Coles Recipes Vegetarian: Easy & Tasty Meal Ideas

Are you in search of delicious and easy vegetarian meals that are both nourishing and crowd-pleasing? Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian, cooking for a plant-based guest, or just trying to add more veggies to your weekly menu, Coles recipes vegetarian style offer a world of colorful, flavorful options.

From hearty mains to vibrant sides, these vegetarian recipes are inspired by what you’ll find in any Coles supermarket—fresh produce, pantry staples, and a dash of creativity. In this blog post, you’ll find step-by-step guides to some of the most beloved Coles-inspired vegetarian dishes, each one tested for maximum flavor and ease.

Get ready to discover new favorites and enjoy wholesome meals that everyone at your table will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes these Coles vegetarian recipes stand out? For starters, they’re built for busy home cooks who want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen.

Every dish is:

• Quick to prepare—most are ready in under 45 minutes
• Budget-friendly—using ingredients you can easily find at Coles
• Flexible—adaptable for vegan, gluten-free, or dairy-free needs
• Family-approved—even picky eaters love these flavors

“These recipes make plant-based eating fun, accessible, and truly delicious. You’ll look forward to dinner every night!”

Plus, each recipe is packed with nutrients, making them perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or even special occasions.

Ingredients

Below are the ingredient lists for three must-try Coles-inspired vegetarian recipes: Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie, Chickpea & Pumpkin Curry, and Veggie-Packed Pasta Bake. Each dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can grab on your next Coles shop.

Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 cups green or brown lentils (cooked, drained)
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups frozen peas
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 4 large potatoes (for mash)
• 1/3 cup milk or plant milk
• 2 tbsp butter or vegan margarine

Chickpea & Pumpkin Curry

• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp mild curry powder
• 2 cups pumpkin, peeled & cubed
• 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained & rinsed
• 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh coriander, for serving
• Cooked basmati rice, to serve

Veggie-Packed Pasta Bake

• 300g penne or spiral pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 red capsicum, diced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups passata (tomato puree)
• 1 tsp Italian herbs
• 1/2 cup grated cheese or vegan cheese
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Equipment

These recipes keep things simple, so you’ll likely already have the necessary tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large frying pan or skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Large pot (for boiling pasta or potatoes)
• Baking dish (for shepherd’s pie and pasta bake)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander (for draining pasta and lentils)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Potato masher
• Oven

Instructions

Vegetarian Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
2. Boil the potatoes: Place peeled, chopped potatoes into a large pot of salted water. Boil until tender (about 15 minutes).
3. Sauté the veggies: Heat olive oil in a large frying pan. Add onion, carrot, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, until softened.
4. Build the filling: Add thyme, smoked paprika, lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable stock, and tomato paste. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in peas, season with salt and pepper, and cook 2 minutes more.
5. Make the mash: Drain the potatoes and mash with milk and butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.
6. Assemble: Spread the lentil mixture in a baking dish. Spoon the mashed potatoes over the top and spread evenly. Use a fork to create ridges for crispiness.
7. Bake: Place in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
8. Serve: Let cool slightly, then scoop and enjoy.

Chickpea & Pumpkin Curry

1. Heat coconut oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
2. Add garlic and curry powder, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in pumpkin and cook for 2-3 minutes. Pour in chickpeas, coconut milk, and diced tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until pumpkin is tender.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt.
6. Serve hot, garnished with coriander and alongside cooked rice.

Veggie-Packed Pasta Bake

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced).
2. Cook pasta according to packet instructions. Drain well.
3. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a pan. Add capsicum, zucchini, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Combine cooked pasta, sautéed veggies, passata, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix well.
5. Transfer to a baking dish and top with grated cheese.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, or until cheese is golden and bubbling.
7. Cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Switch up the veggies: Use whatever is in season or on special at Coles, such as sweet potato, broccoli, or eggplant.
• Make it vegan: Replace all dairy with plant-based alternatives.
• Add protein: Toss in a can of beans or some tofu for an extra protein boost.
• Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
• Meal prep friendly: All these dishes reheat beautifully, making them ideal for batch cooking.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta or swap mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower.

“Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs and spices—these vegetarian recipes are a great base for your own creative touches!”

Craving even more inspiration? Try these A to Z Vegetarian Recipes for Every Meal and Occasion or explore hearty grains in Ancient Grains Vegetarian Recipes for Healthy Delicious Meals.

Nutrition Facts

Here is a general nutrition breakdown per serving (approximate):

Each recipe is high in fiber, rich in plant protein, and naturally low in saturated fat. For even more nutrient-dense options, check out these Cheap Nutrient Dense Vegan Recipes for Healthy Eating.

Serving Suggestions

• Shepherd’s Pie: Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread.
• Chickpea & Pumpkin Curry: Pair with fluffy basmati rice and warm naan or pita. Top with extra coriander and a squeeze of lime.
• Pasta Bake: Delicious with steamed veggies or a crisp side salad tossed in a Vegan Salad Dressing Recipe for Fresh and Flavorful Meals.

These dishes also make fantastic leftovers—pack them for lunch or freeze in portions for busy nights.

Conclusion

Eating vegetarian doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, satisfaction, or variety. With these Coles recipes vegetarian style, you have everything you need to create vibrant, nourishing meals that everyone will love.

The best part? You’ll find all the ingredients right at your local Coles, and you can easily adapt each recipe to your preferences or dietary needs.

Whether you’re new to plant-based cooking or an old pro, these dishes are sure to become weeknight staples. Don’t forget to try new flavors, play with seasonal produce, and check out more inspiration—like Cheap Vegetarian Recipes For Families Everyone Will Love or explore pasta possibilities with Amazing Vegan Pasta Recipes for Easy Delicious Meals.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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