Healthy vegan eating doesn’t have to be bland or boring! The BBC Good Food healthy vegan recipes collection is a treasure trove for anyone craving vibrant flavors, nourishing ingredients, and effortless preparation.
Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based eater or simply seeking to add more wholesome meals to your routine, these recipes offer something for every palate and lifestyle. From hearty mains to satisfying snacks and creative salads, each dish is designed to maximize nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Plus, you’ll discover how easy it is to create meals that are as good for your body as they are for the planet.
In today’s post, I’ll spotlight a few standout BBC Good Food-inspired healthy vegan recipes—think Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, Rainbow Veggie Stir Fry, and Chickpea & Spinach Curry. Each recipe is packed with plant power, flavor, and practical tips.
Ready to be inspired? Let’s dive into the world of healthy vegan cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
There’s a reason BBC Good Food’s healthy vegan recipes are beloved by cooks of all skill levels. Each dish combines nutritious ingredients with bold, satisfying flavors, ensuring you never feel deprived.
The recipes are:
- Quick and easy – Most can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy evenings.
- Budget-friendly – They use everyday ingredients that are easy to find and affordable.
- Meal-prep friendly – Many dishes keep well and taste even better the next day.
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters will love these comforting and colorful meals.
- Customizable – Adaptable for allergies, preferences, or what’s in your fridge.
“Healthy vegan meals can be vibrant, filling, and delicious—no compromise on taste or nutrition!”
Ingredients
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 tbsp vegan butter
- 1/4 cup plant milk (soy, almond, or oat)
Rainbow Veggie Stir Fry
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small broccoli head, cut into florets
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 100g sugar snap peas
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- Cooked rice or noodles, to serve
Chickpea & Spinach Curry
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- Fresh cilantro, to garnish
- Cooked basmati rice, to serve
Equipment
- Large saucepan or stockpot
- Frying pan or wok
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Baking dish (for Shepherd’s Pie)
- Colander (for draining beans/lentils)
- Serving bowls
Instructions
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6.
- Cook the potatoes in a large pot of salted water for 15-20 minutes, until fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables by heating olive oil in a large saucepan. Add onion, carrot, and celery, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add lentils and flavorings: Stir in lentils, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, paprika, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, until lentils are tender and mixture thickens.
- Prepare the mash: Mash cooked potatoes with vegan butter and plant milk. Season to taste.
- Assemble and bake: Remove bay leaf from lentil mixture. Spoon into a baking dish, top with mashed potatoes, and smooth over. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Serve hot with a side salad or steamed greens.
Rainbow Veggie Stir Fry
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Toss in peppers, broccoli, carrot, mushrooms, and sugar snap peas. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until crisp-tender and vibrant.
- Season: Pour in soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, and toss to coat. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Chickpea & Spinach Curry
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add spices: Stir in cumin, coriander, garam masala, turmeric, and chili powder. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
- Add tomatoes and chickpeas: Pour in chopped tomatoes and chickpeas, stir, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Stir in coconut milk and spinach: Add coconut milk and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts and curry thickens, about 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, alongside basmati rice.
Tips & Variations
- Mix up the veggies: Use whatever is in season or in your fridge—think sweet potato, squash, peas, or kale.
- Boost the protein: Add tofu, tempeh, or extra beans to your stir-fry for a heartier meal.
- Spice it up: Adjust chili, ginger, or add hot sauce for extra heat.
- Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and gluten-free noodles or rice.
- Batch cook: Double the recipe and freeze portions for quick, healthy meals later.
“Don’t be afraid to experiment—vegan recipes are endlessly versatile and forgiving!”
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories | Protein | Fiber | Fat | Carbs |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Lentil Shepherd’s Pie (per serving) | 350 | 14g | 12g | 6g | 58g |
Rainbow Veggie Stir Fry (per serving, without rice/noodles) | 220 | 6g | 7g | 8g | 32g |
Chickpea & Spinach Curry (per serving, without rice) | 260 | 10g | 8g | 10g | 34g |
These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions
- Lentil Shepherd’s Pie: Pair with steamed green beans or a crisp side salad for extra fiber.
- Rainbow Veggie Stir Fry: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or even homemade vegetable crackers for a fun crunch.
- Chickpea & Spinach Curry: Ladle over fluffy basmati rice or scoop up with warm flatbread. Add a spoonful of vegan bechamel sauce for a creamy twist.
- Add a cooling side of vegan Greek-style yogurt to balance the spices.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs or toasted nuts for texture and flavor.
Conclusion
BBC Good Food’s healthy vegan recipes truly showcase how plant-based cooking can be easy, wholesome, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a comforting Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, a vibrant Rainbow Veggie Stir Fry, or a hearty Chickpea & Spinach Curry, you’ll discover that eating vegan is anything but restrictive.
Each recipe celebrates beautiful ingredients and simple techniques, making it accessible for cooks of all levels.
Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite vegetables, herbs, and global flavors. The world of vegan cooking is vast—and so rewarding!
Explore more healthy inspiration with recipes like Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or try a sweet treat like Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious. Happy cooking, and enjoy every nourishing bite!
More Healthy Vegan Recipes to Try
Looking to expand your plant-based repertoire? Here are more BBC Good Food-inspired healthy vegan recipes that are sure to delight:
- Vegan Chili: Packed with beans, tomatoes, and warming spices. Try this Chili Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal for a fuss-free dinner.
- Vegetable Alfredo: Creamy, dairy-free alfredo made with cashews or cauliflower. Get inspired with Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
- Slow Cooker Veggie Stew: Toss in seasonal vegetables, beans, and herbs for a set-it-and-forget-it meal. For ideas, check out Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
- Peruvian Vegetable Recipes: Discover bold new flavors with Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals.
- Homemade Vegan Bread: Nothing beats a fresh loaf. Bake your own with Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
- Vegan Caviar: Impress your guests with this elegant, plant-based treat. Try Vegan Caviar Recipe: Easy, Tasty, and Luxurious Guide.
From hearty mains to creative snacks, BBC Good Food’s healthy vegan recipes prove that nutritious eating can be joyful, delicious, and endlessly varied. Let these recipes inspire your next kitchen adventure!
📖 Recipe Card: Healthy Vegan Chickpea & Spinach Curry
Description: A quick, flavorful vegan curry packed with chickpeas, spinach, and aromatic spices. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 100g fresh spinach
- 150ml vegetable stock
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander, to serve
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic and ginger; cook for 1 minute.
- Add curry powder and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chopped tomatoes and vegetable stock, then bring to a simmer.
- Stir in chickpeas and cook for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Squeeze in lemon juice, season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 9g | Fat: 6g | Carbs: 32g
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