There is an increase in people becoming much more conscious of their buying habits as well as trying to do their bit for the planet. With this in mind, it is no surprise that Veganuary is becoming a huge part of British culture and people are needing vegetarian meal inspiration. Quality ingredients, more sustainable farming methods and alternatives to meat are in high demand.
Some people go full throttle and try to go full vegan which is fantastic, whilst others who are new to veganuary will opt for halfing their meat intake for the month or go vegetarian. All of these are great as you are making a conscious effort to do your bit. For those who are opting to go vegetarian in Veganuary, we have some delicious vegetarian meal inspiration to try if you’re looking for something new or some new family meal inspiration.
Vegetarian Meal Inspiration : Vegetarian Lasagne
A vegetable lasagne is a healthy and comforting meal that can be served all year round. If you would like to use this vegetarian meal inspiration, then follow the simple steps below.
Preparation Time: Less than 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 – 2 hours
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 yellow or red peppers (Diced)
- 1 courgette (Diced)
- 1 large sweet potato (peeled and diced)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp dried chilli flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 x 400g tins chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 200ml cold water
- 100g spinach leaves (optional)
- 9 –10 dried lasagne sheets
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 75g plain flour
- 75g butter, cubed
- 750 ml milk
- 125g mature cheddar (grated)
- 75g Mozzarella cheese
Method for lasagne vegetarian meal inspiration:
- Preheat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
- Roast your peppers, courgette and sweet potato with 2 tbsp of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper for 30 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
- Whilst roasting your vegetables, heat the remaining oil and gently fry the onion for 5 minutes. Stir regularly to get the flavouring.
- Add the chilli and garlic and cook for a couple of seconds, ensuring you do not burn the garlic.
- Stir in the tomatoes, oregano and crumble the stock cube into the mix.
- Pour over the water and lightly simmer for 10 minutes stirring regularly. Once cooked, set aside.
- For the cheese sauce, put the flour, butter and milk in a large saucepan and place on a medium heat. Whisk until thickened and smooth. Once thick, add two thirds of the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Add roasted vegetables to tomato sauce. Stir in spinach and cook for 3 minutes. Season well with salt and lots of black pepper.
- Spoon a third of the vegetable mixture into a 2.5 – 3 litre lasagne dish, then cover with a single layer of lasagne and then cover with cheese sauce.
- Continue until you have layered as much as you can, ensuring that the cheese sauce is the final layer on top with a healthy mix of both cheeses.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the pasta has softened.
- Allow to settle for 5 minutes and then cut.
- Share your vegetarian meal inspiration with friends and family.
Vegetarian Meal Inspiration: Sesame Garlic Ramen Noodles
This vegetarian meal inspiration is super quick and easy making it the perfect weekday dinner. Follow the recipe below and enjoy.
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 2 packets of ramen noodles (flavouring sachet removed)
- 2 Tsp of sesame oil
- 2 Garlic cloves (minced)
- ¼ Cup soy sauce
- 1Tsp brown sugar
- 2 Tsp sriracha.
Method for this vegetarian meal inspiration:
- Cook the ramen noodles, drain and set aside.
- Heat the sesame oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the garlic and stir for 2 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and which in the soy sauce, brown sugar and sriracha until combined.
- Mix in the noodles and the sauce.
- Garnish with spring onions.
- Enjoy our vegetarian meal inspiration with friends and family.
Vegetarian Meal Inspiration: Cauliflower Curry
This vegetarian meal inspiration is a proper winter warmer and can be made as spicy as you like it. Follow the recipe below and enjoy.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 1 Tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Medium yellow onion (diced)
- 3 Cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh ginger (minced)
- 3 Tbsp Yellow curry powder
- 2 Tsp Cinnamon
- 2 Tsp Cumin
- 2 Tsp Sea salt
- 1 Can of chopped tomatoes
- 3 Cans of coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 1 Large Cauliflour (cut into bite sized pieces)
- Coriander (for garnish)
- Naan
- Rice
Method for this vegetarian meal inspiration:
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent for 5 minutes. Once translucent, add garlic and ginger and saute until fragrant for 1 minute.
- Stir in curry powder, cinnamon, cumin, salt and tomatoes.
- Shake your cans of coconut milk and bring the mix to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Blend the curry mixture with an immersion blender or alternatively, remove from heat and put it in the blender until smooth.
- Return curry sauce to a boil and add cauliflower florets. Simmer until the cauliflower is tender.
- Serve over rice with a garnish of coriander and a warm Regal Foods Big Plain Naan.
- Enjoy our vegetarian meal inspiration with friends and family.
