Embarking on a plant-based journey doesn’t have to be daunting, especially for beginners. With 10 easy recipes, newcomers can explore plant-based meals’ rich flavors and health benefits without feeling overwhelmed.
From hearty black-eyed peas to vibrant quinoa salads, these easy vegan recipes are designed to be simple, nutritious, and satisfying, making the transition to a plant-based diet enjoyable and accessible.
These recipes are based on a vegan diet and do not contain animal products. Some are main courses, whereas others are side dishes or bases to get you started!
Hottie Black Eyed Peas With Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Apples
The Post Punk Kitchen is an excellent source for plant-based recipes, and this particular dish combines the savory flavors of black-eyed peas with the sweet and spicy notes of ginger mashed sweet potatoes and apples, making it a unique and flavorful meal.
Vegan Coconut Milk Curry
Vegan Coconut Milk Curry is a rich and aromatic dish that combines the creamy texture of coconut milk with a medley of spices, creating an intensely flavorful sauce. This curry typically features a variety of vegetables and sometimes legumes, making it both nutritious and satisfying.
The best part is that the vegan curry dish is known for its versatility, allowing for adding ingredients based on preference or availability. So you can throw anything in here, and it will come out great!
Black Bean Soup Without Oil
Black beans are a healthy way to get whole foods into your diet. Brandi’s recipes on this blog are easy to make and an excellent start if you are looking for easy plant-based recipes for beginners. The simple ingredients are a great way to get your foot in the door with plant-based foods.
Check out Brandi’s recipes here.
Whole Grains for Bowls
Making a batch of these whole grains makes your life easier. Especially if you only have a little time to cook meals every night, you can make a batch of these whole grains and then use it as a base for other recipes during the week.
The good news is that you can even throw all the ingredients into a rice cooker and let it work for you!
Check out the full recipe here!
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn
Nutritional Yeast Popcorn is a savory and healthy twist on classic popcorn, using nutritional yeast to add a cheesy, nutty flavor without the dairy. This simple snack is made by popping corn kernels and tossing them with melted vegan butter or olive oil, then generously coating them with nutritional yeast for a burst of umami and a boost of B vitamins.
It’s an easy, satisfying treat perfect for movie nights or as a nutritious snack option. It’s one of my go-to snacks. If you haven’t tried it, you are in for a treat!
It’s easy to make without a recipe, but if you need one, check outAli’s Nooch recipe!
Garlic Pistacio Pasta
This is one of those pasta dishes you’ll want to make repeatedly for an easy plant-based meal idea. It’s one of those comfort foods that is so quick and can take plant-based eating to the next level!
So, if you want a go-to recipe that’s an easy dish with a creamy sauce, then try this recipe!
Here’s thefull recipe from Veg News!
Turkish Style Stuffed Bell Peppers
Turkish-style stuffed bell peppers are an excellent choice for an easy plant-based meal due to their simple preparation and rich flavors. This dish typically involves filling bell peppers with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, spices, and sometimes nuts or whole grains.
You can even use the entire grain recipe above and stuff it inside the peppers. These peppers are not only nutritious but they are packed with vegetables and whole grains.
Watch the videowith step-by-step instructions here.
Tofu Bacon BLT
The vegan punks Jess & Dan on IG@vegan_punks have got it going on with their tofu science. They have some of the best vegan recipes on Instagram.
With the savory flavor of this crispy tofu, BLT plant-based eating will be a dream! Most of our other recipes are super simple, but this one utilizes frozen tofu so that it might take a little planning. So, if you want a plant-based protein sandwich, try this!
Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce
One key to eating excellent meatless meals is the sauce. A good peanut sauce will have layers of deep flavors, which include lime juice and soy sauce (or Braggs or Tamari).
You can put this over fresh veggies, mix it with soba noodles, or use it to create tasty dishes. It also goes well with crispy oven-baked tofu over rice. Feel free to make this with almond butter if you are allergic to peanuts!
The simple recipe by The First Messwill get you started!
Hearty Salads
We love making a hearty salad and layering it on top of the abovementioned whole grains. Any greens, cabbages, or root vegetables like beets or sweet potatoes and legumes such as chickpeas or lentils can add substantial nutrition and satisfy bulk. Incorporating roasted nuts, seeds for crunch, and dried fruits for a hint of sweetness can elevate the dish further.
Once you top this with a homemade dressing infused with herbs and spices, these salads transform into a complete, balanced meal that’s both nourishing and flavorful. Add some tortilla chips on the side, or a loaf of olive bread, and this salad will be a hearty meal!
