Pay-day might seem like a long way off but that doesn't mean you have to scrimp on delicious, flavour-forward, veg-tastic meals – these recipes will show that vegan cooking on a budget doesn't have to be difficult. Whether you're taking part in Veganuary, attempting to reduce your meat intake or simply trying to embrace more seasonal winter vegetables, these recipes celebrate a huge bounty of beans, pulses, grains, root veg and storecupboard staples that are not only affordable but damn tasty too.
Dal: Pe Hin from The Rangoon Sisters Cookbook by Amy Chung and Emily Chung
This Burmese inspired dal from The Rangoon Sisters has it all: it's filling, nutritious, budget-friendly and, best of all, it's absolutely packed with vibrant flavour. Top it with crispy fried onions for an added flavour boost.
Get your copy of The Rangoon Sisters from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
Sprout Nasi Goreng from EAST by Meera Sodha
Fried rice, shredded, zingy Brussels sprouts and umami-ific sauces, this is what Meera terms "all the joy of a takeaway, but without the wait or delivery charge". Yes please.
Order a copy of EAST from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
West African Vegan Peanut Stew from Rachel Ama’s Vegan Eats by Rachel Ama
Rachel has reinvented her mum's favourite Sierra Leonean stew, pairing a nutty sauce with sweet potato and everyday storecupboard staples. Hearty and warming.
Order your copy of Rachel Ama's Vegan Eats now from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
One-Pan Spinach & Mushroom Pie from Veganeasy by Denise Smart
With only five ingredients, this creamy, nutritious one-pan pie is incredibly easy to throw together and with minimal washing up, it's a great one for midweek. Pack up any leftovers for work the next day.
Order your copy of Veganeasy from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
Minestrone with Fregola and Herb Oil from Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook by Ainsley Harriott
This classic hearty Italian soup champions the storecupboard staples of beans and pasta, cooked in one pot with a medley of vegetables. This version is given the Sardinian treatment with the addition of fregola pasta – a pasta grain similar to couscous – but you can use other short pasta here instead. Make this vegan very simply by swapping the Parmesan cheese for nutritional yeast or leaving it out altogether.
Order your copy of Ainsley’s Mediterranean Cookbook from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
Macaroni 'Cheese' Salad from Vegan on the Go by Jérôme Eckmeier & Daniela Lais
This clever recipe uses cashews and mustard to create a vegan version of a classic mac 'n' cheese – plant-based comfort food at its finest.
Order your copy of Vegan on the Go from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
Groundnut Stew from The Green Roasting Tin by Rukmini Iyer
"The combination of peanut, tomato and chilli in a sauce addictive", says Rukmini of this sweet potato traybake, cooked in a tangy nutty sauce that can easily be made using mostly store cupboard ingredients. Serve with chopped salted peanuts and hot rice.
Vegan Comfort Pie from The Self-Care Cookbook by Gemma Ogston
Raid your storecupboards to make this comfort pie with spiced kidney beans and chickpeas and a crisp mashed potato topping. It's a wonderful winter warmer.
Order your copy of The Self-Care Cookbook from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
Indian Chickpea & Pomegranate Salad from Vegan on the Go by Jérôme Eckmeier & Daniela Lais
This nutritious salad is bursting with flavour thanks to the fresh red peppers, spicy root ginger, and tart, juicy pomegranate seeds.
Order your copy of Vegan on the Go from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
Lentil Cauliflower Soup from Oh She Glows by Angela Liddon
Embrace lentils and seasonal cauliflower in this freezer-friendly meal, with deep spices to warm your belly on a cold day. "The flavour gets better as it sits, so I tend to enjoy the leftovers even more", says Angela – make a double batch on Sunday and store the leftovers to eat over the week ahead.
Order your copy of Oh She Glows from Waterstones, Amazon, or an independent bookshop.
