Plant based recipes are becoming increasingly popular as people look for ways to eat more healthfully. These recipes rely on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes as their main ingredients, making them a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Plant-based recipes are also typically lower in saturated fat and cholesterol than those that contain meat and dairy products. And because they require fewer resources to produce, they can be more sustainable than traditional animal-based diets.
When it comes to preparing healthy meals, plant-based recipes are a great option. Unlike animal-based ingredients, plants are a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can help boost your overall health. In addition, plant-based recipes tend to be lower in calories and fat, making them a good choice for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
And since plant-based ingredients are typically plant-based, they’re also more environmentally friendly than animal products. So if you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious way to eat, plant-based recipes are a great option.
#1 Plant Based Recipe: Stir Fry Tofu and Vegetable
While tofu is often associated with Asian cuisine, it is actually a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. One of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy tofu is to stir-fry it with vegetables. This plant-based meal is not only healthy and nutritious, but it can also be easily customized to suit your personal preferences.
For a heartier dish, you can add cubed tofu to your stir-fry. Or, for a lighter meal, you can thinly slice the tofu and add it just before serving. No matter how you prepare it, this dish is sure to please vegans and meat-eaters alike
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen cooked brown rice
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 12 ounces baked tofu
- 3 tablespoons canola oil
- One 3.5-ounce package sliced shiitake mushrooms (about 2 cups)
- One 1-pound package fresh stir-fry vegetable mix (not frozen)
Prep
To make a stir fry, you will need: tofu, vegetables, oil, soy sauce, and rice. Start by chopping the tofu into small cubes. Then, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the tofu and cook for about 5 minutes, until it is browned. Then, add the vegetables and cook for 3-5 minutes, until they are tender. Finally, add the soy sauce and cook for 1 minute. Serve the stir fry over a bed of rice and enjoy.
#2 Plant Based Recipe: Black Bean and Sweet Potato Soup
This plant-based recipe for black bean and sweet potato soup is hearty and filling, yet still light and healthy. The perfect meal for a chilly winter evening, it is packed with protein and fiber from the black beans, and vitamins and minerals from the sweet potatoes. The soup is also relatively simple to make, requiring only a few basic ingredients that are likely to already be on hand.
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (pimenton)
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and chopped
- Two 15.5-ounce cans black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Sherry vinegar, for serving, optional
Prep
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add the sweet potato and black beans and cook for 5 minutes more. Pour in the vegetable broth and season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve hot with a dollop of plant-based sour cream or yogurt on top. Enjoy.
#3 Plant Based Recipe: Creamy Broccoli Soup
Broccoli is a nutrient-dense plant that provides a variety of health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber and other important antioxidants. Additionally, broccoli is known to boost heart health and protect against certain cancers. For these reasons, many people are incorporating broccoli into their diet by plant-based recipes.
This soup is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the benefits of this fantastic vegetable. This particular recipe also happens to be vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Whether you are looking for a healthy meal option or simply want to try something new, this broccoli soup is sure to please.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion (from about 1/2 medium onion)
- 1/2 cup chopped celery (from about 1 medium stalk)
- 2 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced (about 3/4 pound)
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup unsweetened soy milk
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
Prep
Making a delicious and healthy broccoli soup is easier than you might think! All you need is a few simple ingredients and a blender. First, chop the broccoli into small pieces and steam for three minutes. Then, add all of the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. If you want a creamier soup, you can add an additional plant-based milk or cream. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and enjoy! This plant-based soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal.
#4 Plant Based Recipe: Vegan Lentil Burgers
Looking for a delicious plant-based burger recipe? Try this vegan lentil burger! Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great source of plant-based protein. Whether you’re plant-based or just looking for a delicious Meatless Monday meal, these vegan lentil burgers are sure to please.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup brown lentils, rinsed, strained and picked through
- 1 large red onion, half finely chopped and half thinly sliced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 8 ounces fresh baby spinach
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
- 6 whole-grain vegan hamburger buns
Prep
To make this burger, first cook the lentils according to the package directions. Then, add the cooked lentils, bread crumbs, onion, garlic, and seasoning to a food processor and pulse until the mixture is combined but still chunky.
