooking, which has always been to keep it sexy, staying away from the dull, often bland cuisine usually offered to vegetarians. I decided on a full-flavoured set of dishes offering a variety of textures and I think I created an edgy menu which kept the tongue entertained throughout.'

That edgy menu featured Toong Tong, Som Tum and Sushi (a light spicy Thai salad with filo money bag and sushi); Stuffed Spiced Tofu in Beer Batter on a bed of Stir Fried Vegetables with Glazed Miso Aubergine; and Lemongrass, Ginger and Kaffir Lime Leaf Baked Chocolate Cheesecake with Passion Fruit Sauce and White Chocolate Lychee. Even the most rabid carnivore would surely admit that it sounds pretty tasty.

A diverse diet rich in vegetables can reduce the risk of prostate cancer according to a recent review (Prostate cancer and vegetable consumption – A Review, Journal of Molecular Nutrition Food Research) while soluble fibre can help keep cholesterol under control. A balanced vegetarian diet has up to twice as much fibre as the national average.