If you’re finding your favourite recipes are deliciously fresh, healthy and increasingly meat free, you’re not alone.
Along with the environmental benefits of eating less meat, there are multiple health benefits too, and there are many meat dishes that taste just as good if you swap the carnivorous elements for vegetarian ones.
In our opinion, these traditionally meat dishes are better when they’re vegetarian.
Chickpea curry is the king of curries
A chickpea curry is the quickest curry you’ll ever make. And perhaps the most satisfying.
Could it be the aromatic warm spices, chopped tomato base and a plate packed full of plant-based protein that tantalises our taste buds? It’s easy not to miss hunks of lamb when chickpeas are involved.
Pizza without the padding
The simplest pizzas are often the best – as the Neapolitans know. You really can’t beat a classic mozzarella – tomatoes, basil, cheese. Hold off on the pepperoni, you won’t miss it.
If you want a bit more of a bite, add cherry tomatoes, artichoke, capsicum, olives, red onion and some baby spinach. All piled on top of a base of rich tomato sauce and golden, bubbling mozzarella.
Vegie pizza with all the toppings will delight vegetarians and carnivores alike.
Vegetable lasagne lords it over mince
Lasagne is a fail-safe dish, but sometimes the classics need a bit of an update. Look no further than a vegetarian mushroom lasagne.
Think sheets of fresh lasagne, four types of mushroom, a blanket of white sauce, two types of cheese and a healthy helping of spice. Who needs minced beef?
Meatless meatloaf makes a comforting choice
Healthy and hearty, a baked loaf of brown rice, mushrooms, your favourite nuts (cashews provide nearly as much protein as an equivalent portion of meat), herbs and spices as a meal is far more appetising than a ‘meat’ meatloaf. You can even boost the flavours with a chilli glaze.
Vegie burgers are the best
Love at first bite – there’s something special about a vegie patty, especially when the beans are moist and it’s well stacked with sweet pickles, cheddar cheese, lettuce and even a dollop of chunky guacamole oozing out the side.
If you want to go all out for barbecue season, whip up some brioche-style sweet potato buns. The heavy, earthy sweet potato actually makes incredibly soft, fluffy and golden rolls.
What dishes do you think are better vegetarian? Are you trying to lower your meat intake? Why not let us know in the comments section below?
Also read: Beet Burgers with Sweet Potato Buns
– With PA
