Eating vegetarian doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. In fact, some of the most delicious and satisfying meals can come from simple, affordable ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
Whether you’re a student on a budget, a busy professional looking for quick solutions, or simply want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, easy cheap vegetarian recipes are a fantastic way to nourish your body and delight your taste buds without breaking the bank.
This blog post will guide you through a flavorful and budget-friendly vegetarian recipe that anyone can master. Packed with wholesome ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Plus, we’ll share tips and variations to customize the recipe to your liking and offer insights into the nutrition benefits of eating plant-based. If you ever want to explore more vegetarian delights, feel free to check out some of our other popular recipes like Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious or Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe shines because it combines affordability, simplicity, and taste in one easy-to-make dish. It uses everyday ingredients that are inexpensive and widely available, making it perfect for anyone wanting to eat healthy without splurging.
Quick to prepare, this meal fits perfectly into busy lifestyles while still delivering on flavor. The dish is also flexible — you can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a wonderful base for experimentation.
Best of all, this recipe is nutrient-rich, providing a great balance of protein, fiber, and vitamins from wholesome plant-based sources. Whether you’re a vegetarian veteran or just starting to explore meatless meals, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dried Lentils | 1 cup | Brown or green lentils work best |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Carrot | 1 large | Grated or finely diced |
| Canned Diced Tomatoes | 1 (14 oz) can | With juices |
| Vegetable Broth | 2 cups | Low sodium preferred |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | For sautéing |
| Ground Cumin | 1 teaspoon | Optional but adds warmth |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black Pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Fresh Parsley or Cilantro | 2 tablespoons | Chopped, for garnish |
| Cooked Rice or Quinoa | 2 cups | Optional serving base |
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for carrot)
- Colander (for rinsing lentils)
Instructions
- Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water using a colander. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and grated carrot to the saucepan and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently so the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add the rinsed lentils and vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir in the ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with the lid. Let it simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check seasoning and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Remove from heat and let the lentils rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and serve hot, either on its own or over cooked rice or quinoa for a fuller meal.
Tips & Variations
“To save even more time, cook a big batch of lentils ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. This way, you can whip up this dish or other lentil-based meals in just minutes.”
You can easily customize this recipe based on what you have in your pantry or your flavor preferences. For instance, add chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies, or toss in a handful of spinach or kale toward the end of cooking for added greens.
Want a little heat? Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions and garlic.
For a smoky flavor, try stirring in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika.
Looking for a more protein-packed meal? Stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or black beans when you add the lentils.
For a creamy texture, swirl in a spoonful of plain yogurt or a dairy-free alternative just before serving.
If you’re interested in other affordable and flavorful vegetarian recipes, don’t miss our Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor or our Vegan Flour Tortilla Recipe Easy, Soft, and Homemade to complement your meals.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 15 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg (varies with broth and added salt) |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1200 IU |
This dish provides a great source of plant-based protein and dietary fiber, which are essential for digestive health and sustained energy. The lentils are rich in iron, which is important for vegetarians to maintain healthy red blood cells, and the carrots contribute a good dose of vitamin A.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetarian lentil stew pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Serve it over steamed white or brown rice, try it with quinoa for an extra protein boost, or enjoy it alongside warm flatbreads or tortillas.
For a crunchy contrast, add a side salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
To turn this meal into a heartier feast, pair it with our Vegan Bread Maker Recipe for Soft and Delicious Loaves for homemade bread that’s perfect for dipping. Or, if you want to keep things light, add a serving of steamed or roasted vegetables seasoned simply with lemon and herbs.
Conclusion
Easy cheap vegetarian recipes like this lentil stew are wonderful examples of how delicious and nutritious plant-based meals can be without costing a fortune or requiring complicated cooking techniques.
With just a handful of affordable ingredients, you can create a filling, flavorful dish that satisfies your hunger and supports a healthy lifestyle.
Embracing vegetarian cooking opens up a world of possibilities, and this recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, spices, or grains to make it your own.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more tasty ideas like our Vegan Halloween Dessert Recipes That Will Wow Your Guests or the Veganomicon Recipes Online: Best Dishes to Try Today for more inspiration.
Happy cooking and here’s to many more affordable, easy, and delicious vegetarian meals!
📖 Recipe Card: Easy Chickpea Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and budget-friendly vegetarian stir-fry packed with protein and veggies. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa, to serve
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add bell pepper and zucchini; cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in chickpeas, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 5 minutes until veggies are tender.
- Add spinach and soy sauce; stir until spinach wilts.
- Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 45g
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