Whether you’re committed to a plant-based diet or trying it on for size this coming Veganuary, recipe inspiration is always a plus. Additionally, January is a month when energy levels tend to run low. Therefore, knowing how to whip up delicious vegan meals, boosting energy, and nutrition without using loads of effort, is helpful. (Need a little motivation to go vegan? Check out our complete list of 101 reasons). These vegan recipes for Veganuary should help.
31 Vegan Recipes
1. Lentil, Sweet Potato and Chickpea Stew
Warming, hearty, delicious and colourful. Firstly, lentils are full of protein, fibre and B vitamins; additionally, chickpeas are also a great source of plant-based protein. Finally, sweet potato is packed with antioxidants, as well as B, C and D vitamins. Serve over rice or with flatbreads if you need an extra carbohydrate hit.
2. Mushroom Risotto
Many risotto recipes call from cream and cheese. They’re not necessary though – slowly cooking that risotto rice and letting it release its starchiness gives you all the texture you need. Mushrooms are full of B vitamins and give the dish even more flavour.
3. Red Thai Coconut Curry
Spice up your life! This delicious meal contains masses of veg and a whole host of flavours. Additionally, coconut milk gives you all the silky creaminess and indulgence, too.
4. Chipotle Bourbon Pumpkin Chilli
Bourbon gives this chilli an irresistibly deep, smoky flavour. Can’t find canned pumpkin? Just steam or roast your own and then mash or blend, because it will add creaminess to the texture. Top with vegan cheese and enjoy!
5. Sicilian Aubergine Stew with Couscous
Creamy aubergine, juicy tomatoes, crunchy almonds and fluffy couscous. In other words, sunshine on a plate, which is exactly what you need in the depths of winter.
6. Potato Corn Chowder
Super-easy to make, this potato corn chowder will warm your cockles – without the need for any cockles! In short, a delicious addition to your recipe arsenal.
7. West African Peanut Stew
Anything containing peanut butter has got to be good, but in this recipe, it’s made magical when it’s combined with a rich and spicy tomato broth. This recipe uses collard greens, however, feel free to switch for any leafy greens you can get your hands on.
8. Vegan Quiches
We mostly associate January with hearty, warming meals, however sometimes you just want something light. These crustless quiches are ideal, because you can make them ahead of time. Additionally, you can bulk up the meal by serving with a delicious soup or roasted veg on the side.
9. Moroccan Lentil-Stuffed Aubergines
Nutritious lentils are elevated with the addition of Moroccan spices. As a result, you get an earthy, warming filling to complement the smokiness of the aubergines. Top with vegan parmesan and breadcrumbs for extra deliciousness.
10. Vegan Vori Vori
This traditional dish from Paraguay is usually made with chicken, but you can swerve that in favour of seitan or even beans. Lots of herbs and spices – for instance cayenne and cumin – up the flavour ante. In addition, the dumplings add that crave-worthy toothsomeness that every winter dish needs.
11. Creamy Tomato Ramen
Japanese food can be tricky when it comes to vegan recipes. Not only is there the hidden egg, there’s also the ubiquitous seafood. This recipe takes out the guesswork, while ensuring slurpable noodles and an abundance of veg.
12. Vegan French Toast
Erm, let’s not forget breakfasts and brunches in this round-up! After all, French Toast is one of the most versatile and comforting pre-noon meals you can make, combining as just well with sweet as with savoury accompaniments. Cornstarch and flaxseed create a result that rivals, and even exceeds, that of an egg.
13. Vegan Lasagne
Lasagne is such fabulous comfort food and absolutely does not require meat to make it marvellous. Veggie versions have long abounded, but switching out the milk, butter and cheese for dairy-free alternatives makes this dish an all-round winner.
14. Chickpea Flour Frittata
For anyone who thinks that you can’t make a frittata without breaking a few eggs, this recipe is here to show you different. Kala Namak (Indian Sulphur salt) gives it an eggy flavour; in the same vein, an abundance of vegetables make it a nutritious meal in one.
