When many people think of vegan food, they shudder at the thought of fake hot dogs and tofu “turkey” slices, but trust us — vegan food has come a long way. Whether you consider yourself vegan, vegetarian or flexitarian, plant-based eating is optimal for your health. From shepherd’s pie to lasagna, these dishes pack a nutritious punch because of their colourful, antioxidant-rich vegetables and fibre- and protein-packed grains, legumes and beans.
Vegan Shepherd’s Pie with Crispy Cauliflower Crust
Indulge in a hearty, satisfying vegan take on a comfort classic by making your shepherd’s pie with protein-rich lentils in a savoury pan gravy instead of beef or lamb. While you could top it with fluffy mashed potatoes, pureed cauliflower is a tasty low-carb option that will still satisfy your craving.
Vegan Grain-Free Sweet Potato Gnocchi with High-Protein Pesto
Making gnocchi just got easier with this yummy mix of sweet potato, chickpea flour and almond flour. Once the pillowy dumplings are cooked, serve them in a high-protein pesto made with basil, walnuts, olive oil and creamy cannellini beans. Even after you’ve taken a bite, you still won’t believe it’s both gluten-free and vegan.
Vegan Thai Curry Pumpkin Soup
Thai coconut curry soup is already a pleasing dish, but adding pumpkin gives it more flavour and thickness, making it a great dinner option. To make it an even heartier main, add cubes of firm tofu, shredded bok choy or natural peanut butter.
Creamy Vegan Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
A velvety sauce is made from cauliflower and nutritional yeast for a vegan, dairy-free version of a classic comfort meal. Mix the sauce into your cooked macaroni and serve it straight from the pot. For an extra special touch, top it with breadcrumbs and shredded vegan cheese, then bake it until golden and bubbly.
Easy Vegan Spaghetti Bolognese
This meatless Bolognese is rich in protein and fibre without sacrificing any of the flavour. Made with cremini mushrooms, lentils and walnuts, plus a touch of balsamic, spoon a generous portion over spaghetti. For that cheesy Parmesan finish, sprinkle a bit of nutritional yeast on top before serving.
Easy Lentil and Vegetable Curry
Take the vegetables from your crisper drawer, then add lentils and a blend of aromatic spices for a delicious curry that’s ready in a snap. Serve it on a bed of your favourite rice or for a lower carb meal, use cauliflower rice instead.
The Perfect Vegan Lasagna
Who said lasagna is just for dairy and meat lovers? This innovative dish uses tofu to make a seriously delicious ricotta and béchamel sauce that will have everyone screaming “delizioso!” To make a gluten-free version, use brown rice lasagna noodles.
Rainbow Ratatouille
This ratatouille might look like an intimidating dish, but it’s a simple veggie stew made with colourful tomato, zucchini, eggplant, summer squash, and fragrant herbs baked in a cast-iron skillet or casserole dish until soft and bubbling.
Brothy, Herbaceous White Beans
This may be a simple and easy recipe to whip up, but you’ll find these brothy white beans pack a major flavour punch! This part stew, part dip is creamy, herby, and garlicky and pairs perfectly with a piece of toasty sourdough and is the ultimate comforting vegan dinner.
Vegan Zucchini Ramen Noodle Soup
This veggie-based recipe is full of flavor, packed with protein, low carb and delicious. In this vegan recipe, we swap eggs for tofu — further transforming this classic comfort food to be vegan-friendly.
White Bean and Winter Greens Chili
This not-so-traditional chili is loaded with vegetables and will fill you right up. Use your favourite mix of winter greens; spinach, kale, chard, rapini or collards. For a vegan friendly version, simply use a dairy-free cheddar cheese and sour cream for topping!
Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Sweet Potato and Black Beans
Grilled portobello mushrooms are the star of this filling vegan dish that comes together in just 30 minutes. With a nourishing filling of sweet potatoes and black beans, you’ll be hooked on the satisfying mix of textures.