10 healthy and comforting vegetarian mains to try this winter
[Photo: Pinch of Yum]
Vegetables get a bad rep and are often overlooked on just how versatile and tasty they can be.
However, we’ve recently embraced eating more vegetables and less meat as it’s not only cost effective and healthy but it energizes us and makes us feel physically better.
While it’s easy to over indulge in comfort food during these dreary winter months, it’s also equally easy to transform your favourite veggies into a delicious and comforting dish with just a few other ingredients and a little imagination.
Whether you’re a full-time vegetarian, or simply looking for new and inventive ways to include more healthy, fresh vegetables into your meal plan, we’ve rounded up 10 healthy and comforting vegetarian mains to try this winter.
Kasha Veggie Bowls [Photo: The Food Gays]
These nutritious and delicious grain bowls are our go-to when we’re busy and need to refuel mid-day. Kasha (frequently referred to as buckwheat groats) is commonly used in Eastern European cuisine, and is very easy to cook. Top with your favourite sautéed vegetables and some fresh herbs — and dinner is served.
Get the recipe from The Food Gays.
Date Night Mushroom and Goat Cheese Pasta [Photo: Pinch of Yum]
Mushrooms and goat cheese are two of our favourite things, and when you put them together, magic happens. To lighten these rich flavours, this simple weeknight recipe includes fresh spinach leaves and whole wheat pasta.
Get the recipe from Pinch of Yum.
Bean and Zucchini Cutlets [Image: Sandra Vungi Vegan]
Who would have thought a vegan sandwich could look that good? Chunky, crispy and juicy, these creative “patties” are a genius recipe made up of zucchini, beans, onions, whole wheat flour and a few seasonings.
Get the recipe from Sandra Vungi Vegan.
Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Crispy Tofu [Photo: Minimalist Baker]
Finger food is always fun, especially when it’s good for you! These colourful wraps are a satisfying treat and a cinch to put together. Packed with healthy ingredients like red bell peppers, cucumbers, and an irresistible crispy almond butter tofu, these are just what you need to fight those winter blues.
Get the recipe from Minimalist Baker.
Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagne [Photo: Julia’s Album]
Mmm… what could be more cozy and comforting than a nice big piece of this glorious creation? Packed with heart-healthy veggies like butternut squash and spinach, we’ve got no doubt we’d be asking for seconds.
Get the recipe from Julia’s Album.
Vegetarian Khow Suey [Photo: Food Fashion Party]
Asha says it best when describing this dish, comparing it to a “salsa dance in a bowl.” Rich coconut milk forms the base of the soup, while noodles, eggs and other condiments are added to finish this traditional Burmese dish. Brimming with a variety of flavours and textures, this may just be the ultimate one pot meal.
Get the recipe from Food Fashion Party.
Hearty Tuscan Soup [Photo: Pickled Plum]
One of the best things about winter is making big pots of luscious soups, like this one. Because really, who doesn’t love homemade soup? When they’re made up of hearty, cost-cutting ingredients like pasta, beans and fire roasted tomatoes, it’s basically a meal in a bowl.
Get the recipe from Pickled Plum.
Roasted Vegetable Pizza [Image: Borrowed Light]
Pizza is one of our all-time favourite foods, and this vegetarian beauty proves that it doesn’t need to be loaded with processed meats to be appealing. Jam packed with hearty ingredients like roasted peppers, zucchini and eggplant, this would make for a satiating dinner and breakfast! Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love leftover pizza the next day? (Hint: we do.)
Get the recipe from Borrowed Light.
Quinoa Chili [Image: Cooking Classy]
Few dishes warm the bones the way chili can, and something tells us this beautiful quinoa version could hold its own at a cook-off. Made with pantry staples like beans, frozen corn and canned tomatoes, it’s an easy one to put together with what’s probably already in your kitchen.
Get the recipe from Cooking Classy.
Pan-Fried Gnocchi with Sundried Tomatoes and White Beans [Photo: Sweet Peas and Saffron]
We adore one-pot recipes, especially when we’re having a particularly busy work week. This tasty creation looks right up our alley, and couldn’t be easier to put together. With basic ingredients like packaged gnocchi and canned white beans, it’s a stunner that’s ready in just 30 minutes
Get the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron.
The Food Gays are Jeremy and Adrian, two Vancouver men who love food. For more info visit the blog, and get social on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
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