The vegetarian diet is not boring at all, on the contrary it is very varied and always offers different ingredients. Vegetarians are lucky because Italian cuisine is full of dishes suitable for them or easily adaptable and traditional vegetarian recipes.
Let’s think of the classic spaghetti with tomato sauce, pasta with pesto, chickpea farinata, potato gnocchi, baked aubergines and legume or vegetable soups. Starting from these ideas you can prepare vegetarian recipes that are always different according to the seasons and for all tastes.
We have prepared for you a collection of vegetarian recipes that will be very useful for enriching your usual menu or for surprising your family and friends during an invitation to lunch or dinner at your home. Here are many vegetarian recipes that can inspire you.
Vegetarian lasagna
Preparing vegetarian lasagna is really simple. In fact, there are numerous alternative ingredients to the classic meat sauce. For example, you could prepare lasagna with pesto, or with tomato and aubergine sauce, or with mushrooms with homemade béchamel, with pumpkin or courgettes depending on the season. Here are the recipes to take inspiration from.
Cereal salads
Are you looking for alternatives to the classic summer rice salad? Then the time has come to discover the varied world of alternative cereals to rice or wheat but also quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth. You can season your cereal salads with always different seasonal vegetables and legumes. Lots of recipes here.
Eggplant and bulgur timbale
A light and tasty recipe, the aubergine and bulgur timbale is a valid alternative to the classic aubergine parmigiana recipe. You can grill the aubergines and to give a personal touch to this recipe you can optionally flavor the bulgur with some vegan béchamel sauce, or if you don’t follow a particular diet you can also add some mozzarella or smoked scamorza. Here is the recipe to follow step by step.
Vegetarian sushi
You can prepare vegetarian sushi using seasonal vegetables sliced into cubes or sticks, such as carrots, courgettes, cucumbers and red and yellow peppers, as a filling for your rice rolls. In vegetarian sushi, avocado or other types of fruit are sometimes also used for a sweet version. Here are the recipes for preparing sushi in a vegetarian or vegan version.
Vegetable spaghetti
Courgette spaghetti and vegetable spaghetti in general are an original idea for bringing seasonal vegetables to the table in a tasty and slightly different way than usual. You can prepare vegetable spaghetti not only with courgettes but also, for example, with carrots or daikon. Here are all the instructions and recipes for preparing spaghetti with courgettes or other vegetables.
Vegetarian meatballs with yogurt and pesto
To prepare these vegetarian meatballs you will need yogurt, pesto, soft, not too mature cheese, eggs, herbs and spices. Among the ingredients we also find celery, carrots and onions, which you will have to finely chop to obtain the meatball mixture. You can cook them in the oven. Here is the complete recipe.
Chickpea hummus
Hummus is a truly tasty preparation to be enjoyed with bread or raw vegetables. The basic ingredient of hummus is chickpeas, which are boiled and crushed or blended until a smooth cream is obtained, easy to spread. The recipe is quicker if you have already boiled chickpeas available. Here are the instructions for preparing the original hummus and its variations.
Vegetarian burgers
Veggie burgers are really versatile and easy to prepare at home. You can obtain them, for example, starting from a base of boiled chickpeas or steamed potatoes to be blended and mixed with chopped vegetables and grated bread. Here are 15 recipes to indulge you
Potato salad
Potato salad is a really quick dish to prepare and adapt to different tastes. Basically it is a vegetarian or vegan dish. You can prepare it with boiled potatoes or even better with steamed potatoes. You can enrich your potato salad with chives, fresh or dried cherry tomatoes, homemade mayonnaise, fresh parsley, yogurt sauce, olives or mushrooms. Here are the recipes to follow.
Vegetarian savory pies
Savory pies are an excellent solution for using vegetables in the kitchen, making them tastier for everyone, especially for children who sometimes don’t like them very much. You can prepare them at home with seasonal ingredients. Prepare your vegetarian savory pies on a base of puff pastry or shortcrust pastry, even better if homemade. Here are the recipes to inspire you.
Vegetarian chili pumpkin and beans
Substantial, fragrant and satisfying.
Mixed beans, pumpkin, tomatoes, onion, peppers, chilli, cumin and paprika. It’s made in one pot and becomes even better the next day.
Polenta with sautéed mushrooms and light fondue
Perfect for winter. Polenta serves as a neutral base, on top of sautéed champignon mushrooms or porcini mushrooms, and for those who want it richer, a very quick cheese fondue.
Chickpea pancakes or “quick” farinata in a pan
No oven, few ingredients: chickpea flour, water, oil, salt. Add onions, grated courgettes, or spices like turmeric and pepper: the result is an incredibly simple vegetarian street food.
Cous cous with roasted vegetables and yogurt sauce
It solves your lunches and dinners effortlessly. Roasted courgettes, peppers and aubergines, hydrated couscous in 5 minutes and a yogurt sauce with lemon and mint. Fresh, complete and adaptable to any season.
Marinated and crispy baked tofu
The trick is the marinade: soy sauce, paprika, garlic, oil and lemon.
Cook it until it becomes crispy and serve it with rice, sautéed vegetables or in a bowl. Perfect for those who want protein without meat.
Vegetable curry with coconut milk
It is a dish of mixed vegetables slow cooked in a creamy sauce made with coconut milk and curry. We start from an aromatic base, add spices, then vegetables and let it go until everything becomes soft and fragrant. It is usually served with rice to soak up the sauce. If desired, you can add tofu or legumes for a more complete dish
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