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5 Easy Vegan Meal Ideas for Busy Weeknights



Introduction:

Are you looking for quick and easy vegan meal ideas for busy weeknights? Look no further! Being vegan doesn't mean sacrificing taste or spending hours in the kitchen. In this post, we're sharing five delicious and easy vegan meals that you can make in no time. Whether you're new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these recipes are sure to become staples in your dinner rotation.


Vegan Spaghetti Marinara - This classic dish is a staple in many households and it's easy to make it vegan. Simply swap out the meat for some crumbled tofu or tempeh, and use a store-bought or homemade marinara sauce. Serve it with a side of garlic bread and a simple green salad for a satisfying and comforting meal.

How to make it : 

Ingredients:


.1 pound spaghetti

.1 tablespoon olive oil

.1 onion, diced

.4 cloves garlic, minced

.2 cups diced tomatoes

.1 teaspoon dried basil

.1 teaspoon dried oregano

.Salt and pepper, to taste

.1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1.Cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2.In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

3.Add the diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4.Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, until thickened.

5.Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat.

6.Serve the spaghetti marinara with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.

Note: You can add vegan meatballs or vegan sausage to make it more hearty.


Lentil Curry - This one-pot meal is packed with flavor and nutrition. Lentils are a great source of protein and are easy to cook. Simply sauté some onions, garlic, and spices, add in the lentils and your choice of vegetables, and let it simmer until the lentils are tender. Serve it over rice or with some naan bread.


Ingredients:


.1 tablespoon olive oil

.1 onion, diced

.2 cloves garlic, minced

.1 tablespoon grated ginger

.2 tablespoons curry powder

.1 teaspoon ground cumin

.1 teaspoon ground turmeric

.1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

.Salt and pepper, to taste

.1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and picked over

.3 cups water or vegetable broth

.1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

.1 cup diced carrots

.1 cup diced potatoes

.1 cup frozen peas

.1/2 cup coconut milk

.1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)


Instructions:

1.In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

2.Add the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes.

3.Add the lentils, water or broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, potatoes, and frozen peas. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, covered, for 30-40 minutes, or until the lentils are tender.

4.Stir in the coconut milk and cilantro, if using. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.

5.Serve the lentil curry over rice or with naan bread, if desired.


Vegan Stir Fry - This dish is versatile and easy to make. Simply sauté your choice of vegetables in some oil, with some ginger and garlic, and add in your choice of protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Serve it over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

.1 tablespoon vegetable oil,1 onion, sliced

.2 cloves garlic, minced

.1 red bell pepper, sliced

.1 cup sliced mushrooms

.1 cup sliced broccoli florets

.1 cup sliced carrots

.1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari

.1 tablespoon rice vinegar

.1 teaspoon sesame oil

.1 teaspoon brown sugar

.1 teaspoon cornstarch

.1 cup firm tofu, cubed

.2 cups cooked brown or white rice


Instructions:

1.Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.

2.Add the onion and garlic and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes.

3.Add the bell pepper, mushrooms, broccoli, and carrots and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

4.In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and cornstarch.

5.Add the tofu and the sauce mixture to the wok or skillet, and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through and the sauce has thickened.

6.Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice.

Note: You can add other vegetables like bok choy, snow peas, or cauliflower, or replace tofu with seitan, tempeh or other vegan protein source.

Vegan Tacos - Tacos are a great option for a quick and easy vegan meal. You can fill them with your choice of protein such as crumbled tofu or tempeh, and top them with some salsa, avocado, and vegan sour cream.

Ingredients:


1 cup diced portobello mushrooms
1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
8-12 corn tortillas
Toppings of your choice (salsa, avocado, cilantro, etc.)

Instructions:

1.Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a bit of oil.
2.Add the diced mushrooms, bell peppers, and onion to the skillet and sauté until they are soft and lightly browned.
3.Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute.
4.Stir in the black beans, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the beans are heated through.
5.While the filling is cooking, warm the tortillas in the oven or on a skillet.
6.Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with the mushroom and bean mixture and toppings of your choice.
7.Enjoy your vegan tacos!

Note : you can use any other vegetables as well or any vegan meat alternatives available in the market as per your preference.


Simple Salad with Homemade Dressing - A simple salad can be a great option for a quick and easy vegan meal. You can use your choice of greens, vegetables, and a homemade dressing. Some ideas for dressings include a balsamic vinaigrette, a vegan ranch, or a tahini-lemon dressing.

Ingredients:


4 cups of mixed greens (spinach, arugula, lettuce)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan alternative)
For the dressing:


2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced.

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:


1.In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion and feta cheese.
2.In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3.Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4.Serve and enjoy your salad!

Note: You can add any other veggies or fruits as per your preference or swap feta cheese with any other cheese or vegan cheese alternatives.


Conclusion:

These five easy vegan meal ideas are perfect for busy weeknights. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please everyone in your household. With a little bit of planning and some simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and healthy vegan meal on the table in no time. Happy cooking!

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