Going Vegan? Try These Easy and Tasty Plant-Based Recipes

Going Vegan? Try These Easy and Tasty Plant-Based Recipes

Introduction

Are you planning to shift to a vegan diet for health or ethical reasons, but wondering how to survive without tasty meals? Going plant-based may seem limiting to some, but the truth is that a vegan diet can be incredibly diverse and mouth-watering if you know how to tweak your kitchen skills. No need to stick to the bland, boring meals you imagine when thinking of veganism. There are plenty of scrumptious dishes you can make with plant-based ingredients. Here are some easy and delicious recipes to get you started.

Breakfast Recipes

1. Peanut Butter and Banana Toast

Ingredients:

• Bread slices
• Peanut Butter
• 1 or 2 ripe bananas
• Cinnamon powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
2. Spread the peanut butter generously on each slice.
3. Slice the bananas and arrange them on top of the peanut butter.
4. Sprinkle some cinnamon on top if using.
5. Serve and enjoy!

2. Vegan Omelette with Spinach and Mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chickpea flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk the chickpea flour, baking powder, turmeric, and salt until combined.
2. Add the water and olive oil, whisking until you get a smooth batter.
3. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour the batter into the pan, swirling it around to cover the surface.
4. Add the spinach and mushrooms on one side of the omelette, season with salt and pepper.
5. Use a spatula to fold the other side of the omelette over the filling and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on both sides.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Lunch Recipes

1. Vegan Tacos with Sweet Potato and Black Beans

Ingredients:

• 6-8 taco shells
• 1 medium-sized sweet potato
• 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 avocado
• Handful of cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into small cubes.
2. Heat up a skillet and add a tablespoon of oil.
3. Add the sweet potato cubes and cook for 7-8 minutes or until tender.
4. Add black beans to the skillet with sweet potatoes and chili powder, toss and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Slice the avocado and chop the cilantro.
6. Warm up the taco shells in the oven or microwave.
7. Fill the tacos with the sweet potato and black bean mixture, sliced avocado, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Serve and enjoy!

2. Vegan Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
• 1 medium-sized zucchini, cut into cubes
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 yellow pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan alternative)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the quinoa according to package instructions.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
3. Arrange the diced zucchini, peppers, and onions on the tray and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until they start to brown and are cooked through.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and honey (or maple syrup) to make the dressing.
6. Once the quinoa and vegetables are cooked and cooled, mix them together in a large bowl.
7. Add the dressing, chopped parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve and enjoy!

Dinner Recipes

1. Vegan Lentil Bolognese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can of diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Serve with pasta of your choice

Instructions:

1. Cook the lentils in a medium-sized pot according to package instructions.
2. Meanwhile, heat up a separate pan, add the olive oil and onion, and cook until the onion is softened, around 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
4. Add the can of diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and bring to a simmer.
5. When the lentils are done, drain them and add them to the tomato sauce mixture.
6. Simmer everything together for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Boil a pot of water for the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions.
8. Drain the pasta and serve it with the lentil bolognese sauce.
9. Serve and enjoy!

2. Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup arborio rice
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups vegetable stock
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 3 tablespoons vegan butter
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat up a saucepan, add the vegan butter, and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they are browned.
3. Add the arborio rice and stir until it is coated and starts toasting, around 3-4 minutes.
4. If using, pour in the white wine and let it simmer until it evaporates.
5. Meanwhile, heat up the vegetable stock in a separate pot.
6. Add the vegetable stock to the rice mixture, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly, and wait for it to be absorbed before adding more.
7. Continue doing this until the rice is cooked but still has a slight bite to it, around 30 minutes.
8. When the risotto is cooked, season with salt and pepper, add chopped parsley, and stir everything until combined.
9. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion

Going vegan doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. These easy and tasty plant-based recipes prove that vegan cooking can be delicious and exciting. Whether you are a vegan-pro or just starting, these dishes offer variety, nutrients, and lots of flavor. Try them out, be creative, and you will be surprised by what vegan food can offer. Bon appétit!