Sometimes pottering around the kitchen is precisely what you want to be doing; spending leisurely hours meal-prepping, slow-cooking, and treat-making are part and parcel of a chilled-out Sunday afternoon. On busy weeknights, though, efficiency and ease tend to be top priorities, which can often present a challenge for those trying to cut back on meat – after a long day, it can be tempting to fall back on familiar, meat-based dishes. To help you stay on track, here's our collection of 10 quick and easy vegetarian recipes, all of which come in at under 30 minutes. From a lip-smacking pad thai to a creamy mushroom stroganoff, these recipes will revolutionise your everyday veggie cooking.
Peanut Butter and Purple Sprouting Broccoli Pad Thai from EAST by Meera Sodha
With thick rice noodles coated in a crunchy peanut butter, lime, and chilli sauce, this vegan pad thai recipe from Meera Sodha is guaranteed to wake up your tastebuds and satisfy your midweek takeaway cravings.
Get your copy of EAST here.
Fried Chermoula Cauliflower on Herby Bean Dip with Slaw from Eat Green by Melissa Hemsley
This flavour-packed cauliflower dish from Melissa Hemsley's Eat Green is a rare thing: a recipe that's quick and easy enough for a weeknight meal, but tasty and impressive enough to take centre state at a dinner party.
Get your copy of Eat Green here.
Ricotta Fritters, Tomato Sauce and Courgette Salad from Jamie's 15-Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver
This recipe from Jamie's 15-Minute Meals is just about as speedy as a supper can be. The fried ricotta fritters are served with a piquant tomato sauce, and the whole dish is packed with Italian flavour. If you're on a meat-free diet, be sure to use vegetarian parmesan (or another vegetarian hard cheese) instead of standard parmesan.
Get your copy of 15 Minute Meals here.
Chinese Fried Quinoa with Spicy Garlic Sesame Oil from Eat Happy by Melissa Hemsley
A takeaway alternative for those busy weeknights, this recipe from Melissa Hemsley turns leftover quinoa into a punchy and satisfying dish. If you're feeling extra hungry, top it with a crispy fried egg.
Get your copy of Eat Happy here.
Spiced Paneer, Spinach and Pea Grain Bowl with Mint Yoghurt Sauce from Green by Elly Pear
An Indian-inspired recipe from Elly Pear's Green, this dish has it all: crisp, spiced cubes of paneer, wholesome mixed grains, fiery red chillies, and a frankly addictive yoghurt dipping sauce. It's delicious served with warm naan, and is the ideal thing to serve for a vegetarian dinner with friends.
Get your copy of Green here.
Orzo Pasta, Spicy Tomato Sauce & Feta from Ducksoup Cookbook: The Wisdom of Simple Cooking by Clare Lattin and Tom Hill
Bring a little Mediterranean flavour to your kitchen with this orzo pasta dish from the Ducksoup Cookbook. The fresh tomato sauce is offset with salty feta, while the orzo makes an interesting change from other, more widely used pasta shapes.
Get your copy of Ducksoup here.
Mushroom Stroganoff from Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone by Jamie Oliver
A fresh take on classic dish from Jamie Oliver's Veg, this mushroom stroganoff is full of crisp, tangy cornichons and topped with a creamy whisky sauce.
Get your copy of VEG here.
Charred Tenderstem Broccoli from The Quick Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer
The combination of roasted broccoli and black beans, creamy avocado, sharp lime, and salted peanuts in this dish is incredibly moreish. It's delicious served alone, or, if you're after a more substantial meal, stir through some chopped lambs lettuce and serve with brown rice.
Get your copy of The Quick Roasting Tin here.
Monday Miso Noodle Soup from Eat Happy by Melissa Hemsley
Some days (we're looking at you, Monday) call for soothing and restorative suppers. That's where Melissa Hemsley's miso noodle soup comes in; quick to prepare and calming to eat, it's an ideal way to wind down after a long day.
Get your copy of Eat Happy here.
Cauliflower Biryani Salad from The Sunday Brunch Cookbook by Tim Lovejoy & Simon Rimmer
A flavoursome vegan-friendly lunch or a light weeknight supper, this fresh-tasting curried cauliflower salad is packed with vegetables and has a satisfying crunch to it.
Get your copy of The Sunday Brunch Cookbook here.
