Cheap Vegan Recipes For Beginners: Easy & Tasty Ideas

Starting a vegan journey can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re concerned about both your budget and your kitchen skills. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your week, you’ll be glad to know that eating vegan doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.

In fact, some of the world’s favorite vegan dishes are rooted in simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry—think rice, beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. These cheap vegan recipes for beginners are perfect for anyone who wants to eat well without breaking the bank, and they don’t require fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients.

Below, I’ll walk you through three budget-friendly, beginner-approved vegan recipes: Simple Chickpea Curry, Hearty Lentil Soup, and Easy Peanut Butter Noodles. Each recipe is easy, filling, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Plus, I’ll share tips, nutrition facts, and serving suggestions to make your vegan adventure as enjoyable as possible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Affordable: Uses everyday pantry staples and seasonal veggies to keep costs low.
• Easy to Make: Step-by-step instructions designed for absolute beginners.
• Customizable: Swap in your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Nutritious: Each recipe is balanced with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Quick: Most recipes take under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Family-Friendly: Mild flavors that can easily be adapted for kids or picky eaters.

Ingredients

Simple Chickpea Curry

Hearty Lentil Soup

Easy Peanut Butter Noodles

Equipment

• Large saucepan or soup pot
• Small skillet (for sautéing)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl (for noodle sauce)
• Colander (for draining pasta or beans)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Optional: Rice cooker or Instant Pot for convenience

Instructions

Simple Chickpea Curry

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
3. Sprinkle in the curry powder, stirring constantly for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
4. Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in coconut milk if using. Bring to a gentle simmer.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Serve hot over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

Hearty Lentil Soup

1. Rinse lentils under cold water and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
4. Stir in lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add water if soup becomes too thick.
7. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.

Easy Peanut Butter Noodles

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and garlic until smooth. Add a splash of hot water if needed to thin the sauce.
3. Toss cooked noodles with the sauce until well coated.
4. Add carrots and cucumber, tossing to combine.
5. Top with chopped peanuts and green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Batch cook and freeze portions for busy weeknights.
• Use canned beans for convenience, or cook dried beans for extra savings.
• Swap vegetables based on seasonality—zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach work well.
• Spice it up by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to taste.
• For a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or quinoa instead of wheat pasta or rice.
• Double the recipes to save time and have leftovers for lunch.

“Cooking vegan on a budget is all about flexibility. Don’t be afraid to use what you have—these recipes are endlessly adaptable!”

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair the chickpea curry with steamed broccoli or a simple cucumber salad for extra freshness.
• Enjoy lentil soup with a slice of homemade bread or a side of roasted potatoes.
• For the peanut butter noodles, add steamed edamame or sautéed tofu for extra protein.
• All three dishes make delicious leftovers—pack them for lunch the next day!
• Round out any meal with a refreshing drink, like this Huckleberry Margarita Recipe (mocktail version for a family-friendly option).

Conclusion

When you’re new to vegan cooking, starting with simple, affordable recipes is the best way to build confidence and keep your food budget in check. The Simple Chickpea Curry, Hearty Lentil Soup, and Easy Peanut Butter Noodles are flavorful, filling, and incredibly easy to make—even if you’re a total beginner.

With just a few ingredients and basic kitchen tools, you can create delicious vegan meals that will satisfy your taste buds and your wallet.

Remember, the best part about vegan cooking is its flexibility—don’t hesitate to experiment with different beans, grains, and veggies based on what you have or what’s on sale. If you’re looking to expand your plant-based repertoire, try our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or explore something sweet with this Lemon Straws Recipe.

For a unique twist, check out the Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes as well.

Happy cooking, and welcome to the world of easy, cheap vegan eats!

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