The Best Simple Vegetarian Cooking Recipes

Vegetarian cooking can be enjoyed by everyone. There are so many meat-free options which are both flavourful and high in nutritional value. Whether you are vegetarian, are trying to reduce your meat intake, or you are cooking for someone vegetarian, there are a variety of options you can choose from. If you need ideas for your vegetarian cooking, then take a look at our healthy vegetarian recipes below.

1.       Vegetarian chilli

This is a classic dish which has been adapted from the classic chilli con carne. It is rich in nutrients and low in calories, and simple to prepare. The recipe serves 4 and is as follows.

Ingredients:

·       1 tablespoon olive oil

·       1 tablespoon cumin

·       1 tablespoon ground coriander

·       2 tablespoons smoked paprika

·       1 teaspoon chilli powder

·       400g mushrooms (Whichever type you prefer)

·       2 cloves of sliced garlic

·       1 400g tin chopped tomatoes

·       1 400g tin kidney beans

·       Rice to serve (basmati, wholegrain, or whichever you would like)

Method

Heat the oil in a pan and add the coriander, cumin, paprika and chilli powder and cook for 1 minute. Next add the mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes before adding the garlic. Cook for another 1 minute until the flavour starts to release.

The next step is to add the tin of tomatoes, tin of kidney beans and 200ml of water. Once this has been brought to the boil, turn the heat down to a medium-low heat and simmer for 20 minutes.  Keep checking on the mixture and stirring when needed.

Cook your chosen rice as per the instructions shown on the packet.

Finally, the meal is ready to be served. Serve the rice and chilli and if desired, add a small drop of soured cream or guacamole on top.

2.       Chickpea Curry

Curry is a dish which can most often be made vegetarian. Many currys use potatoes, cauliflower or chickpeas. Chickpeas are a perfect ingredient to fill your meals as they are high in both protein and fibre, as well as aiding in improving digestion.

For this reason, a chickpea curry is both delicious to eat and will benefit you nutritionally. You can also add any vegetables you would like to increase your daily vegetable intake. This recipe is quick, vegan and gluten free so can be enjoyed by everyone! This recipe serves 4 people.

Ingredients:

·       1 minced white onion

·       1 minced garlic clove

·       1 teaspoon grated ginger

·       1 tablespoon olive oil

·       300g baby spinach

·       400g tin chopped tomatoes

·       2 400g tin of chickpeas

·       150ml coconut milk

·       1 teaspoon curry powder

·       1 teaspoon cumin

·       1 teaspoon coriander

·       Salt and pepper

·       Rice to serve

Method:

Cook the rice by following the instructions on the packet.

First, heat the oil in a large pan on a medium – high heat. Then add the onion and cook for approximately 5 minutes. Next add the minced garlic, grated ginger and spinach and cook till the spinach has wilted.

Following on, add the tomatoes, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, curry powder and chickpeas to the pan and cook for 6 minutes. The final step is to add the coconut milk and cook for 3 minutes until fully mixed and heated through. Once this is done, remove from the pan and serve with the rice you have cooked.

Optionally top with a leaf of coriander when serving.

3.       Halloumi and Pineapple Burger

This vegetarian cooking recipe is a delicious way to satisfy your burger craving without eating chicken of beef. The recipe includes an additional slaw which is the perfect addition to the burger. This can be served with any sides you like such as chips, or just vegetables making it a perfect meal to serve for guests! This recipe serves 2 people.

Ingredients:

·       2 grated carrots

·       ½ of a red cabbage grated

·       75g chopped coriander

·       Juice of 2 limes

·       1 tablespoon sunflower oil

·       ½ teaspoon chilli flakes

·       1 tablespoon chipotle paste

·       70g halloumi cut into 4 separate slices

·       2 slices of pineapple, fresh or tinned

·       2 burger buns to serve

Method:

Add the grated cabbage, carrot and coriander to a bowl and pout the lime juice, ½ tablespoon of the oil and the chilli flakes then mix.

Next, add the remaining oil to a bowl and mix in the chipotle paste. Place each piece of halloumi in the bowl and coat with the mixture. Once the halloumi is ready, cook on a griddle pan (or frying pan if you don’t have this) and do the same for the pineapple. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until your halloumi and pineapple is ready.

Before serving, place each of the buns on the pan and toast for 30 seconds. Then remove these from the pan and add the slaw, halloumi, and pineapple. Serve with the sides you would like and add any left-over slaw to the side as well.