The UK’s vibrant culinary scene has embraced veganism with open arms, offering a wide array of delicious, plant-based dishes that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a lifelong vegan, flexitarian, or simply looking to try something new, these best vegan recipes from the UK combine traditional flavours with wholesome, cruelty-free ingredients.
From hearty mains to delightful desserts, this collection showcases the versatility and creativity of vegan cooking. Packed with fresh produce and rich plant-based proteins, these recipes are easy to prepare and sure to impress family and friends alike.
Let’s dive into some of the most loved vegan dishes that perfectly capture the essence of British comfort food, all while being kind to the planet.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
These vegan recipes are designed to bring out the best of British flavours without compromising on taste or nutrition. They use accessible ingredients you can find in any UK supermarket and are tailored to fit into busy lifestyles without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a warming stew, a vibrant salad, or a sweet treat, these dishes offer something for every palate.
Health-conscious, environmentally friendly, and incredibly tasty – these recipes prove that vegan food is anything but boring. Each recipe balances flavour, texture, and nutrition, making plant-based eating enjoyable and satisfying.
Ingredients
- Chickpeas – 2 cans (400g each), drained and rinsed
- Butternut squash – 1 medium, peeled and diced
- Kale – 200g, chopped
- Red onions – 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic cloves – 3, minced
- Tomato purée – 2 tablespoons
- Vegetable stock – 500ml
- Coconut milk – 1 can (400ml)
- Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Cumin – 1 teaspoon
- Ground coriander – 1 teaspoon
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh coriander – handful, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked basmati rice or crusty bread – to serve
Equipment
- Large saucepan or deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Can opener
- Serving bowls
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in the saucepan over medium heat. Add the red onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and ground coriander. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Mix in the tomato purée and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring frequently to combine well.
- Add the diced butternut squash and cook for 5 minutes, allowing it to start softening.
- Pour in the vegetable stock and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Stir in the chickpeas, kale, and coconut milk. Simmer for another 5-7 minutes, allowing the kale to wilt and the flavours to meld.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Serve hot over basmati rice or with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh coriander.
Tips & Variations
For extra heat, add a chopped fresh chili when sautéing the onions and garlic. To make this recipe nut-free, ensure your stock is free from any nut derivatives.
You can swap butternut squash for sweet potatoes or carrots for a different twist.
Try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving to enhance the freshness. For a more protein-packed meal, sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds or add cooked quinoa instead of rice.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (serves 4) |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 12g |
Carbohydrates | 45g |
Fat | 10g |
Fiber | 10g |
Sugar | 8g |
Sodium | 400mg |
Serving Suggestions
This hearty vegan stew pairs beautifully with Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for a creamy pasta side or alongside Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a comforting plant-based feast.
For dessert, try a slice of the rich and indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe to round off your vegan meal with a sweet touch.
Conclusion
Embracing vegan recipes from the UK means celebrating a diverse range of flavours and ingredients that nourish the body and delight the senses. These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to introduce more plant-based meals into their weekly routine without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
With the right balance of spices, fresh veggies, and hearty legumes, you’ll find vegan cooking both exciting and fulfilling.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting your plant-based journey, these dishes provide a fantastic foundation. Don’t forget to explore other wonderful vegan options available, and keep experimenting with seasonal produce to keep meals fresh and enjoyable.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Description: A hearty and comforting vegan shepherd's pie made with lentils and vegetables, topped with creamy mashed potatoes. Perfect for a wholesome UK-style meal.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery sticks, diced
- 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 cups mashed potatoes (made with vegan butter and plant milk)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until soft.
- Stir in lentils, tomato paste, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in vegetable broth and simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender.
- Transfer lentil mixture to a baking dish and spread mashed potatoes evenly on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes until the top is golden and crispy.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 50 g
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