Super easy vegan meal recipes

With many fast food restaurants and takeaways shut due to the coronavirus lockdown, like many, I’ve found myself having to dust off the pots and pans and cook up some new meals.

Thankfully the internet is full of easy, healthy recipes. Here’s a round-up of some of my favourites so far, and while they’re all vegan, I’ve picked dishes that can easily be adapted for fussy eaters and those not following a plant-based diet.

One-pot Mushroom and Potato Curry

This simple curry from BBC Good Food is my go-to favourite for a busy weeknight. I use sweet potatoes and add in a handful of spinach.

You can find the canned coconut milk in the world food section at any supermarket. For a cheaper alternative try almond milk (you’ll need to thicken it with cornstarch) or even plant-based yoghurt.

Black Bean Chilli

I’d never even considered cooking a chilli without quorn mince until I stumbled across this recipe from BBC Good Food.

Packed with protein and fibre, this dish is super healthy and easy to make. Substitute one tin of black beans for mixed beans or kidney beans for more texture.

A dollop of Aldi’s Smashed Avocado goes great of top of this. 👌

Tofu Shashlik

If you are craving a takeaway then Jack Monore’s Tofu Shashlik is ideal.

My favourite tofu is Cauldron’s Marinated Tofu, it’s ready chopped, gluten and nut-free for those with allergies, and any leftovers can go into a wrap for tomorrow’s lunch.

Like most curry dishes, this shashlik tastes even better when made the night before and left to marinate in the fridge.

One-pot Lemon Pasta

Pasta is flying off the shelves at the moment, but if you’ve managed to find some then this Lemon Pasta dish from V Nutrition is a must-try. I don’t see any reason why the spaghetti couldn’t be subbed for tagliatelle or even something like penne or fusilli.

I had no idea where to find nutritional yeast until recently (it’s in the baking aisle), but I’ve noticed Engevita Nutritional Yeast Flakes are often in Aldi’s Special Buys or available at Holland & Barrett. It’s a great source of vitamin B12 for those not consuming meat or dairy.

Red Lentil Dal

This vegan dal (or dahl?) from Simply Quinoa is perfect for home freezing if you are someone organised enough to meal prep.

Made with red lentils, coconut milk, cumin, curry powder and a couple of other ingredients, you probably already have most of these ingredients in your food cupboard.

Pair with whatever rice you fancy, I’d recommend cauliflower rice, and some pitta or flatbread.

These recipes are just a few of my dinner time favourites. I’m definitely no chef, just a hungry food enthusiast. If you’ve got any other recommendations, please let me know!