I Started Cooking More Vegetarian Meals when I stopped thinking of them as “meat-free” and began treating them as proper dinners in their own right. Over time, I found myself coming back to the same few recipes again and again, not because I had to, but because they were simple, filling, and actually tasted delicious too.
This post brings together the vegetarian dishes I cook most often. Some are complete meals on their own, while others work nicely with a quick salad or a vegetable side. They are effortless to prepare with simple, everyday ingredients you might already have in your kitchen.
Dal Palak
Dal Palak (or Spinach Dal) is a comforting and delicious Indian curry made with red lentils, spinach, and spices. This super healthy & nutritious dish is the perfect weekday meal and also a perfect comfort food for cold winter nights.
To learn more: Dal Palak (Spinach Dal)
Healthy Pasta Salad
Turkish Makarna Salatası is a healthy, creamy and colourful pasta salad made with pasta, yoghurt, mayo, fresh vegetables, and herbs. It is simple enough for weekdays yet special enough to serve when guests come over. It uses everyday ingredients, comes together in under 30 minutes, and is a dish that works in every season.
To learn more: Makarna Salatası - Healthy Turkish Pasta Salad
Stuffed Peppers
These delicious Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi) are filled with aromatic stuffing made of rice, onions, pine nuts, currants, and various herbs/spices. You can serve them as a side dish as well as the main meal, or as an appetizer. The leftovers are great for a boxed lunch the next day or a picnic.
To learn more: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers (Biber Dolmasi)
Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Türlü is a healthy and delicious Mediterranean dish made with a mix of seasonal vegetables roasted with olive oil and tomato. It is often served as a main or a side and is perfect for using up whatever vegetables you have in the kitchen. Everything cooks together in one dish, so it's great for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend cooking. You can serve it hot, straight from the oven, or at room temperature!
To learn more: Turlu - Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables
Honey Halloumi Salad
If you like fresh, vibrant salads with a mix of sweet and savoury, this Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad is a great one to try. It’s made with pan-seared halloumi cheese, juicy peach, crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and arugula, all tossed together with a sweet-sour dressing made from honey, lemon, and pomegranate molasses.
To learn more: Mediterranean Honey Halloumi Salad
Batata Harra
Batata Harra is a spicy Lebanese potato dish that’s full of flavor and super easy to throw together. It comes together with just a handful of ingredients: crispy potatoes, garlic, olive oil, chili flakes, cilantro, and a good squeeze of lemon. It’s a classic in Lebanese kitchens and adds just the right kick to any spread. Simple, bold, and always a hit.
To learn more: Batata Harra (Lebanese Potatoes)
Stuffed Artichokes
Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes is a tasty and nutritious dish that's packed with Mediterranean flavors.
This traditional Turkish recipe features artichokes stuffed with vegetables and aromatics, and cooked in olive oil and lemon juice. Not only is it a delicious meal, but it's also healthy, making it a great addition to any diet.
To learn more: Zeytinyagli Enginar Dolmasi - Stuffed Artichokes
Skordalia - Greek Potato Dip
Skordalia is a classic Greek Potato Dip flavoured with garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It has a smooth, creamy texture and a bold garlic flavour that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. This garlic and potato dip comes together easily with just a few ingredients and can be served warm or at room temperature.
To learn more: Skordalia - Greek Potato Dip
Butternut Squash Curry
Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas is a delicious, warming, and affordable Indian dish featuring squash, chickpeas, warming spices, and creamy coconut milk.
This cozy and healthy one-pot curry is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs nicely with Mushroom Pilau Rice, Guyanese Oil Roti, and Onion Raita.
To learn more: Butternut Squash Curry with Chickpeas
Stuffed Mushrooms
Cook up these delightful Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms for a great appetiser to impress your guests at your next holiday party or gathering.
They are filled with breadcrumbs, sauteed shallots, fresh herbs, pine nuts, and cheese and baked in the oven.
To learn more: Vegetarian Stuffed Mushrooms
Tarhana Soup
Turkish Tarhana Soup, or Tarhana Çorbası, starts with dried tarhana powder—a fermented blend of flour, yoghurt, and vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, onions, and herbs. The result is a deliciously rich, tangy soup with a creamy texture, perfect for chilly days or when you want something warm and nourishing.
learn more: Turkish Tarhana Soup - Tarhana Çorbası
Imam Bayildi
Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Aubergine) is one of the most iconic dishes in Turkish cuisine, known for its rich flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This traditional dish features aubergines stuffed with a savory mixture of onions, tomatoes, and garlic, all simmered in generous amounts of olive oil.
To learn more: Imam Bayildi (Turkish Stuffed Eggplant)
Turkish Spinach Dip
Ispanak Borani is a creamy, earthy, and delicious Turkish dip made with spinach, onions, garlic, and yogurt. It’s usually served as an appetizer, or a side dish and is best when served with warm Barbari Bread - Persian Flatbread or pita.
To learn more: Turkish Spinach Dip - Ispanak Borani
Melitzanosalata
Melitzanosalata (Roasted Greek Aubergine Dip) is a smokey and delicious Greek appetizer/meze made with fire-roasted aubergines, tangy lemon juice, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.
This heavenly aubergine salad is a harmonious blend of smoky, zesty, and vibrant Mediterranean flavours.
To learn more: Melitzanosalata - Roasted Greek Eggplant Dip
Barbunya Pilaki
Barbunya Pilaki (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans) is a classic Turkish dish braised in olive oil with onions, garlic, and tomato paste.
This delicious vegan dish is perfect to serve as a light lunch, a part of a mezze spread, or as a side dish to grilled and roasted meat, fish, and vegetables.
To learn more: Barbunya (Turkish Style Borlotti Beans)
Maghmour - Lebanese Moussaka
This deliciously healthy Vegan Lebanese Moussaka, also known as Maghmour combines roasted aubergines and chickpeas in a tangy tomato sauce flavored with Lebanese spices.
Just like traditional Turkish Moussaka, this healthy dish is packed with Mediterranean flavours, making it a dream come true for aubergine lovers.
To learn more: Vegan Lebanese Eggplant Moussaka (Maghmour)
Ratatouille Nicoise
Traditional French Ratatouille dish is a delightful marriage of tomatoes, aubergine, courgette, and bell peppers, infused with aromatic herbs and a hint of garlic.
You can enjoy it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or meat, especially lamb, or as a vegetarian or vegan main course served over plain rice, couscous, or simply mixed with pasta.
To learn more: Traditional French Ratatouille Nicoise Recipe
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