15. Vegan Goulash with Smoked Tofu and Potatoes
Don’t freak out at the amount of paprika in this recipe, because it really is supposed to be there. Additionally, it will give this traditional Hungarian dish the smoky, spicy depth that really brings it to life.
16. Lemony Basil Creamy Vegan Pasta
Pasta is a weeknight go-to, and most of us know that it lends itself well enough to plant-based if you opt for the tomatoey, rather than creamy sauces. Even so, don’t think you can’t get your creamy unctuous fix from a vegan variety – this recipe shows you how.
17. One-Pot Vegan Pasta
While we’re on that pasta train of thought, let’s take a look at one that not only makes use of tomatoes, but that also requires no more than one pot. Customise it as you see fit, and relish the fact that the washing up is going to be minimal.
18. South Indian Cabbage Salad
Just because January tends to be chilly, that’s not to say that we always want high-carb, super-warming food. Dig in to this delicious salad when your teeth are craving some crunch and your tastebuds are in need of some tingle.
19. Vegan Schnitzel
Wait, what? You can customise a national dish from meat-loving Austria and make it vegan? Oh yes you can, because in this version, celeriac slices make meat superfluous. However, feel free to substitute another vegetable, such as mushroom, aubergine or cauliflower.
20. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower
Winging it never looked (or tasted) so good. Agave nectar gives these cauliflower wings the sticky sweetness of conventional wings, while soy and chilli lend that spicy, moreish saltiness.
21. Vegan Bún Bò Huế
In Vietnam, it’s not uncommon to have this for breakfast – and we don’t see why we shouldn’t follow suit, when something tastes this good. Want to sleep late? That’s fine – this noodly sensation works as a delicious meal at any time of day.
22. Vegan Burger
What’s a recipe round-up without a big, fat, juicy burger? However, this is not just any old burger, because as well as being totally vegan, it’s fat and firm, so it will hold its shape whether grilled or fried. To sum up: Friday night fake-away, sorted.
23. Vegan Sushi
The versatility of sushi rice gives you four different vegan flavours here, starting with pickled carrot and ginger maki rolls. After that we have tenderstem and avocado California rolls, and then roasted pepper nigiri and peas’n’carrots California rolls.
24. Vegan Wellington
There are a number of vegan puff pastries available these days, but it’s worth making your own. Pair that with a vegan egg wash and stuff your Wellington full of hearty mushrooms, for a decadently delicious meal. In addition, throw in some spinach to boost the goodness.
25. Spiced Whiskey Peach Cinnamon Rolls
Let’s not forget the importance of a dessert in a recipe round-up, please! Actually, this recipe would work just as well for brunch, although you may wish to tone down the booziness.
26. Caribbean Feast
Jerk Jackfruit is just one aspect of this meal – for instance, rice and peas and fried plantain add carbohydrates in their tastiest form. Don’t neglect the mango salad, however, as it will add freshness and zing to your meal.
27. Garlicky Chickpea, Radish & Potato Traybake
You can’t go past a traybake for ease but, above all, it’s an incredible way to seamlessly meld flavours. Of course, minimal washing up is a win, too.
28. Grilled Tortilla Wraps
Nobody can deny the pleasure of wrapping their laughing gear around a complete meal. Soft bread giving way to the creaminess of avocado and softened vegetables and beans .. mmm. To sum up? Easy, tasty and above all, nutritious.
29. Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s Pie? Cottage Pie? If you always got confused over which was which then fear not – this plant-based version takes the guesswork out. In fact, you may as well call it Farmer’s Pie. In any case – ultimate comfort food.
30. Jambalaya
Toss everything into the one pot for this southern classic. Nobody will miss shrimp and sausage – the beans and mushrooms more than take their place. Go large on the herbs and spices too, so that you really max out on that smoky, comforting flavour.
31. No-bake Energy Balls
Even the person with the best of plant-based intentions will occasionally leave the house without supplies. Don’t be caught short – a batch of these easy-to-make balls will steer you clear of poor food choices and gnawing stomach pains, alike.
