“A meal without meat is incomplete.”
With more and more people adopting vegetarian diets for health, ethical, or environmental reasons, the art of cooking without meat has evolved into a creative and satisfying endeavor. This article promises to take you on a flavorful journey through seven diverse and delicious vegetarian recipes, each offering its unique blend of ingredients and aromas.
These dishes are designed to please both long-time vegetarians and those new to meatless eating. So, let’s explore some of the best vegetarian cuisines, where each recipe is a proof of the fact that going meatless doesn’t mean compromising on taste or satisfaction.
Whether you’re new to vegetarian cuisine or looking for fresh inspiration, here are seven easy-to-make meatless meals to add to your weekly rotation.
1. Potatoes au Gratin
This potato casserole bakes up to golden, cheesy perfection – one you won’t want to share.
You need:
- Russet potatoes
- Onion
- Salt
- Pepper
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Warm Milk
- Gruyere
- Cheddar cheese
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Thinly slice the potatoes and onion. Layer them in a 2 to 3-quart casserole dish – season each layer with salt and pepper.
Melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook. Gradually whisk in warm milk until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheeses, salt, and pepper until melted. Pour cheese sauce over the potatoes. Cover with foil.
Follow this recipe to bake cheesy and delicious potatoes au gratin and enjoy.
2. Spicy Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
Enchiladas without meat? It’s possible and these are oh-so delicious.
You need:
- Corn tortillas
- Black beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Onion
- Red bell pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Cumin powder
- Salt and pepper
- Enchilada sauce
- Shredded cheese
Sautè onions, bell pepper, and garlic until soft. Add black beans, diced sweet potatoes, cumin powder, salt and pepper. Cook until sweet potatoes are tender. Fill corn tortillas with the mixture and place them in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Eggplant Parmesan
This baked eggplant is a perfect vegetarian version of the classic Italian dish.
You need:
- Eggplant
- Salt
- Olive oil
- Tomato sauce
- Mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Slice eggplant into thin rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. Cook eggplant on medium heat until golden brown on both sides.
Now, layer the baking dish. Put the cooked eggplant first and then pour the tomato sauce on top. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers and put the dish in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
4. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Who needs ground beef when you have hearty and flavorful lentils? This vegetarian version of Shepherd’s Pie will have everyone asking for more.
You need:
- Lentils
- Vegetable broth
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Peas
- Corn
- Tomato paste
- Worcestershire sauce
Boil lentils in vegetable broth until tender. In a separate pan, sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until softened. Add peas, corn, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce to the pan and mix well.
In a casserole dish, layer the lentil mixture on the bottom and top with mashed potatoes. Bake in the oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through and browned on top.
Serve with a side of salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
5. Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This light and refreshing salad is a delectable addition to any meal. Brussels sprout is shaved to allow maximum flavor in every bite.
You need:
- Brussels sprouts
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Almonds
- Parmesan cheese
First, shave the Brussels sprouts thinly and put them in a large bowl. Whisk together a dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle this dressing over the shaved Brussels sprouts, tossing everything together to ensure every leaf is coated in this delectable concoction. Then, sprinkle crunchy almonds and shave parmesan cheese on top. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors, making this salad a not-to-be-missed side dish!
6. Green Curry Buddha Bowl
This power-packed bowl of deliciousness will leave you feeling energized and nourished.
You need:
- Quinoa
- Vegetable broth
- Broccoli florets
- Sweet potato
- Chickpeas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Green curry paste
- Coconut milk
- Lime juice
- Avocado
First, cook the quinoa in vegetable broth. Meanwhile, roast broccoli florets and cubed sweet potato in the oven until tender. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent. Add green curry paste and cook until fragrant. Pour in a can of creamy coconut milk and stir to combine. Add chickpeas and let simmer for a few minutes. Assemble your Buddha bowl by layering the cooked quinoa, roasted vegetables, and curry chickpeas. Top with a squeeze of lime juice and slices of creamy avocado.
7. Sesame-Garlic Stir-Fry Noodles
Nobody at the table would resist a steaming bowl of noodles. Serve this and impress everyone.
You need:
- Ramen noodles
- Sesame oil
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Green onions
First, cook the ramen noodles and set them aside. Heat up some sesame oil in a pan and toss in a couple of minced garlic cloves, letting them sizzle until they release their tantalizing aroma. Stir in a splash of soy sauce and mix well. Toss the cooked noodles in this garlicky, savory sauce, ensuring every strand is generously coated. Top the noodles with thinly sliced green onions. But wait, there’s more! Add a soft-boiled egg to add creamy decadence to this already delicious dish.
Conclusion
Would you go meatless for a day? A week? A month? If yes, try these vegetarian delights and taste the deliciousness of a meatless meal. These recipes are healthy and satisfying and have diverse flavors and textures that will make you forget about meat.
So, bake the potatoes au gratin as a hearty comfort food, or whip up the spicy black bean and sweet potato enchiladas for a flavorful fiesta. Indulge in the cheesy and hearty eggplant parmesan, or enjoy the refreshing and crunchy green curry Buddha bowl. Lentil shepherd’s pie and shaved Brussels sprout salad are great options for weekly meal rotations.