Are you looking for delicious and healthy vegetarian recipe ideas? Look no further! With a wide range of options available, it can be overwhelming to decide which dishes to try.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering vegetarian recipes that are not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients and flavor.
Spicy Chickpea Curry with Coconut Milk
This vibrant curry combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the spicy kick of Indian-inspired spices, all wrapped up in a satisfying chickpea and vegetable medley. Serve over rice or with naan bread for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 medium onions, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can coconut milk (14 oz)
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp curry powder
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, curry powder, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add chickpeas and coconut milk; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-12 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with cilantro leaves before serving.
Cooking Time:
15-17 minutes
Lentil and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that combines the earthy sweetness of bell peppers with the comforting warmth of lentils and spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 bell peppers, any color
– 1 cup cooked lentils
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: feta cheese or other grated cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, chopped onion, minced garlic, and fresh spinach leaves.
4. Stuff each bell pepper with the lentil mixture and place in a baking dish.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
8. Serve warm, topped with feta cheese or other grated cheese if desired.
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
Risotto, a classic Italian dish, gets a boost of flavor with the addition of sautéed mushrooms and wilted spinach. This creamy and comforting recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 8 oz mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add warmed broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring continuously and allowing each portion to absorb before adding the next.
4. After 20 minutes of cooking, add sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in garlic and spinach leaves until wilted.
5. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
A flavorful and nutritious vegetarian dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. This recipe is easy to make and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese (vegetarian)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, cheese, parsley, and garlic.
3. Wipe the mushroom caps with a damp cloth and place them in a baking dish.
4. Divide the breadcrumb mixture evenly among the mushrooms, spooning it onto the caps.
5. Drizzle olive oil over the filling and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna
This autumn-inspired lasagna combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the earthy flavor of kale, all wrapped up in a rich tomato sauce and melted mozzarella cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
– 2 cups kale, stems removed and chopped
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 8 lasagna noodles
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for roasting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the butternut squash for 45 minutes, or until tender.
3. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
4. In a large skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Add the kale and cook until wilted.
5. Assemble the lasagna by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Arrange 4 lasagna noodles, followed by half the squash mixture, half the kale mixture, and half the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers. Top with Parmesan cheese.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time:
1 hour 15 minutes
Vegetarian Thai Green Curry with Tofu
Savor the bold flavors of Thailand with this quick and easy vegetarian green curry recipe, packed with tender tofu and a variety of colorful vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), sliced
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 tablespoons Thai green curry paste
– 2 cups coconut milk
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon fish sauce (vegetarian option: omit or substitute with tamari)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add tofu and cook until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in curry paste and cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
6. Return tofu to the skillet or wok. Season with fish sauce (if using) and salt and pepper to taste.
7. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until flavors have melded together.
8. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Cauliflower and Chickpea Buddha Bowl
This recipe combines the creamy sweetness of roasted cauliflower with the nutty flavor of chickpeas, all wrapped up in a nutritious and filling bowl. Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets
– 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
– Optional: lemon wedges, sliced avocado, or crumbled feta cheese for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until tender and lightly browned.
4. In a separate pan, heat chickpeas over medium heat for 5 minutes or until warmed through.
5. Assemble bowls by placing roasted cauliflower on top of cooked rice or quinoa, followed by chickpeas, and finishing with a sprinkle of parsley.
Cooking Time:
25-30 minutes
Vegetarian Chili with Kidney Beans and Quinoa
This recipe combines the comfort of a classic chili with the nutritional benefits of quinoa and kidney beans, making it a perfect choice for a cozy night in or a quick lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water or vegetable broth
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups mixed bell peppers (any color), diced
– 2 cups cooked kidney beans
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add bell peppers, cooked kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
4. Simmer for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
5. Serve hot over quinoa, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions (optional).
Cooking Time:
40-45 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Phyllo Pastries
These flaky phyllo pastries are filled with the perfect blend of creamy feta cheese and nutritious spinach, making them a delightful snack or appetizer. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can have these tasty treats ready in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of frozen phyllo dough (usually found in the international aisle)
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Thaw the phyllo dough according to package instructions.
3. In a bowl, mix together chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Layer the phyllo dough with the spinach-feta mixture, brushing each sheet with olive oil.
5. Roll up the pastry tightly and place seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time:
20-25 minutes
Summary
Discover 20 delicious vegetarian recipes that are not only healthy but also mouth-watering! From spicy chickpea curry to roasted vegetable quinoa salad, and from creamy avocado pasta to sweet potato and black bean tacos – there’s something for everyone.
Explore a variety of international flavors and cuisines, including Thai green curry, Italian risotto, Mexican tacos, and Greek moussaka. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking for some inspiration, these recipes are sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling full and nourished.

I’m Brandon, the face behind the recipes. As a dedicated food enthusiast, I love experimenting with flavors and sharing my culinary adventures with you.