Vegan Dinner Recipes: Simple & Delicious Meals

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Craving a delicious and satisfying vegan dinner? You’ve come to the right place! This article is packed with easy-to-follow vegan dinner recipes that are bursting with flavor and perfect for any night of the week.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, these recipes are sure to impress. We’ve included a variety of options to suit every taste, from hearty comfort food to light and refreshing dishes.

So grab your apron and get ready to cook up a storm!

1. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This hearty and comforting dish is a vegan twist on a classic. It’s packed with protein and fiber thanks to the lentils and vegetables.

Vegan Breakfast Sandwich
Vegan Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound dried green lentils, rinsed
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the topping:
  • 2 cups mashed potatoes (vegan or regular)
  • 1/4 cup plant-based milk
  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

  • Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
    3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, and rosemary. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
    4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    5. While the lentil mixture is cooking, prepare the topping. In a medium bowl, combine mashed potatoes, plant-based milk, and vegan butter. Stir until smooth.
    6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
    7. Spread the lentil mixture evenly in a baking dish.
    8. Top with mashed potato mixture and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
    9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
    10. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

    2. Vegan Black Bean Burgers

    These flavorful burgers are perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. They’re packed with protein and fiber and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

    Ingredients:

    1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For serving:
  • Buns
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Vegan cheese (optional)
  • Your favorite condiments

  • Instructions:

    1. In a large bowl, mash the black beans with a fork.
    2. Add onion, bell pepper, garlic, bread crumbs, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
    3. Form the mixture into 4-6 patties.
    4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
    5. Cook the patties for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
    6. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

    3. Creamy Vegan Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

    This dish is a simple and elegant weeknight meal. It’s packed with flavor and comes together in just minutes.

    Ingredients:

    1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (5 ounce) jar sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cream
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces pasta
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

  • Instructions:

    1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
    2. While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    3. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute more.
    5. Add vegetable broth, plant-based cream, nutritional yeast, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
    6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    7. Add cooked pasta and spinach to the sauce.
    8. Toss to coat and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until spinach is wilted.
    9. Stir in fresh basil.
    10. Serve immediately.

    4. Vegan Stir-Fry

    This versatile dish is a great way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor.

    Ingredients:

    1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup snow peas
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Cooked rice or noodles (optional)

  • Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
    2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add chickpeas, broccoli, carrots, and snow peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender-crisp.
    4. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more, or until sauce has thickened.
    5. Serve over cooked rice or noodles, if desired.

    5. Spicy Tofu Scramble

    This flavorful scramble is a great way to start your day or enjoy a quick and easy dinner. It’s packed with protein and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

    Ingredients:

    1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 pound extra-firm tofu, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped spinach
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped mushrooms
  • 1/4 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings:
  • Avocado
  • Salsa
  • Vegan cheese
  • Hot sauce

  • Instructions:

    1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
    2. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
    3. Add crumbled tofu and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown.
    4. Stir in spinach, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes more, or until vegetables are tender.
    5. Add vegetable broth, soy sauce, turmeric, cumin, and chili powder.
    6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
    7. Cook for 2-3 minutes more, or until sauce has thickened.
    8. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

    6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries

    These crispy and flavorful fries are a healthier alternative to traditional French fries. They’re easy to make and perfect for a side dish or snack.

    Ingredients:

    2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Instructions:

    1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
    2. In a large bowl, toss sweet potato fries with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    3. Spread fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
    4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
    5. Flip fries halfway through cooking.
    6. Serve immediately.

    7. Vegan Chili

    This hearty and flavorful chili is perfect for a cold winter night. It’s packed with protein and fiber and can be customized with your favorite toppings.

    Ingredients:

    1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained

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