5 plant-based dinners that even carnivores will enjoy
Although there are a variety of interpretations for what constitutes a plant-based diet, there’s one thing that’s certain: meat-free meals are mouth wateringly good. Whether you’re vehemently vegan or a confirmed carnivore, these five plant-based recipes will have you heading back for seconds.
1. Vegan skillet lasagne
Tasty and extremely easy to make, this lasagne is perfect for a quick meat-free Monday meal. Follow the recipe and include almond ricotta if you’d like to keep it vegan. Or, if you’re fine with a bit of dairy, plop some of the shop-bought stuff on top. The nutty pesto balances the perfectly sweet and spicy tomato sauce, which has an unbelievable depth of flavour for such a quick dish, thanks to cooking it in the cast iron pan. This dish will win over the most mulish of meat eaters.
Get the recipe from The First Mess.
2. Poached egg bowl with spinach polenta & crispy mushrooms
This delicious dish is as wholesome as it feels indulgent. Buttery polenta is comfort food at its finest. While the addition of thyme to the crispy mushrooms elevates their earthiness and umami flavour, lending a certain meatiness to this vegetarian bowl. A perfectly poached egg (for which chef Jodi provides foolproof instructions) tops the meal off, creating the perfectly rich and oozy sauce as soon as you dig in.
Get the recipe from Happy Hearted Kitchen.
3. Middle Eastern sweet potato wraps
A great meal for anything you might have in the fridge at the end of the week. Roasted sweet potato slices make these wraps hearty and healthy, while the boiled eggs will make it a more substantial meal. Lettuce and cucumber keep this veggie-filled package light and fresh, and the dates, pomegranate and feta add bursts of brightness. The best part? You can substitute almost any of the ingredients and these wraps will still pack a flavour punch.
Get the recipe from The Flexitartian via Green Kitchen Stories.
4. Vegan lentil moussaka
Moussaka is loved the world over. This recipe substitutes the traditional blanket béchamel on top for a layer of mashed potato that’s baked to create a golden crust, making this wholesome dish even more heavenly. With plenty of spices to add flavour to the lovely lentils and audacious aubergines, you definitely won’t miss the meat in this meal.
Get the recipe from Golubka Kitchen.
5. Butternut squash and black bean enchiladas
It’s common practice to save the best for last and we see no reason to break tradition. Although they require a little more effort than other dishes on this list, these enchiladas are by far our favourite. Junk food would be a misnomer for these veggie-packed bundles of joy. Spicy and savoury, you’ll want to swim in the adobo-based sauce, while the crispy baked tortillas will have you hankering for more. This is a perfect meal for a Friday night with friends or a Sunday evening on the sofa.
