Fast & Fresh Vegetarian Meals

Earthy sweet potatoes add depth to this vegetarian chili. New Mexico chile powder is fruity and mild, so don’t be scared off by the generous amount called for here. Feel free to swap in any other kind of chile powder you have on hand—just use less of it.

Recipe: Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Make easy eggplant sandwiches by using naan bread to wrap the grilled vegetables for delicious eating. Creamy Greek yogurt sauce adds a tangy flavor.

Recipe: Grilled Eggplant Naan Wraps with Tahini-Yogurt Dressing

This one-pan supper couldn’t be easier. Roast mushrooms and leeks in a sheet pan for a few minutes. Then add eggs and a little goat cheese, and bake about 10 minutes more.

Recipe: Baked Eggs with Leeks and Mushrooms

Pan-searing sliced tofu gives it a meatiness that’s deliciously offset by crunchy vegetables and a drizzle of black bean sauce (pour on a little less if you’re salt-sensitive). The Asian ingredients can be found in any large grocery store.

Recipe: Tofu and Rice Noodles with Black Bean Sauce

This quick-cooking risotto incorporates a landmark spring ingredient: fresh asparagus.

Recipe: Asparagus Risotto

A Sunset reader adds kale (or spinach) plus avocado to her healthy version of the Korean rice bowl dish bibimbap, and it always gets rave reviews.

Recipe: California-Style Bibimbap

Romesco is a classic Spanish sauce made of ground tomatoes, peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil, and almonds. We turned it into a twist on cream of tomato soup, with lentils added for a nice protein boost.

Recipe: Romesco Soup

Oyster sauce adds wonderful ‘umami’ to this Asian-inspired dish, and can be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most supermarkets. Serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.

Recipe: Stir-Fried Eggplant and Tofu

This Southwestern-inspired soup hits all the right notes: solid protein from the beans, crunchiness from the cucumber, creaminess from the avocado, a sweet hit of acidity from the citrus, and a hint of spice.

Recipe: Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber

This Greek pita recipe can be put together easily for a quick and fun dinner. Grill Mediterranean halloumi cheese for a tasty, gooey base to the sandwich.

Recipe: Grilled Halloumi Pitas

This hearty, less-is-more stew riffs on rustic Italian flavors. Serve with crusty bread and a green salad.

Recipe: Escarole and Cannellini Bean Stew

A few key seasonings are all it takes to perk up store-bought salsa and refried beans.

Recipe: Speedy Huevos Rancheros

Whole-wheat pasta lends extra nuttiness to this Indonesian-inspired vegetarian entrée.

Recipe: Sesame Broccoli Pasta

Here’s a simple yet satisfying way to get more vegetables into your day. For a more substantial meal, serve with some store-bought falafel.

Recipe: Mediterranean Garden Wraps

Think of the potato chip component of this supper dish as an Indian version of crispy hash browns.

Recipe: Eggs on Potato Chips

Cut into the runny egg yolk to create a little sauce for the garlic- and butter-seasoned Brussels sprouts and pasta.

Recipe: Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts

Noodle soups are fantastic one-bowl meals.

Recipe: Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Soup

This hearty yet elegant soup contrasts the sweetness of coconut milk and hazelnuts with earthy vegetables.

Recipe: Sunchoke Soup with Brussels Sprouts and Hazelnuts

Cutting tofu into sticks about the same size as green beans gives this dish an elegant look; it also means lots of surface area for the tofu to get brown and flavorful as it cooks.

Recipe: Black Pepper Tofu and Green Beans

When you need dinner in a hurry, an omelet is a great option. This one takes only 20 minutes. It’s filled with crisp rye bread croutons and rich, nutty gruyère cheese.

Recipe: Crouton and Cheese Omelet

Loads of bright, robust herbs make this version of pesto a standout.

Recipe: Parsley Mint Pistachio Pesto

If you stock your pantry with tamarind paste (made from the sweet-sour fruit by the same name), a few spices, and canned chickpeas, this tasty dish makes an excellent last-minute meal, as it comes together in only 30 minutes.

Recipe: Tamarind Chickpea Curry

The creamy sauce is on the sweeter side; if you like, feel free to start with less sugar in the sauce and add more to taste.

Recipe: Peanut Noodles with Tofu

This recipe gets its wonderful flavor from Ras el hanout, an aromatic Moroccan spice mix.

Recipe: Seven-Vegetable Couscous

Feel free to use this recipe as a template for experimentation with different types of lentils or tofu instead of the pressed Indian cheese called paneer.

Recipe: Curried Lentils with Paneer

Instead of the usual parmesan, a Sunset reader opted for creamy brie, which coats the pasta beautifully.

Recipe: Tomato Orecchiette with Brie and Basil