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There’s nothing quite like starting your week off on a healthy note, and what better way to do so than with Meatless Mondays? You may have heard of this before, but if you haven’t, it’s all about dedicating one day of a week to meatless meals. Not only is this beneficial for your health, but it also positively impacts the environment and animal welfare.
If you’re thinking, “Another boring salad for dinner?” or “How will I stay full without meat?” These vegetarian recipes will change your perception of meatless meals. From rich and creamy to smoky and spicy to fresh and light, these dishes are the perfect meal rotation for Meatless Mondays or any day of the week.
Let’s explore some healthy and flavorful vegetarian recipes that will make you forget meat.
1. Pad Thai
Pad Thai is a noodle dish that needs no introduction. This vegetarian version is just as satisfying and flavorful as the traditional version, but without meat.
You need:
- Peanut oil
- Tofu
- Shallot
- Garlic
- Eggs
- Lime
- Vegan fish sauce
- Brown sugar
- Rice wine vinegar
- Soy sauce
Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 4-7 minutes until they’re al dente. They should be bendy, not soft. Next, whisk two eggs with a pinch of salt. Set aside. Make pad Thai sauce with lime juice, vegan fish sauce, brown sugar, and soy sauce. The next step is to prep tofu.
Follow this recipe for Pad Thai to learn how to combine all the ingredients for a delicious meatless meal.
2. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Like any other bowl meal, this one is all about layers of flavor and texture.
You need:
- Vegetable broth
- Quinoa
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Bell peppers (red or green)
- Zucchini
- Cherry tomatoes
- Organic ground cumin
- Chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a medium saucepan, heat the broth and quinoa until they boil. Then, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes (or until the liquid is gone).
In the meantime, chop up all your vegetables into bite-size pieces and toss them in olive oil, chili powder, salt, cumin powder, and pepper. Roast for about 20-25 minutes. Once everything is ready, assemble your bowl with quinoa as the base, followed by the roasted vegetables. Top it off with some fresh herbs, like cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
3. Mushroom and Spinach Fettuccine
If you love pasta, you’ll love this meatless meal. It’s unbelievably easy to make, and the combination of earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach is extremely satisfying.
You need:
- Fettuccine
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Mushrooms (cremini or button)
- Spinach
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
While the fettuccine is cooking, heat some olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add sliced mushrooms and cook them until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Then, toss in the spinach and let it wilt. Add heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese.
Drain the cooked fettuccine and add it to the pan with the mushroom and spinach sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry
Stir-fries are perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. It’s a great way to use leftover vegetables in your fridge and create a yummy, soul-warming meal that everybody will love.
You need:
- Assorted vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Honey
- Cornstarch
- Rice or noodles (optional)
Start by heating some olive oil in a pan or wok. Add minced garlic and stir until fragrant. Then, add your choice of vegetables, chopped into bite-size pieces. Cook them on high heat while stirring for about 3-4 minutes. Mix soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch in a separate bowl to create the sauce. Pour over the vegetables and stir until everything is coated with the sauce. Serve over a bed of rice or noodles, if desired.
5. Vegan Sloppy Joes
Are you craving a meatless comfort food? These vegan sloppy joes are a great alternative, packed with protein and flavor.
You need:
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Green bell pepper
- Lentils
- Diced tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Soy sauce
- Brown sugar or maple syrup
Start by heating some olive oil and sautéing chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green bell pepper until soft. Add cooked lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, and brown sugar or maple syrup to the pan. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the flavors are well combined. Serve on a bun with pickles, coleslaw, or avocado slices.
6. Coconut Lentil Curry
Curry lovers, this one’s for you. This vegan curry is easy to make and flavorful, perfect for a cozy night at home.
You need:
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Curry powder
- Cumin
- Red lentils
- Coconut milk
- Vegetable broth
- Spinach or kale (optional)
Start by heating olive oil and sautéing chopped onion and minced garlic until soft. Add curry powder and cumin to the pot and stir for about 30 seconds. Then, add red lentils, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the lentils are cooked and the curry thickens. Add spinach or kale towards the end and let it wilt in the curry.
Conclusion:
Incorporating healthy and flavorful vegetarian recipes into your diet is a delicious and nutritious way to support your health and the environment. So, swap out meat for plant-based alternatives and give your body some love. Prepare Pad Thai whenever you crave some Asian flavors, and whip up the vegan sloppy joes for a quick weeknight dinner. Coconut lentil curry and vegetable stir-fry are easy mealtime options that nourish your body and satisfy your cravings. If you love textured, hearty meals, try roasted vegetable quinoa bowls or mushroom and spinach fettuccini. Embrace the versatility of vegetables, legumes, grains, and spices, and enjoy the benefits of a meat-free diet for your health, the planet, and your taste buds.