Looking for a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make vegan dinner recipe? You’ve come to the right place!
Vegan cooking is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that brings vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and a boost to your well-being. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply want to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.
From the fresh vegetables to the hearty grains, every bite is packed with texture and taste. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
This recipe showcases how plant-based eating can be both flavorful and comforting. It’s a great way to explore new ingredients and cooking techniques while nourishing your body.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan dinner recipe shines because it’s:
- Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients, clear steps, and quick cooking time make it perfect for any skill level.
- Nutritious: Loaded with fresh vegetables, protein-packed legumes, and wholesome grains to fuel your body.
- Flavorful: A harmonious blend of herbs and spices brings out the best in every ingredient.
- Versatile: Adaptable to seasonal veggies and dietary preferences without losing taste or texture.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that satisfies vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters alike.
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa (rinsed)
- 2 cups vegetable broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- Optional toppings: avocado slices, vegan sour cream, hot sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid (for quinoa)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bowl for mixing
Instructions
- Cook the quinoa: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the vegetables: Toss in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften but still retain some bite.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Stir well to coat and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices.
- Combine beans and tomatoes: Add the black beans and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and the beans to heat through.
- Mix quinoa and veggies: Stir the cooked quinoa into the skillet, mixing everything thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes so flavors meld together.
- Finish with fresh flavors: Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice for a bright, fresh kick.
- Serve and garnish: Dish out the quinoa and vegetable mixture. Top with optional avocado slices, vegan sour cream, or a drizzle of hot sauce if desired.
Tips & Variations
“To keep this meal exciting, swap out vegetables according to season or preference. Try adding corn, kale, or mushrooms for different textures and flavors.”
- Use brown rice or couscous instead of quinoa for a different grain base.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
- For a creamier texture, stir in ¼ cup of canned coconut milk at the end.
- Make it a one-pan meal by cooking the quinoa directly in the skillet with the veggies and broth.
- Boost protein by adding cooked lentils or tempeh cubes.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 kcal |
Protein | 12 g |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Dietary Fiber | 10 g |
Fat | 7 g |
Saturated Fat | 1 g |
Sodium | 420 mg |
Vitamin C | 45% DV |
Iron | 20% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This vibrant vegan quinoa bowl pairs wonderfully with a side of warm, crusty bread or a fresh green salad. For added texture, sprinkle some toasted pumpkin seeds or hemp hearts on top before serving.
It also makes a great filling for lettuce wraps or stuffed into baked sweet potatoes for a hearty variation.
If you enjoy creamy sauces, consider drizzling with our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to elevate the meal. For a lighter option, a simple squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor boost without dairy.
Conclusion
This vegan quinoa and vegetable dinner is a fantastic example of how plant-based meals can be nourishing, flavorful, and easy to prepare. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit your tastes and the ingredients you have on hand.
By prioritizing fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and hearty beans, you’re creating a balanced meal that satisfies cravings and supports wellness.
Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a longtime enthusiast, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. For more inspiration, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to expand your plant-based repertoire.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chickpea and Spinach Curry
Description: A flavorful and hearty vegan chickpea curry with fresh spinach and spices. Perfect for a quick and nutritious dinner.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, curry powder, and cumin; cook for 1 minute.
- Add diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and coconut milk, simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Season with salt and garnish with cilantro.
- Serve hot with rice or flatbread.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 14g | Carbs: 38g
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