Cheap Vegan Recipes UK: Delicious Meals On A Budget

Eating vegan in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, some of the most flavourful, budget-friendly dishes are naturally plant-based and made from staple ingredients found in any British supermarket.

Whether you’re a student, feeding a family, or simply looking to cut down on your grocery bill, these cheap vegan recipes UK are designed to be nourishing, easy, and full of taste. Using affordable ingredients like lentils, chickpeas, potatoes, and seasonal veg, you can whip up satisfying meals without breaking the bank.

In this post, you’ll discover a selection of my favourite low-cost vegan recipes that are perfect for anyone living in the UK. From a hearty lentil cottage pie to a quick chickpea curry and a classic budget-friendly vegetable stew, you’ll find inspiration for every meal of the week.

Let’s celebrate how delicious and accessible vegan cooking can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Affordable and Accessible: Every recipe uses easy-to-find, low-cost ingredients available in UK supermarkets like Tesco, Asda, Lidl, or Aldi.
• Simple Preparation: Each dish is straightforward to make, requiring minimal kitchen equipment and basic skills.
• Hearty & Filling: These vegan meals are designed to keep you full and satisfied, thanks to protein-rich legumes and wholesome veg.
• Family Friendly: Mild spices and classic British flavours mean these recipes are suitable for adults and kids alike.
• Versatile: Perfect for batch cooking, meal prep, or freezing for later – ideal for busy lifestyles and tight budgets.

Cheap Vegan Recipes UK: The Ultimate Budget-Friendly List

Here are three of the top cheap vegan recipes perfect for UK kitchens. Each recipe comes with a detailed ingredient list, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making the most of your budget.

They’re all naturally vegan, packed with nutrition, and sure to become household favourites!

Lentil & Vegetable Cottage Pie

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large saucepan
• Medium saucepan
• Ovenproof casserole dish (approx 2L)
• Potato masher
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Measuring jug

Instructions

1. Cook the lentils: Rinse the lentils in a colander. Place in a large saucepan, cover with plenty of water, and simmer for 20–25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the veg: In the same pan, heat a little oil and add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
3. Make the filling: Stir in the tomato puree, soy sauce, and thyme. Add the cooked lentils, peas, and crumble in the stock cube. Pour in 200ml water. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Season with pepper.
4. Prepare the mash: Meanwhile, boil the potatoes in salted water for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain, add margarine and plant milk, and mash until smooth.
5. Assemble: Spoon the lentil mixture into the casserole dish. Top evenly with mashed potato, roughing up the surface with a fork.
6. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan) for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
7. Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes and serve hot. Enjoy with steamed greens or a simple side salad.

Tips & Variations

• Switch up the veg: Add whatever’s cheap and in season – swede, parsnip, or sweetcorn work well.
• Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of smoked paprika or chilli flakes for extra warmth.
• Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for last-minute dinners.
• “Don’t have lentils? Canned beans make a great substitute – just reduce the cooking time.”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with steamed broccoli or cabbage for a classic British touch.
• Pair with a simple salad of greens, cucumber, and tomatoes for freshness.
• Leftovers are fantastic in a lunchbox or reheated for a quick dinner.

Speedy Chickpea & Spinach Curry

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large frying pan or saucepan
• Chopping board & knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil in a pan. Fry onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and ginger, cook 2 minutes more.
2. Add spices: Stir in curry powder and cumin; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Simmer: Pour in chopped tomatoes and chickpeas. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Add spinach: Stir in spinach and cook until wilted (or heated through, if using frozen).
5. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Tips & Variations

• Extra veg: Add diced peppers, courgette, or peas for more colour and nutrition.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a richer curry.
• Bulk it up: Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or even a jacket potato for a hearty meal.
• “Curry always tastes better the next day – make extra for lunch!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fluffy basmati rice or wholemeal pita for a speedy dinner.
• Add a dollop of plant-based yoghurt or mango chutney to cool the heat.
• Serve alongside a crisp cucumber salad for freshness.

Budget-Friendly Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large saucepan or soup pot
• Chopping board & knife
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Instructions

1. Sauté veg: Heat oil in a large pot. Add onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and parsnip (if using). Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring, until softened slightly.
2. Add flavour: Stir in tomato puree and dried herbs. Add bay leaf and crumble in the stock cubes.
3. Simmer: Pour in 1 litre water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until veg is tender.
4. Add frozen veg: Stir in frozen mixed veg. Cook 5 minutes more.
5. Season & serve: Remove bay leaf. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve piping hot with crusty bread.

Tips & Variations

• Swap veg: Use whatever root vegetables are on offer. Leeks, turnips, or squash work well.
• Add beans: For extra protein, add a drained tin of butter beans or cannellini beans.
• Make it a stew & dumplings: Top with herby vegan dumplings for a truly comforting meal.
• “Stews are perfect for using up what’s in the fridge!”

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with thick slices of wholemeal bread or vegan scones for a filling supper.
• Top with a swirl of vegan pesto or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
• Enjoy as a warming lunch, or batch-cook for easy weeknight dinners.

Other Cheap Vegan Recipe Inspiration

• Try this Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food for a hearty, budget-friendly vegan meal.
• If you like creative plant-based dishes, check out these unique Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.
• For a fresh and zesty pasta, don’t miss this Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

Eating vegan on a budget in the UK is not only possible, but it can be delicious, comforting, and satisfying. With the right recipes, a little creativity, and smart shopping, you can enjoy hearty meals that are kind to your wallet and the planet.

The lentil cottage pie, chickpea curry, and vegetable stew above prove that you don’t need fancy ingredients or expensive products to eat well. By focusing on staple foods and seasonal produce, you’ll discover a world of flavour and nutrition without breaking the bank.

Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, these cheap vegan recipes UK are sure to inspire. Happy cooking – and don’t forget to explore the rest of the blog for more budget-friendly vegan recipes and tips!

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