4 Vegan Recipes to Keep You Healthy and Fit
Veggies are, simply put, amazing. Eating a diet that is full of a variety of different vegetables gives you a well-rounded mix of proteins and phytonutrients that can help prevent cancer in addition to providing other health benefits. By mixing in some high-protein, grain-based foods and nuts, you can get a complete assortment of proteins and amino acids that are the building blocks for a strong body.
The following list of recipes contains some unique ideas as well as some plant-based variations on some of your favorite dishes. Do you love chili but want to stay away from red meat? Have you been phasing meats out of your diet but still long for the flavors of a club sandwich from a deli? This list contains vegan recipes that are delicious and nutritious, and anybody who has access to a kitchen can easily make them.
Sicilian Whole Wheat Pasta with Cauliflower
Cauliflower is a tasty vegetable that makes a great centerpiece for any dish. Whole wheat noodles make this dish rich in protein and filling as well. While boiling your pasta of choice, sauté cauliflower, garlic, and shallots. Once the cauliflower is browned, add raisins, vinegar, water, thyme, bay leaf, honey, fennel seeds, and capers. Continue cooking until the cauliflower is tender enough to be easily pierced with a fork. Turn off the heat and add parsley and pine nuts. Toss this mixture together with the pasta, and it’s ready to be served. Consider serving with a cheese topping, like parmesan.
Swiss Chard with Couscous and Chickpeas
Chickpeas are full of protein, and Swiss chard is one of the healthier greens available. Couscous is a great grain that will round out this power-plate. While you are preparing the couscous, toast some pine nuts over low heat. When they are ready, put them aside and raise the heat on the skillet to cook some garlic. Then add the chickpeas and chard, as well as some raisins, pepper, and salt. Once this mixture is ready, serve it on the couscous and top it all off with the pine nuts.
Two-Bean Vegan Chili
Chili is a savory and delicious dish that can be served spicy or mild, depending on how heavy you want to go with the chili powder. This meatless version makes a strong contender in any chili cook-off. Cook vinegar, jalapenos, and onions in oil until soft, then add garlic and cook for 30 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, chili powder, broth, and your chosen spices, and bring to a boil. After a minute, add your beans of choice and let it rise to a boil again. Simmer for another 5 minutes and add cilantro. This chili goes great on rice.
Avocado Club with Smashed White Beans
A club sandwich doesn’t have to use bacon or other meats. This vegan version gets you all the protein and flavor you would want without the fatty detriments of bacon. It’s also really quick and easy to make, especially if the beans are already cooked. Mash together the white beans with oil, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture on your bread of choice, and top with onion, sprouts, cucumber, and avocado. If you want to top it off with a dressing, a great vegan option to try is Just Mayo by Hampton Creek.
Cooking Vegan is Healthy and Exciting
You may find, after eating dishes like these for a long period of time while excluding meat and dairy from your diet, that you have more energy and feel more satisfied after your meals. The health benefits of a vegetable-based diet are extraordinary. All of the above recipes use ingredients that can be switched out depending on your taste. That’s where the real fun of being your own chef begins. When you add your favorite vegetables to a preexisting dish, you will then have your own version that your friends will enjoy as well. That’s filling and fulfilling.
These dishes are great if you’re cooking for a family as well. If you have kids that are reluctant to eat their veggies, serve them the delightful club sandwich and you’ll be surprised at how fast they swallow it up. Anybody loves good cooking, even people who are accustomed to meat-heavy diets. Try these recipes out on different people you know and you’ll find yourself having even more new ideas to cook up.