Quick Meals

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Jess Turner

Hungry? Transforming plants into great food doesn’t mean you have to spend all day in the kitchen. These are our top picks for mouth-watering meals that come together at top-speed. For when you need a bite, right now. 

Of course, there are vegan ready-made meals in many stores, which you can throw straight in the oven or microwave, and these are really handy. Our challenge is to create tasty and balanced meals from scratch – and at whirlwind speed too. Challenge accepted!

Fried Rice with Crispy Tofu

Fried rice with crispy tofu

Use microwave-ready rice and this flavorful dish comes together in just 15 minutes!

This popular dish is bursting with traditional flavors from hoisin and soy sauce. Personalize by adding your favorite veggies and spices and you’ll be head over heels!

Mashed potatoes with vegan sausages and veggies

The trick to perfect plant-based mashed potatoes is a good vegan butter, like Earth Balance, and just a dash of plant milk if you like them really smooth and creamy. Serve with sausages such as Beyond Brats, or another meat replacement, and steamed greens, and you’ve got yourself a quick, easy, and sumptuously satisfying dinner.

pasta bolognese

Speedy-yet-sensational spaghetti bolognese

Classic comfort food that’s really flexible. Fresh tomatoes or canned, Italian seasoning or fresh herbs, store-bought mince, or even crumbled tempeh or seitan. Adding lentils or peas, and classic Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant and zucchini make this vegan bolognese even better.

Look out for superb plant-based parmesan to sprinkle over the top, for example from GO Veggie, Violife or Follow Your Heart.

Pea and cashew curry

A dreamy, creamy curry that comes together fast. A delicate balance of sweet and savory, with lush coconut milk and crunchy cashews, this is a real crowd-pleaser. 

Red Lentil Dal

Red lentil dal

Wholesome, simple, and surprisingly speedy, this red lentil dal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s also filling, budget-friendly, and perfect for if you don’t have much in the refrigerator. Just add a few pantry ingredients to your vegan shopping list to make sure you have them on hand when you need them.

Top this hearty lentil curry with coconut or soy yogurt, and serve with fluffy rice, warm pita, or vegan naan bread (you could even make your own naan as meal prep or if you have more time to spare!). Ideal for meal prep – just serve as much as you need and freeze the rest to make week-night meals even easier.

Looking for more quick, filling, nourishing plant-based meals? Join our next free support group! Our mentors are ready to share their favorite vegan tips and recipes with you!

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