Introduction
The world of vegan cooking has expanded significantly in recent years, with creative chefs and home cooks developing an array of mouthwatering plant-based dishes. A vegan diet is not only kinder to animals but can also be a celebration of diverse flavours and ingredients. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 delicious vegan recipes that cater to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences.
Recipe 1: Chickpea and Spinach Curry
This hearty and flavourful curry is a favourite in vegan cuisine. It’s packed with protein, fibre, and a medley of spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups of fresh spinach
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 can of diced tomatoes
– 1 can of coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons of curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and translucent.
2. Add the curry powder and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
4. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over cooked rice or with naan bread.
Recipe 2: Vegan Spaghetti Carbonara
This vegan twist on a classic Italian dish swaps out eggs and bacon for creamy, plant-based goodness.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz (225g) spaghetti
– 1 cup of cashews, soaked for a few hours
– 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup of peas
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions.
2. In a blender, combine the soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, water, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil and sauté the garlic.
4. Add the cooked spaghetti and peas to the skillet.
5. Pour the cashew cream over the spaghetti and toss to coat.
6. Season with salt and black pepper.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional nutritional yeast if desired.
Recipe 3: Vegan Thai Red Curry
This Thai red curry is a delightful combination of vegetables, tofu, and aromatic spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 can of coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons of red curry paste
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup of broccoli florets
– 1 cup of snap peas
– 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
– 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the coconut milk and red curry paste until well combined.
2. Add the tofu, red and yellow bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas.
3. Simmer until the vegetables are tender and the tofu is heated through.
4. Stir in the soy sauce and brown sugar.
5. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Recipe 4: Vegan Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
These spicy and crispy cauliflower bites are perfect for snacking or as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
– 1 cup of flour
– 1 cup of water
– 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup of hot sauce
– 2 tablespoons of melted vegan butter
– 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
– Vegan ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a batter.
3. Dip the cauliflower florets into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cauliflower is crispy and lightly browned.
5. In another bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup.
6. Toss the baked cauliflower in the hot sauce mixture.
7. Return the cauliflower to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Serve with vegan ranch dressing for dipping.
Recipe 5: Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
This comforting shepherd’s pie features a hearty lentil and vegetable filling topped with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup of green or brown lentils
– 2 cups of vegetable broth
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of frozen peas and corn
– 1/4 cup of tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon of thyme
– 4 cups of mashed potatoes (prepared separately)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the lentils in vegetable broth until tender, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, sauté the onion, carrots, and garlic until softened.
3. Add the cooked lentils, frozen peas and corn, tomato paste, and thyme to the skillet.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish.
6. Spread the mashed potatoes over the top.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Recipe 6: Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers
These colourful stuffed bell peppers are filled with a savoury mixture of rice, vegetables, and spices.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, tops removed, and seeds removed
– 1 cup of cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 cup of corn kernels
– 1/2 cup of diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon of cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Vegan cheese for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stuff the bell peppers with the rice mixture.
4. Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish.
5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes.
6. If desired, remove the foil, add vegan cheese on top of each pepper, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Recipe 7: Vegan Mushroom Risotto
This creamy vegan mushroom risotto is a comforting and elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups of Arbor