Recently, a friend suggested to me that vegetarian and plant-based meals are boring. Say, what now?! I entirely disagree!
After some talking, I came to realize that we all need a little inspiration in the kitchen. We get used to what we know how to cook, and often don’t have time to look for meal inspiration.
So, I sat down with my friend and we brainstormed a list of plant-based meal ideas that got us excited. By the end of our fun afternoon activity (ok, fun for us foodies!), we had this list that I am happy to share with you now.
- Lentil soup with carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, and fresh parsley, drizzled with olive oil
- Curry chickpea stew with tomatoes, peppers, swiss chard, cilantro, ginger, coconut milk over barley
- Mexican salad of black beans, shredded cabbage and carrots, quinoa, and cilantro-avocado dressing
- Shepherd’s pie of tofu with carrot, peas, mushroom, & collard greens topped with mashed potatoes
- BBQ baked tofu with oven-roasted sweet potato wedges and a green salad
- Bean or tofu and sweet potato tacos topped with fermented cabbage, avocado, peach salsa, etc
- Grain salad of cooked quinoa or faro mixed with roasted, sautéed, or raw vegetables and lentils
- Legume-based pasta mixed with broccoli, zucchini, and homemade tomato or vegan alfredo sauce
- Caramelized onion, spinach, avocado quesadilla with corn, gluten-free, or Siete brand tortillas
- Black-eyed pea stew with leeks, swiss chard, and lemon topped with walnut parsley pesto over rice
- Vegetarian chili and gluten-free cornbread forever and always
- Thai soba noodle bowl with thinly sliced vegetables, edamame, and a red curry coconut milk broth
- Black bean burgers made with quinoa, cumin, and spices with oven fries
- Loaded baked sweet potato stuffed with vegetables, beans, and guacamole
- Risotto or polenta with seasonal vegetables and herbs
- Miso-glazed roasted parsnips and potatoes with sautéed grains and leftover grains
- Green pea, cauliflower, pepper, and tomato curry over brown rice
- Stir-fried tofu with spicy ginger or curry sauce with colorful vegetables over rice noodles
- Quinoa vegetable fried “rice” with avocado and kimchi
- Creamy dairy-free potato and broccoli soup topped with roasted mushrooms or tempeh bacon crumbles
- Greek salad with cucumber, chickpeas, olives, red onion, roasted red peppers, and artichokes
- Tempeh, kidney bean, cashew, and kale enchilada casserole topped with favorite enchilada sauce
- Pasta-free lasagna made with baked eggplant strips layered with zucchini, spinach, tomato sauce and your favorite cheese
- Corn chowder with red potatoes, carrots, red pepper, and coconut milk
- Seasonal vegetable pasta salad with a homemade Italian vinaigrette, pesto, or goddess dressing
- Spaghetti squash topped with sautéed mushrooms and greens with a cashew pesto
- Stuffed peppers with crumbled tempeh, beans, and quinoa
Want more actual recipes? Check out some of these sites for some excellent vegetarian and vegan recipes for any meal:
The Roasted Root vegetarian recipes
OKAY TO EAT 