6 Tasty Vegan Dinner Recipes You Can Make at Home
It's no secret there's been an increase in the number of Brits turning to plant-based diets in the past year. A finder.com poll states that 2% of the population are vegan, which is around 1,100,000 people, but even without the statistics the popularity of veganism is clear to see.
Pop into your local supermarket and you'll see aisles packed with all sorts of plant-based, faux-meat alternatives. Meanwhile, vegans are catered to more than ever when it comes to eateries; from popular fast-food chains to upmarket restaurants, menus across the country come well-stocked with vegan options.
Whether you're a committed herbivore or you're looking to reduce the amount of animal products you consume, then we've come up with a selection of delicious vegan dinners that you and your family can make at home.
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Vegan mac and cheese
It's always good to have a strong vegan mac and cheese recipe in the back pocket; as well as being quick and delicious, it's a guaranteed people-pleaser too. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or need something to keep the kids happy, this particular recipe ticks all the boxes.
The plant milk and nutritional yeast flakes provide the creamy, cheesy flavours, while the white miso adds plenty of savoury umami goodness to the dish. Tapioca starch is something you may be unfamiliar with if you're new to veganism, but it's used here to bind the sauce's ingredients and create that classic stretchiness that a bubbling dish of your usual mac and cheese would have – and who can say no to that?
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West African peanut stew
When you're in need of some good comfort grub that's quick and simple, make this hearty West African peanut stew your new go-to. Packed with protein and rustic veg, it's a feel-good meal that goes down well after a long day at work. Rich and creamy, the white beans and sweet potato bulk things up, while the sharpness of the lime juice cuts through the big, bold flavours with a subtle zing.
It's also a great dish to make a big batch of, taking care of meal ideas throughout the week. Served on its own or with brown rice, a bowl of this is sure to put a smile on your face.
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Ramen with miso shiitake broth
For something special at the weekends, gorge on this tasty ramen recipe. With its bold, sumptuous flavours and soy-caramelised veggies, it's as healthy as it is delicious. You'll have to take a trip to your local world food shop or aisle, but it's well worth hunting down some of the more far-flung ingredients for this one. Plus, it'll get you used to working with tofu, the perennial protein in many a vegan's cupboard; just be sure to dry it before you start frying it.
Another benefit of this recipe is making a batch of the broth ahead of time, then creating the noodles and vegetables throughout the week when you need a meal that's going to sate that rumbling hunger. Plus, you have the option to blend the broth into a creamy soup or leave it unblended and traditional. Whichever you go for, this nutritious bowl is sure to leave you feeling good after you're finished.
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Vegan chilli
Though this recipe says it's vegetarian, if you leave out the optional grated cheese and sour cream you can easily make it vegan too. No vegan's culinary stockpile is complete without a chilli recipe and this one is a great starting point. Based around a foundation of onions, carrots and celery, the chilli powder, cumin and smoked paprika add the potency, bolstered by pinto and black beans.
What's more, this can easily be made in a slow cooker too; all you have to do is throw everything in, leave it to simmer for a few hours, and you'll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
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BBQ jackfruit sandwiches
If you're throwing a garden party, then these jackfruit sandwiches are the perfect accompaniment to the summer sun. Jackfruit is a bit of an odd one; green, unripe and flavourless, it's not something you'd eat on its own, but when you pull it apart, it mirrors the texture of shredded meat. And it's becoming easier to find too, so there's no need to search and high and low for it any longer.
The sauce is a large factor in this recipe, dramatically improving the jackfruit with big smoky, flavours thanks to the chipotle peppers, smoked paprika and Dijon mustard. Served with a quick, healthy coleslaw for a refreshing addition, it's guaranteed to be a big hit at your next outdoor get together.
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Sticky sesame tofu noodles
A great way to optimise your veg intake, these sticky sesame tofu noodles are quicker than a takeaway and healthier to boot. Carrots and both green and red peppers are the go-to vegetables here, but really, you can add anything you like; cucumbers and bean sprouts would add some extra crunch, for instance.
Rice vinegar, ginger and maple syrup form some unbelievable flavours here, while the stir-fried tofu, crisped at the edges, keeps the texture diverse and delicious. Served with rice or your noodles of choice, this Asian-inspired meal is sure to please.
We hope this article has inspired you to try something new in the kitchen! Looking for more? You’ll find the full range of Breville products, whatever you’re in need of, on our homepage.