Check out this greenvegan hearty salad from the Lazy Cat Kitchen.
Final Thoughts for Easy Plant-based Recipes for Beginners
So there you have it: 10 easy plant-based recipes for beginners. Each site we linked has a wealth of easy meals you can create at home. I always love following a recipe when making new dishes, especially if others have tried them. Doing this ensures that your meal comes out fantastic every time!
More Helpful Healthy Cooking Ideas
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
I'm an expert in plant-based diets and recipes, and I can provide you with information about the concepts mentioned in this article. I have extensive knowledge and experience in creating delicious and nutritious plant-based meals. Let's dive into the details!
Plant-Based Diet:
A plant-based diet focuses on consuming foods derived from plants, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. It excludes or minimizes the consumption of animal products, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. Plant-based diets are known for their health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. They are also more environmentally sustainable and promote animal welfare.
Veganism:
Veganism is a lifestyle and dietary choice that avoids the use of any animal products or by-products. It extends beyond diet and encompasses other aspects of life, such as clothing, cosmetics, and household products. Vegans choose not to consume meat, dairy, eggs, honey, and other animal-derived ingredients. The recipes mentioned in the article are based on a vegan diet, meaning they do not contain any animal products.
Easy Plant-Based Recipes for Beginners:
The article provides 10 easy plant-based recipes for beginners. Let's briefly discuss each recipe:
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Hottie Black Eyed Peas With Ginger Mashed Sweet Potatoes & Apples: This recipe combines the savory flavors of black-eyed peas with the sweet and spicy notes of ginger mashed sweet potatoes and apples. It offers a unique and flavorful meal. You can find the full recipe on The Post Punk Kitchen website.
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Vegan Coconut Milk Curry: This rich and aromatic dish combines the creamy texture of coconut milk with a medley of spices. It typically features a variety of vegetables and sometimes legumes, making it both nutritious and satisfying. The recipe allows for flexibility in adding ingredients based on preference or availability.
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Black Bean Soup Without Oil: Black beans are a healthy way to incorporate whole foods into your diet. This recipe, shared by Brandi on her blog, provides an easy and delicious option for beginners. It uses simple ingredients and is a great introduction to plant-based foods.
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Whole Grains for Bowls: Making a batch of whole grains, such as rice or quinoa, can simplify meal preparation throughout the week. You can use these grains as a base for other recipes, saving time and effort. The article suggests using a rice cooker for convenience.
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Nutritional Yeast Popcorn: Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient among vegans, known for its cheesy, nutty flavor. This recipe offers a savory twist on classic popcorn by coating it with melted vegan butter or olive oil and nutritional yeast. It's a satisfying and nutritious snack option.
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Garlic Pistachio Pasta: This pasta dish is quick and easy to make, providing a creamy sauce without the use of dairy products. It's a comforting and flavorful option for plant-based meals. You can find the full recipe on Veg News.
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Turkish Style Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed bell peppers are a simple and flavorful choice for a plant-based meal. This Turkish-style recipe involves filling bell peppers with a savory mixture of rice, herbs, spices, and sometimes nuts or whole grains. It's a nutritious and delicious option.
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Tofu Bacon BLT: This recipe, shared by the vegan punks Jess & Dan on Instagram, offers a plant-based twist on the classic BLT sandwich. It utilizes tofu to create a savory and protein-rich alternative to bacon. It may require some planning due to the use of frozen tofu.
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Creamy Vegan Peanut Sauce: A good sauce can elevate the flavors of plant-based meals. This recipe for creamy vegan peanut sauce includes lime juice, soy sauce, and other ingredients to create a flavorful and versatile sauce. It can be used with various dishes, such as fresh veggies, soba noodles, or crispy oven-baked tofu.
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Hearty Salads: Hearty salads are a great way to incorporate a variety of vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and nuts into your diet. They can be customized based on personal preferences and dietary needs. Adding a homemade dressing infused with herbs and spices enhances the flavors and makes the salads more satisfying.
These recipes provide a range of options for beginners to explore the flavors and health benefits of plant-based meals. Each recipe offers simplicity, nutrition, and deliciousness. You can find the full recipes on the respective websites mentioned in the article.
Remember, experimenting with different ingredients and flavors is key to enjoying a plant-based diet. Don't be afraid to get creative and adapt recipes to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Happy cooking and enjoy your plant-based journey!
