Vegan critics are probably constantly thinking, “Yeah, being a vegan must suck”. But this is untrue. Apart from the fact that every month, each vegan saves the lives of about 30 animals, going vegan opens you up to a whole world of creative and nutritious cooking without necessarily making you sacrifice your much-needed flavour or variety.
The question is, How do you make such dishes? This is why I have curated 7 of the best vegan step-by-step recipes. Best part? They are simple to make and bursting with goodness! Now that I think of it, you should be the judge of that, so let’s dive into it!
Oh! Before we get to it, if you work from home, you should check out these amazing lunch ideas for remote workers.
Top 7 Easy Vegan Food Recipes
Take a look at 7 vegan food recipes that prove that veganism is anything but bland.
1. Chickpea Stir-Fry:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Mixed vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.)
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)
How to make:
- Heat your sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Toss in the mixed vegetables and sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender but still crisp.
- Add chickpeas to the pan, along with soy sauce or tamari. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over cooked quinoa or brown rice, if desired.
2. Creamy Avocado Pasta:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 lemon Juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz. of your favourite pasta (whole wheat or gluten-free).
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, for garnish
How to make:
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- While the pasta cooks, blend avocados, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender until smooth and creamy.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, mix in the creamy avocado sauce.
- Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes.
Your creamy avocado pasta is ready!
3. One-Pot Lentil Curry:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or red)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons of curry powder
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice or naan, for serving
How to make:
- In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion until translucent.
- Add diced carrots and bell pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let it cook for about 20–25 minutes until the lentils are tender.
- Serve over cooked rice or with naan, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
4. Black Bean and Sweet Potato Tacos:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn or whole wheat tortillas
You may also spice things up by adding some diced avocado, salsa, shredded lettuce, and chopped cilantro as toppings, whatever your preference might be. If you’re passionate about food and eager to explore new flavours, check recipe taster vacancies on Jooble.org and review delectable dishes from around the world.
How to make:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss diced sweet potatoes with a bit of olive oil, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 20–25 minutes, until tender and slightly crispy.
- In a pan, warm the black beans and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Warm tortillas, then fill them with roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, and your choice of toppings.
5. Lentil and Vegetable Soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of dried green or brown lentils
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 6 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to make:
- Rinse the lentils in cold water.
- In a pot, sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened.
- Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20–25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm.
6. Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of rolled oats
- 2 cups of water or non-dairy milk
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter
Optional toppings: sliced bananas, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup
How to make:
- In a pot, combine oats and water or non-dairy milk. Cook over medium heat until the oats are creamy and cooked.
- Stir in the mashed bananas and peanut butter until well combined.
- Serve in bowls and top with sliced bananas, chopped nuts, and a drizzle of maple syrup if desired.
7. Vegetable Stir-Fry with Rice:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or quinoa)
- Assorted vegetables (bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, snap peas, etc.), sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Optional: tofu or tempeh, cubed
Instructions:
- Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced vegetables and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re tender-crisp.
- If using tofu or tempeh, add and cook until heated through.
- Pour in soy sauce or tamari and mix well.
- Serve over cooked rice or quinoa.
Conclusion
Remember, these recipes are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative by combining all of your favourite veggies, herbs, or spices to make tasty vegan meals. Whether you are a full-time vegan or are simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes will guide you as you explore the wonderful world of plant-based cuisine! Bon appetit!
FAQs
- Where Can I Get My Needed Protein Intake While on a Vegan Diet?
Protein is abundant in plant-based sources such as beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, quinoa, nuts, and seeds. Incorporating a mix of these foods into your diet will help you meet your protein needs.
