Welcome to Mary Makes It Easy, your go-to place for simple, wholesome, and delicious vegetarian recipes that anyone can prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are designed to be approachable, flavorful, and satisfying.
Mary believes cooking should be fun and stress-free, so she shares easy-to-follow recipes that use everyday ingredients without sacrificing taste or nutrition.
From vibrant salads to hearty mains, this collection of vegetarian recipes will inspire you to explore the diverse world of plant-based cooking. Plus, you’ll find helpful tips, variations, and nutritional insights to make each meal perfectly tailored to your preferences.
Ready to dive into a tasty, meatless adventure? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mary Makes It Easy vegetarian recipes are designed to bring convenience and flavor right to your kitchen. These recipes use common pantry staples and fresh produce, making meal prep quick and budget-friendly.
They’re perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests with minimal effort.
What sets Mary’s recipes apart is the focus on balanced nutrition and bold flavors. Each dish is crafted to satisfy your taste buds while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein from plant sources.
Plus, with a variety of textures and seasonings, these recipes keep your meals exciting and far from boring.
For those who want to expand their cooking repertoire, Mary also includes links to other favorite recipes like Veggie Quesadilla Recipe Indian Style Easy & Delicious and Vegan Slow Cooker Recipe for Easy, Delicious Meals, so you can explore a world of plant-based delights.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chickpeas (cooked or canned) | 1 ½ cups | Rinsed and drained if canned |
| Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Extra virgin preferred |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves | Minced |
| Carrots | 2 medium | Diced |
| Spinach | 3 cups | Fresh, roughly chopped |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons | For richness |
| Vegetable broth | 1 cup | Low sodium recommended |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon | Warm spice note |
| Smoked paprika | 1 teaspoon | Optional, for smoky flavor |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | Freshly ground preferred |
| Fresh lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Brightens flavors |
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander (if using canned chickpeas)
- Bowl for mixing
- Optional: food processor for smoother texture
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Rinse and drain canned chickpeas if using. Chop the onion, garlic, and carrots, and roughly chop the spinach.
- Heat olive oil: Place your skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add garlic and carrots: Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften the carrots.
- Add spices: Sprinkle the ground cumin and smoked paprika over the vegetables. Stir well to coat and release their aromas, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and tomato paste: Mix in the chickpeas and tomato paste. Combine thoroughly and cook for 3 minutes to incorporate flavors.
- Pour in vegetable broth: Add the vegetable broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 8-10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
- Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted, mixing it well into the chickpea mixture.
- Season to taste: Add salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, flatbreads, or a fresh salad.
Tips & Variations
“For a creamier texture, blend half of the chickpea mixture in a food processor before combining it back with the rest. This adds a smooth, rich body to the dish without losing the hearty texture.”
You can easily customize this recipe to suit your taste or pantry contents:
- Add more veggies: Bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms work great to increase the variety.
- Spice it up: Incorporate chili flakes or fresh jalapeños for some heat.
- Protein boost: Add cooked lentils or tofu cubes for extra protein.
- Herbs: Fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil can be stirred in just before serving for a refreshing note.
Looking for more vegetarian inspiration? Try the Vegetarian Russian Recipes for Delicious Meatless Meals or the Vegan Casserole Recipes: Easy for quick weeknight dinner for hearty meal ideas.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | 14% |
| Protein | 12 g | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g | 12% |
| Dietary Fiber | 9 g | 36% |
| Fat | 8 g | 12% |
| Saturated Fat | 1 g | 5% |
| Sodium | 400 mg | 17% |
| Vitamin A | 60% DV | |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV | |
| Iron | 20% DV |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile vegetarian dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed basmati rice or warm Vegan Flour Tortillas for wrapping up the savory chickpea mixture.
For a lighter option, enjoy it on a bed of mixed greens or with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. You can also add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture and creaminess.
If you’re in the mood for exploring more plant-based recipes, check out the Vegan Cuban Recipes: Delicious Plant-Based Island Flavor for vibrant, flavorful dishes that complement this recipe well.
Conclusion
Mary Makes It Easy vegetarian recipes are perfect for anyone seeking nutritious, flavorful meals without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. This chickpea-based dish is just one example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly satisfying and wholesome.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, these recipes make vegetarian cooking approachable and enjoyable. They provide a wonderful way to experience plant-based eating in a delicious and sustainable manner.
Don’t forget to explore the many other recipes linked throughout this post to keep your vegetarian menu fresh and exciting.
Happy cooking, and remember: good food is all about easy preparation and joyful sharing!
📖 Recipe Card: Mary Makes It Easy Vegetarian Stir-Fry
Description: A quick and flavorful vegetarian stir-fry that's perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, it's both healthy and delicious.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT30M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup snap peas
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, and snap peas; stir-fry for 7-8 minutes.
- Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Pour sauce over vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 18 g
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