Vegan recipe inspiration for beginners

Have you recently switched your diet to vegan? Or are you a vegan trying to find veganized versions of your favorite food? Here are my favorite veganized basic recipes that you can top up and make even greater.

1. Basic pasta recipes

Bolognese: If you are lucky you'll find vegan mincemeat in a supermarket. For example ASDA has vegan mince which is also good for Chili sin Carne. If you can't find it in a shop try tofu or lentils. I wouldn't buy plain tofu as a beginner because it can be difficult to make it taste good (I still can't do it after three years). I often use smoked tofu. My favorite tofu brand is Taifun*. They have a big range of flavored tofu. You can spice your lentils or tofu as you wish. Again, I just want to give you the inspiration. There are lots of good recipes online. Some people even substitute pasta with spiralized courgette to make it even more healthy.

Carbonara: For a veganized version of spaghetti carbonara you can sometimes find vegan bacon as well. But I've never been a bacon fan so I usually go for mushrooms instead. Because the sauce made from vegan cream or plant milk (with flour) and either vegan cheese or yeast flakes is so thick that you can't really taste a difference. For me, yeast flakes are essential for many vegan dishes.

2. Potato dishes

Baked potato: I just came across this super tasty and easy meal when I moved to the UK. Cut the potato, add vegan butter/margarine and optional cheese and spices or a filling of your choice. Bake the potato in the oven and you're done. It's not much work. You should have some brussel sprouts or other veggies to make it a bit more healthy.

Baked potato I bought in Edinburgh

Sweet potato fries: Fries are mostly the only vegan things you can order when you visit a big fast food chain. But self made, preferably oven baked (sweet) potato fries can be a nice side to a burger. Just cut some sweet potatoes, put them in a mix of vegetable oil and spices (salt, pepper,paprika,etc.) and then put it on a tray and in the oven. 

Sweet potato chips with falafel and pita bread

3. Basic recipes with rice

Curry: Making a vegan curry is quite easy. Use lots of veggies, mushrooms,potatoes or nuts(whatever you like) as a base. If you can't find a vegan curry sauce go for chopped tomatoes or coconut milk. I prefer to fry my rice a bit to make it extra tasty. Vegan friendly onion bajis or vegetable samosas can be found in a supermarket as well. Sainsburys and Tesco have quite a good range.

Maki-Sushi: It's not too difficult to substitute the raw fish with tofu, avocado, cucumber or other vegetables. The nori sheet consists of algae so there's vitamin B12 in it as well. You can also buy sushi at Waitrose.

4: Vegan spreads

Guacamole: Who doesn't know the iconic guacamole song? Even though at the shop it's most likely made with milk it can be made without. Avocado, lemon juice and spices are the ingredients for the basic version, add tomato, garlic or soy yogurt if you like it. Or just use avocado with salt and pepper for a quicker version.

Hummus: Hummus has saved my lunch multiple times. You could make it yourself from chickpeas but it's easier to buy it in a shop. Most of the hummus is "accidentally" vegan already.

4. Other

Quiche: A quiche is a (healthier) alternative to pizza. But you don't need yeast for it. The base is more like a cake base than a pizza, it's also made in a cake tin. As a filling I prefer lots of vegetables with some tofu and vegan cheese on top.

Cheese: Sometimes it can still be difficult to find good and affordable vegan cheese in a shop. A self made cheese made from soaked cashews, lemon juice, nutritional yeast and spices is an easy to make alternative. It's also really nice on pizza or quiche.


Which of these recipes do you find most interesting?Or would you like me to make a part for advanced vegan recipes (for example vegan chicken or salmon)?Let me know in the comments below.