Cook Up Recipe Vegetarian Ideas for Easy Healthy Meals

Updated On: October 8, 2025

Are you craving a delicious, wholesome meal that’s packed with vibrant veggies and flavors but without any meat? This Cook Up Recipe Vegetarian is exactly what you need!

Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe offers a perfect balance of nutrition, ease, and taste. With fresh ingredients, aromatic spices, and a quick cooking process, this dish will soon become a staple in your kitchen.

Vegetarian cooking is all about celebrating nature’s bounty, and this recipe is no exception. It combines colorful vegetables, hearty legumes, and fragrant herbs to create a meal that’s satisfying and comforting.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the veggies based on what you have at home or add your favorite spices to suit your palate.

Ready to dive into a simple yet flavorful vegetarian cook-up? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out because it’s fast to prepare, nutritious, and incredibly flexible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome without spending hours in the kitchen.

The blend of fresh vegetables and spices creates a rich, hearty flavor that satisfies both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.

Additionally, it makes great leftovers and reheats beautifully, which means less food waste and more convenience. The ingredients are commonly found in most pantries, making it accessible for everyone.

If you enjoy exploring vegetarian dishes, you might also want to check out our A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion for more inspiration.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 1 zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Equipment

  • Large sauté pan or skillet with lid
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener
  • Serving bowls or plates

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant.
  3. Stir in the diced bell peppers and carrots. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still have a slight crunch.
  4. Add the diced zucchini and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat all the vegetables with the spices.
  6. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add the cooked chickpeas and cooked brown rice or quinoa to the pan. Mix everything thoroughly and cover with a lid.
  8. Let it cook on low heat for 8-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
  9. Remove the lid, give the mixture a final stir, and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

To make this dish even more nutritious, try swapping the brown rice with ancient grains like farro or barley. You can find some great ideas in our Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Tip: If you prefer a creamier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of coconut milk or a dollop of plain yogurt just before serving.

Variations: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or corn. For extra protein, throw in some diced tofu or tempeh.

Spice lovers can enhance the flavor by adding a homemade chilli powder blend.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fat 8 g
Fiber 9 g
Vitamin A 90% DV
Vitamin C 70% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian cook-up is a fantastic standalone dish, but you can also pair it with a fresh green salad or warm flatbread to round out the meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a creamy avocado salad.

If you want to explore more delicious vegetarian dinners, be sure to check out our Best Vegetarian Recipes No Dairy for Delicious Meals and Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love.

Conclusion

This cook-up recipe vegetarian is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can create a satisfying and flavorful meal. It’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, healthy, and meat-free option that doesn’t compromise on taste.

The combination of fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and spices ensures you get a nourishing dish packed with color and nutrients.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone feeling satisfied. Don’t forget to experiment with different veggies and spices to make it your own unique creation.

For more exciting vegetarian ideas, explore our collection of recipes designed to bring joy and health to your table.

📖 Recipe Card: Cook Up Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A quick and flavorful vegetarian dish packed with fresh vegetables and spices. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cooked chickpeas
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
  3. Stir in bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
  4. Add cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, cumin, and paprika; cook for 7 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and pepper.
  6. Mix in cooked quinoa and heat through.
  7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 48 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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