This New Year, treat yourself to a delightful vegetarian feast with these five delicious recipes. From hearty mains to satisfying sides, these dishes are sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients for Vegetarian Recipes
1. Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- 1 cup green lentils, rinsed and drained
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
2. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 yellow squash, chopped
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
3. Mushroom Stroganoff
- 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or vegan alternative)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
4. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- 1 box jumbo pasta shells
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 1 egg (or vegan egg substitute)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups marinara sauce
5. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup Arborio rice
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegan alternative)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
How to Make Vegetarian Recipes
1. Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add lentils, vegetable broth, tomato paste, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, until lentils are tender.
- In a separate pot, boil sweet potatoes until soft. Drain and mash with a fork.
- Spread lentil mixture into a baking dish. Top with mashed sweet potatoes.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown.
2. Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, toss bell peppers, zucchini, squash, and red onion with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Spread vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, cook quinoa according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa and roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh parsley.
3. Mushroom Stroganoff
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in vegetable broth, soy sauce, and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sour cream. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over pasta or rice, garnished with fresh parsley.
4. Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
- Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, Parmesan cheese, egg, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread marinara sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Stuff each pasta shell with the ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish.
- Cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, until heated through.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until bubbly. Serve hot.
5. Butternut Squash and Sage Risotto
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Stir in white wine and cook until absorbed, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add vegetable broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring frequently. Cook until rice is creamy and tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Stir in butternut squash, Parmesan cheese, sage, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and sage leaves if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Lentils
Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. They are also rich in iron, folate, and other essential nutrients. Lentils are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups to salads to main courses.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are a nutritious and flavorful vegetable. They are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and creaminess to dishes like shepherd’s pie.
Quinoa
Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is high in protein and fiber. It is also a good source of iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. Quinoa has a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture, making it a great base for salads and pilafs.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a savory and meaty vegetable that add