The vegetarian diet is becoming increasingly popular around the world – and for good reason! When it comes to cooking vegetarian dishes, it seems the flavour combinations are endless. If you want to get more creative in the kitchen, we have your back. With National Vegetarian Week being celebrated in the UK from 11th-17th May, now is the perfect time to discover delicious recipes and try something new, from incredibly easy savoury muffins, to a nutritious risotto and oh-so-comforting macaroni and cheese.
The best vegetarian recipes to celebrate National Vegetarian Week
The whole family will love these meat-free dishes
1. All-the-Greens Risotto
This is one of those healthy vegetarian recipes that doesn't quite feel like it's good for you. It's packed with nutritious veggies like cavolo nero and leeks, but that creamy texture will certainly leave you feeling satisfied. This healthy vegetarian risotto is high in vitamin C and folic acid, and provides two of your five-a-day. For a lighter option, simply add less butter.
2. Cheese Muffins with Sweetcorn and Spinach
We love a nice little treat with a cup of tea for elevenses. If you're the same but don't want to spend hours cooking something that you can munch on, then this recipe is for you. To make these cheese muffins, you'll need just one bowl to mix all of the ingredients together, then pop it in the oven to bake, and enjoy! It really couldn't be any easier.
3. Fried Tofu Yakitori
If you're looking to recreate vegetarian versions of your favourite dishes, then give this one a try. Yakitori is, of course, skewered chicken grilled over charcoal. This dish matches the original in shape, colour and flavour, so deserves to steal the name. Deep-fried tofu cubes can be bought as a block, and make this quick dish easy work – and so juicy! It's certainly worthy of adding to your repertoire, and will whisk your tastebuds to Japan with the first bite.
4. Leek and Smoked Cheese Macaroni
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. This vegetarian macaroni and cheese truly delivers on the hearty and filling front, but it also has an extra twist with the addition of leeks and smoked cheese. This substantial dish goes well with salad or a generous helping of wilted greens on the side. It's great for batch cooking, too, so you can make more than you need, then freeze it either before or after it's baked.
5. Mattar Paneer
Indian cuisine is known the world over as being one of the most vegetarian friendly, and this beautifully fragrant and wholesome dish showcases why. Known as mattar paneer, or peas and paneer, it's based on a simple onion-ginger-garlic masala cooked with softened tomatoes. Fried cumin seeds and aromatic garam masala shape the simple spicing. This recipe also includes a method on how to make homemade paneer, and it's certainly worth making paneer from scratch for its superior flavour. But if you're short on time, then feel free to use shop-bought paneer; just remember to soak it in hot water to soften its texture before frying.
6. Cavolo Nero Salad with Sweet Potato, Pear, Walnut and Blue Cheese
Many people think that vegetarians just eat 'rabbit food', and while that couldn't be further from the truth, sometimes a good salad really can be a wonderful vegetarian meal. This salad recipe will take your greens to the next level, plus it's packed with healthy ingredients, including cavolo nero, a leafy vegetable that's similar to kale. Cavolo nero is in season from July until early October, so is perfect for adding to a summer salad. If you're not a fan of clear honey, you can use maple syrup instead, and you can also swap the white wine vinegar for apple cider vinegar if you have that to hand.
7. Miso Ramen
Whether you're missing your Wagamama and Itsu fix, or just enjoy recreating the bold flavours of Asian cuisine at home, this vegetarian ramen is simply delicious. Noodles and veggies are added to a rich broth, which features plenty of kombu and dried shiitake mushrooms to create a deep and powerful flavour. It definitely gives the traditional meaty ramen a run for its money!
8. Amelia Freer's Vegetable Quiche with Parsley, Sage & Rosemary
Quiche is a classic dish, and vegetarian versions work so well. If you're looking for a twist on the typical quiche, then these mini quiches from Amelia Freer are a healthy option that's sure to please. We especially love the use of the herb salt, which combines fresh rosemary and sage with salt for a simple way to ramp up the flavour.
9. Leek & Parmesan Tart
Whether you're looking for a picnic dish or a lovely centrepiece for your summer lunch, this tart ticks all of the boxes. The secret of this recipe lies in cooking the leeks long and slow, so that they become beautifully sweet and caramelised. The rest takes no time at all, and you can exercise your imagination, adding extra toppings of your choice. Be sure to use a vegetarian-friendly Parmesan-style cheese.
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