Next, form the mixture into patties and cook on a lightly oiled grill or pan for about five minutes per side. Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings, or enjoy as is. You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can be so incredibly delicious!
#5 Plant Based Recipe: Harissa Roast Cauliflower
Harissa is a North African spice blend that typically includes chili peppers, garlic, cumin, and paprika. This roast cauliflower recipe features a homemade harissa paste that gives the finished dish a beautiful red color and a bit of heat. The cauliflower is roasted in the oven until it’s tender and slightly charred, then served with a delicious tahini sauce.
This plant-based meal is perfect for dinner or as an appetizer at your next party. Harissa Roast Cauliflower will surely be a hit with your plant-based and meat-eating guests alike. So, whether you’re looking for a delicious plant-based recipe or simply want to try something new, give this one a try.
Ingredients
- 5 dried New Mexico chiles (about 1 ounce)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1/4 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- 3 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into 2-inch florets (about 8 cups)
- 1/4 cup lightly packed fresh cilantro leaves
Prep
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees C / 400 degrees F. Cut one large head of cauliflower into florets. In a bowl, coat the cauliflower florets with the harissa paste. You may need to use more or less paste depending on the size of your cauliflower. Spread the florets on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred around the edges. Serve immediately with cooked grains and a green salad. Enjoy.
#6 Plant Based Recipe: Green Smoothie Bowl
A green smoothie bowl is a plant based meal that typically consists of blended green vegetables, fruits, and plant-based milk. They are often topped with plant-based ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. Green smoothie bowls are a convenient and healthy plant-based option for those looking for a quick breakfast or snack.
They are packed with nutrients and fiber, and can help you reach your daily recommended intake of fruits and vegetables. Green smoothie bowls are also a great way to add more greens into your diet.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 avocado
- Toppings of choice
Prep
To make a green smoothie bowl, simply combine your favorite greens with some plant-based milk or water in a blender and blend until smooth. Then, top your smoothie bowl with healthy toppings such as fresh fruit, nuts, and seeds. Not only are green smoothie bowls a delicious way to start your day, but they are also an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
#7 Plant Based Recipe: Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pecans
Looking for a unique and delicious plant based recipe? Try this Brussels Sprouts Salad with Pecans! This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. The Brussels sprouts are roasted until crispy, then tossed with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and a simple vinaigrette.
This dish is packed with nutrients, including fiber, vitamins C and K, and minerals such as iron and calcium. The result is a flavorful and healthy salad that is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. So, next time you’re looking for a plant based recipe, give this Brussels Sprouts Salad a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pecans
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, thinly sliced
- Lemon Juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, optional
Prep
To make this salad, simply combine shredded Brussels sprouts, chopped pecans, diced red onion, and dried cranberries in a bowl. Then, add your desired dressing (we recommend a balsamic vinaigrette) and enjoy.
Bonus Tip
Plant based recipes are those that do not include any animal products. This includes ingredients like meat, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs. Plant-based meals can be just as nutritious and delicious as their traditional counterparts, but there are a few things to keep in mind when making the switch.
First, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting enough protein. Plant based recipe is typically lower in protein than omnivorous diets, so it’s important to include sources of plant-based protein at every meal. Good options include beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa, and nuts.
Second, make sure you’re getting enough healthy fats. Plant based recipe tend to be lower in fat than animal products, so it’s important to include healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, and nuts in your diet.
Third, be sure to eat a variety of plant based recipe to get all the nutrients your body needs. Fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes are all excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. In addition, plant-based foods are generally lower in calories and fat than animal-based foods, making them a great choice for those who are looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.
By following these tips, you can make the transition to a plant-based diet with ease.
