Vegan Recipes for Beginners: 25 Easy Plant-Based Meals

Starting to cook vegan is easier when you stop trying to replace meat one-for-one and start with dishes that are naturally plant-based. Many of the world's best dishes already are.

A beginner vegan pantry

• Protein: lentils (red and green), chickpeas, black beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, peanut butter.
• Grains: rice, pasta, oats, quinoa, bread.
• Flavor: soy sauce, miso, nutritional yeast, curry paste, tahini, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, ginger.
• Fats: olive oil, coconut milk, nuts, seeds, avocado.
• Dairy swaps: oat or soy milk, plant yogurt, vegan butter block.

Naturally vegan classics

1. Chana masala (chickpea curry).
2. Red lentil dal.
3. Pasta aglio e olio.
4. Black bean tacos with salsa and avocado.
5. Falafel with tahini sauce.
6. Minestrone (check the stock).
7. Vegetable stir-fry with tofu.
8. Mujaddara (lentils, rice and onions).
9. Hummus and roasted vegetable wraps.
10. Peanut noodles.

Comfort food, made vegan

1. Lentil bolognese.
2. Chili sin carne.
3. Mushroom stroganoff with cashew or oat cream.
4. Shepherd's pie with lentils.
5. Coconut curry with chickpeas and spinach.
6. Tofu scramble.
7. Vegan mac and cheese (cashew-based or nutritional yeast sauce).

Bowls and salads

1. Buddha bowl with quinoa, roasted chickpeas and tahini.
2. Burrito bowl.
3. Teriyaki tofu bowl.
4. Lentil salad with herbs.
5. Sesame soba noodle salad.

Breakfast and baking

1. Overnight oats with plant milk.
2. Banana pancakes (flax egg).
3. Chocolate chip cookies with vegan butter.

Techniques that make vegan food great

• Press tofu for 15–20 minutes, then cook it hot until golden.
• Brown mushrooms hard for meaty depth.
• Use umami boosters: miso, soy sauce, tomato paste, nutritional yeast.
• Finish with acid: lemon or vinegar brightens beans and lentils.

Common substitutions

See dairy-free substitutes and egg substitutes for baking.

Make any recipe vegan

Import a recipe into SmartChef AI and ask Cook AI: "Make this vegan, keep it high protein, list every swap." Save the version you like. The nutrition estimates help you check protein and fiber.

A simple vegan week

Eating out and social meals

Many cuisines have naturally vegan dishes: Indian dals and chana, Middle Eastern mezze, Ethiopian lentil stews, Thai curries (ask about fish sauce), Mexican bean dishes. Knowing a few makes eating out easy.

Frequently asked questions

What's the easiest vegan meal to start with?

Chickpea curry, lentil dal, pasta aglio e olio and black bean tacos are simple and naturally vegan.

How do vegans get enough protein?

Lentils, beans, tofu, tempeh, edamame, seitan and whole grains provide plenty when eaten throughout the day.

What nutrients should vegans pay attention to?

Vitamin B12 in particular, plus vitamin D, iron, calcium, iodine and omega-3s. A doctor or dietitian can advise on supplements.