Budget Vegan Recipes UK: Easy & Delicious Meals on a Budget

Eating vegan on a budget in the UK doesn’t mean you have to compromise on taste or nutrition. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can whip up delicious, wholesome meals that satisfy your palate and your wallet.

Whether you’re new to plant-based eating or looking to stretch your food budget, these budget vegan recipes combine affordable ingredients readily available in UK supermarkets with simple cooking techniques.

From hearty stews to fresh salads and comforting mains, these dishes prove that vegan meals can be both economical and exciting.

In this post, we’ll explore several budget-friendly vegan recipes that are perfect for everyday meals. Plus, you’ll find tips on how to save even more and suggestions for variations to suit your taste.

Ready to dive into tasty, affordable vegan cooking? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These budget vegan recipes are designed to be simple, affordable, and bursting with flavour. They use staple ingredients like dried lentils, seasonal vegetables, and pantry basics that won’t break the bank.

Each recipe focuses on maximizing nutrition and taste while keeping preparation straightforward, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

You’ll find that these meals are:

• Cost-effective: Using inexpensive ingredients that are easy to find in UK stores.
• Nutritious: Packed with fibre, protein, and essential vitamins.
• Versatile: Easy to customize with what you have on hand.
• Delicious: Proven flavour combinations that satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

• Brown lentils – 200g
• Chopped tomatoes (canned) – 400g can
• Frozen mixed vegetables – 300g
• Potatoes – 500g, peeled and diced
• Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic cloves – 2, minced
• Vegetable stock cube – 1
• Olive oil – 2 tbsp
• Ground cumin – 1 tsp
• Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Fresh coriander (optional) – a handful, chopped

Equipment

• Large saucepan or pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener
• Serving bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients: Peel and dice the potatoes, finely chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
2. Heat olive oil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil.
3. Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
4. Add spices: Stir in the ground cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute to release the aromas.
5. Add lentils and potatoes: Pour in the brown lentils and diced potatoes. Stir to coat them in the spices and oil.
6. Add liquids: Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes along with 500ml of boiling water. Crumble in the vegetable stock cube and stir well.
7. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils and potatoes are tender.
8. Add frozen vegetables: Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables and cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
9. Season: Taste and add salt and black pepper as needed.
10. Serve: Garnish with fresh coriander if using, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavour, add a splash of soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.

Try swapping brown lentils for red lentils for a creamier texture or using sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for a sweeter twist. Leftover stew makes a great filling for wraps or can be blended into a warming soup.

To save even more money, buy dried lentils in bulk and use seasonal vegetables from local markets.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty vegan lentil stew is perfect served with a side of crusty wholemeal bread or over fluffy brown rice for a filling meal. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.

It also works wonderfully as a topping for baked potatoes or as a base for a nutritious vegan shepherd’s pie when topped with mashed potatoes.

More Budget Vegan Recipes to Try

Looking to expand your vegan cooking repertoire? Here are some other easy, budget-friendly vegan recipes perfect for UK kitchens:

• Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula – A refreshing pasta dish made with vegan ricotta and peppery arugula.
• Lion’s Mane Mushroom Crumble – A savoury crumble featuring the unique texture of lion’s mane mushrooms.
• Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food – A comforting hash packed with root vegetables and warming spices.

Conclusion

Eating vegan on a budget in the UK is entirely achievable with a little planning and the right recipes. The lentil and potato stew shared here is just one example of how you can create nourishing, flavourful meals without spending a fortune.

By focusing on staples like lentils, potatoes, and frozen vegetables, you get maximum nutrition and taste at minimal cost.

Remember, vegan cooking is all about creativity and flexibility. Use these recipes as a foundation and experiment with different ingredients and spices to suit your preferences.

If you’re interested in more budget-conscious ideas, check out the other delicious vegan recipes linked above. Happy cooking!

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