Trying a plant-based diet can seem scary at first, but following it doesn’t mean giving up any taste or satisfaction. If anything, it’s the opposite! Plant-based diets allow you to explore a whole new world of flavors. Most of these recipes are so rich and flavorful that even meat lovers will fall in love with them!
Most plant-based meals make a balanced diet even easier. They are packed with fiber, nutrients and protein. You will be surprised to see how easy these meals are to cook. Anyone can easily find these ingredients in their kitchen, which makes these recipes so accessible. Through these seven hand-picked recipes, you’ll see how easy and satisfying it is to switch to a plant-based diet!
1. Creamy plant-based curry with coconut and spinach
Who doesn’t enjoy a good curry as comfort food? This chickpea curry is comfort food in a bowl. It’s creamy, warm and full of spice, leaving your kitchen smelling amazing. Chickpeas are amazing source of protein. Additionally, adding coconut milk will give the curry a smooth texture.
To make the curry, sauté the onions, garlic and ginger in olive oil. Once the onion turns brown, add the curry powder, diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Throw in the chickpeas and simmer for about 15 minutes. Once the curry starts to thicken, throw in some fresh spinach and serve!
This curry is a complete solution for your body’s nutritional needs. Adding spinach at the end is essential, as it is rich in vitamin C and iron. The final dish can be served as is or with rice and bread. Because of its thick consistency, the curry is easily stored and frozen as meal prep for the rest of the week.
2. BBQ Sloppy Lentils That Even Meat Lovers Crave
Meat isn’t the only way to enjoy the smoky flavors of BBQ. These messy, salty and sweet lentil sandwiches are the best alternative. They’re good enough to make you forget the original ever existed. Whether it’s a family dinner or a lazy weekend, this recipe is made for any occasion.
Start by cooking the lentils until done. Then, mix them with the sauteed onions, garlic and peppers. Once done, all you have to add is tomato paste and BBQ sauce. Adding a little soy sauce can add a lot of depth to the dish. Lentils are also recognized as an excellent anti-inflammatory food and offer many other health benefits. All that’s left is to spoon the mixture onto toasted buns and top it with crunchy coleslaw.
3. Plant-based loaded sweet potato tacos
These sweet potato tacos are the perfect way to kick off Taco Tuesdays at home. Baked sweet potatoes bring a caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with a tangy avocado-lime sauce. Sweet potato has many amazing health benefits including; anticancer properties. Plant-based tacos are fun, colorful and full of flavor.
Toss diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, paprika and cumin. The best kind of potatoes are crisp and golden. Mash the avocado with lime juice, garlic and a pinch of salt for the sauce. For the final step, fill the tortillas with the potatoes, black beans and lettuce, then top with the sauce. The whole meal is packed with fiber, vitamins and plant proteins. If you still want extra flavor, you can always add pickled onions or roasted corn.
4. One Pan Garlic Mushroom Pasta for Busy Weeknights
Everyone enjoys a quick dinner without a pile of dishes to wash afterwards. For those busy weeknights, this plant-based one-skillet pasta is the perfect item. Mushrooms are among the most extensively researched anti-inflammatory foods, which makes them a great choice for dinner.
As with most delicious dishes, you’ll start by sauteing garlic and mushrooms in olive oil. Sauté them until golden. Once done, add the cooked pasta, some vegetable stock and some yeast. Yeast adds a cheesy flavor to pasta. The finished pasta is hearty and light. This dish is highly recommended for meat lovers because the mushrooms have a salty, meaty flavor.
5. Crispy Cauliflower Wings with Spicy Buffalo Sauce
Who doesn’t crave crispy wings every now and then? These crispy cauliflower bites are the best replacement for meat wings. Before you know it, these spicy wings will have you hooked. Plant-based wings are also the perfect choice if you’re aiming for a low-carb diet.
Prepare a simple batter with flour, water and spices. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces before dipping them in the batter. Grill these pieces until golden brown, then toss them in buffalo sauce. All you need now to serve up these delicious plant-based wings are some celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing. These wings make the perfect snack for a fun movie night or just nibbles throughout the day.
6. Thai peanut noodle bowl packed with veggies and flavor
Nothing complements noodles more than a nutty flavor. This creamy peanut sauce ties it all together beautifully. These plant-based noodles will make you forget they’re healthy and only remember their deliciousness.
Cook your favorite noodles and toss them with chopped carrots, cabbage, peppers and edamame. Whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, lime juice and a little maple syrup to make the sauce. Mix everything together and then add sesame seeds or spring onions. Don’t be afraid to add a generous amount of chili flakes if you like it spicy and hot!
7. Plant-Based Diet Power Bowl with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
This colorful plant-based nutrition bowl is called a power bowl for a reason. It’s full of whole grains, greens, and roasted vegetables. The whole bowl contains all the ingredients your body will love and thank you for. It is the perfect recipe to maintain your gut health.
Use cooked quinoa as your base. Add roasted vegetables such as zucchini, peppers and broccoli. Fill the bowl with the chickpeas and drizzle with tahini or lemon dressing. This bowl is nothing but fiber, protein and antioxidants. Since they will stay fresh longer than meat, you can easily store them in the refrigerator for a week. By making these bowls ahead of time, it will be easier for a quick meal.
Final Thoughts
Eating more plants doesn’t mean you lose. It can offer the opportunity to discover new ways to enjoy food. These recipes are proof that a plant-based diet can be rich, flavorful, and exciting. Whether you love spicy food, creamy pastas or sweet desserts, there’s something here for everyone.
Introduce these plant-based recipes into your life at least once a week and you’ll see how easy they are to make. Before long, you’ll find yourself making these recipes every day and forgetting the taste of meat!
