10 Easy Vegan Recipes

There’s a general misconception that vegan food is bland and restrictive, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. As animal products are omitted, the spotlight is on fresh produce, allowing their flavours to really shine through creative cooking techniques and the use of herbs and spices. So, whether you’re a devoted vegan or looking to try out a healthier plant-based diet, here are some easy vegan recipes to get stuck into.

Jambalaya

Jambalaya is an American Creole and Cajun rice dish which traditionally includes rice, meat and vegetables. You can easily make it vegan by skipping the meat, or adding your favourite vegan meat alternatives. This recipe just uses vegetables, including carrots, celery and mixed peppers. You’ll also need a tablespoon of our Cajun Spice Mix, an authentic blend of spices like cayenne, red chillies, cardamom, cumin, garlic and fennel. You can also cook the rice with the vegetables for a fuss-free one-pot dinner.

Carrot and Coriander Soup

Soups are one of the easiest vegan dishes out there as all you have to do is omit the meat and use veggie stock. If you’re looking for a thick and filling option, this recipe for carrot and coriander soup is a great choice. We’ve also added Lemon Pepper Seasoning for a zingy, citrusy hit and ground coriander for that extra boost of flavour. Cook everything in a large saucepan and blitz the soup towards the end for a smoother texture. We recommend making a large batch and freezing it so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Vegan Pulled BBQ Jackfruit

Thanks to its meaty texture, jackfruit is a popular replacement for meat, especially when it comes to dishes like pulled pork. If you’ve always wanted to make it yourself but have never cooked with jackfruit before, don’t worry – it’s much easier than you think. This recipe by Juliet Sear from BBC Good Food is a one-pot dish that will only take 5 minutes of prep. Simply cook everything in a frying pan and leave to simmer until the jackfruit is nice and tender. The recipe calls for spices like cinnamon, cumin and smoked paprika, but you can also add chipotle peppers for a spicy and smoky flavour. Serve with a barbecue, in bread rolls or as a topping on nachos.

Sweet Potato Falafel

Falafels are one of our favourite easy vegan recipes as they’re so versatile. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, and you can serve them as an appetiser, a quick lunch when stuffed in a pita, or even as picnic food. This recipe uses sweet potatoes for an additional sweetness, and plenty of spices such as cardamom, coriander, turmeric and cumin. Serve with our hummus for a delicious side dip.

Hasselback Potatoes With Garlic and Rosemary

Next time you’re making a roast dinner, switch things up with this recipe for Hasselback potatoes. The end result looks pretty impressive, but you’ll be pleased to know they’re surprisingly easy to make – it’s a fantastic dish if you’re looking to impress guests. Cut thin slices halfway through the potato, brush with a mixture of olive oil, garlic, smoked garlic powder, salt (or wild herb cooking seasalt for extra flavour), black pepper and dried rosemary leaves. Maris Piper or King Edward potatoes work best.

Kidney Bean Curry

As vegan diets skip the meat and seafood, you want to make sure you’re getting enough protein. This BBC Good Food recipe by Sophie Godwin is great for when you don’t have much left in the fridge – it’s also healthy and easy on the wallet. A win-win all round. Make the most of pantry staples like tinned tomatoes and kidney beans, as well as spices like cumin, paprika and garam masala. This recipe is easily modified, and you can use any other curry powder you like. If you don’t fancy Indian, try South African Curry Powder or Malay Curry Powder instead.

Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

This potato recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. Fried potatoes are mixed with paprika, garlic and spicy harissa, a powerful North African blend of red chillies, coriander seeds, cumin, caraway, sea salt and mint leaves. Top with freshly chopped coriander, salt, pepper and tart and citrusy crushed sumac berries, and you have a delicious side dish. Serve with a Mediterranean inspired mezze platter.

Vegan Brownies

We couldn’t skip a sweet treat on our list of easy vegan recipes. If you’ve been craving something chocolatey, this recipe for vegan brownies by Cassie Best from BBC Good Food is a winner. They’re squidgy and rich in flavour, and it’s hard to believe they don’t contain dairy or eggs.

Green Beans In Coconut Sauce

Vegetables can be pretty boring and bland, which is why we always turn to Indonesian recipes when it comes to cooking veg. This recipe for green beans in coconut sauce is a tasty way to spice up your vegetable game. Lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and ginger add zinginess and aroma, while crushed red chillies add a little heat. Serve with creamy coconut rice.

Fried Aubergine

Another tasty vegetable side dish is this recipe for fried aubergine. Sliced aubergine rounds are dredged in a mixture of cornstarch, cumin and chilli powder, before being fried until crispy and golden brown. Garnish with spring onions and a pinch of wild herb cooking seasalt and you have a yummy, healthy-ish veggie dish that even the kids will enjoy.