Easy Beansy Layered Nachos
Recipe by:
Layla Talula
A quick and easy non-meat version of the nachos, using refried beans, tomatoes and onion layered with cheese over tortilla chips. Ideal for anyone needing a quick nacho fix or when hungry guests turn up unanounced! Perfect for parties and BBQs too. Serve with guacamole, salsa and a side salad. It doesn't get better than this!
Minestra
Recipe by:
Melanie Booth
A vegetarian version of minestrone, bursting with flavour and healthiness. Goes great with crusty Italian bread.
Black Bean and Vegetable Pasta
Recipe by:
RASPBERRYSWIRLS
An easy vegetarian pasta dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight supper. A hearty and delicious tomato, spinach and black bean sauce is served over whole wheat pasta. It's also great served with brown rice, and you can substitute tinned borlotti beans for the black beans.
Pasta with potato, beans and pesto
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
This is a traditional Ligurian dish that is usually made with potatoes, green beans and baby broad beans. Here, broccoli and courgettes boost the green vegetable content. The pesto sauce used to dress the pasta and vegetables is lighter than most, but still packs a wonderful flavoursome punch.
Egyptian lentils with macaroni
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
For Egypt's vegetarians this highly spiced dish is a protein staple. On their own, lentils do not contain a lot of protein, but combined with the wheat in the pasta, they make a good protein dish that is low in fat.
Spicy filo triangles
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
Here's a quick version of the popular Indian samosas, baked rather than deep-fried for a healthy, light result. The crisp filo pastry parcels contain a curry-spiced vegetable filling, and they are served hot from the oven with a fresh mango and ginger salsa to make a scrumptious starter or light snack.
Eggs with spicy peas and lentils
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
A little spice can turn a few everyday ingredients into something special. This simple, satisfying dish provides a wealth of vital vitamins and minerals and the right balance of essential protein and fibre. Serve with basmati rice and/or warm naan bread for plenty of energy-giving starchy carbohydrate.
Sun-dried tomato and bean risotto
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
Moist risotto served with a simple side salad makes a satisfying carbohydrate-rich meal, and the risotto can be endlessly varied – all sorts of other vegetables (fresh, frozen, canned or dried) can be used instead of broad beans. To achieve the perfect texture, use risotto rice such as arborio and add the hot stock in stages.
Hummus salad
Recipe by:
Maggie Pannell
Homemade hummus only takes a few moments to whizz together and makes a perfect light lunch, served simply with pitta. But for a balanced meal, turn it into this more substantial salad with the addition of crisp salad vegetables.
Spicy rice with chickpeas
Recipe by:
Maggie Pannell
This lightly curried rice dish makes a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal, with the chickpeas providing valuable protein. Serve with a yoghurt raita and mango chutney. A fresh, green, baby spinach leaf salad would also make a good accompaniment.
Kashtouri
Recipe by:
Brenda Houghton
This popular Egyptian dish of rice, macaroni and lentils in a spicy tomato sauce makes a quick light meal.
Black bean chilli
Recipe by:
Brenda Houghton
This main dish has a rich, smoky flavour and tastes great with lemon-scented rice. This dish makes up one part of of a Tex-Mex vegetarian buffet and is ideal for serving alongside green rice, salsa cruda, stir-fried vegetables, rich roast onions, and coriander and cabbage slaw (all of which can be found on this site).
Lentil risotto
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
Lentils add extra flavour and texture to this Italian-style mushroom risotto. Serve with roast or grilled vegetables, such as peppers and courgettes, or a mixed salad, for a satisfying lunch.
Lentils with macaroni
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
This highly spiced dish from Egypt is perfect for vegetarians because it is so rich with protein, due to the combination of lentils and pasta. You'll love the interesting texture and mix of flavours.
Green pasta with white beans
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
Here's proof that pasta sauce doesn't need meat to be hearty. Rosemary and garlic-flavoured tomato juice thickened with mashed beans makes a light sauce that nicely coats this elegant but easy spinach penne.
Spaghetti with chickpeas and spicy tomato sauce
Recipe by:
Norma MacMillan
Here's a colourful and easy pasta and bean dish that makes a satisfying main course all on its own. Garlic, olive oil, onion, Tabasco sauce and pecorino cheese add lots of sunny flavour.
Vegetable Dhal
Recipe by:
Jan Cutler
Warm spices, creamy coconut milk, fresh tomatoes and courgettes combine to make this classic lentil dish that's ready to go in minutes. Serve with Indian breads and thick, plain yoghurt. Delicious!
Lentil shepherd's pie
Recipe by:
moo lou
Yummy comfort food at its best, also a cunning way to get kids to eat lentils. Crispy potato topping covering a tasty blend of red lentils with carrot, onion and celery in wine and stock.
Chilli beans and cheese
Recipe by:
Jan Cutler
A steaming bowl of chilli is perfect for a cold winter day. Try serving with slices of warm cornbread for a complete meal.