Meatless Monday has become a bit of a craze in the 21st century. It’s a movement that encourages people to reduce their consumption of meat by eating a vegetarian diet on Mondays. The main documented benefits of eating less meat are better overall health, sustainability for the planet, and cost savings. Whatever your reason for participating, Meatless Monday is a great initiative that can be easy to implement in your own life! Here are a few meatless meals (that can also be easily made vegan if you wish) for inspiration!
Shakshouka
This is a filling and hearty meal that’s sure to please. It consists of a nutrient-packed tomato and veggie sauce base with eggs baked straight into the sauce. The dish is often topped with feta cheese and served with rice or pita bread. Try out this recipe!
To make the dish your own, add whatever veggies you have lying around in your kitchen to use them up, add your great flavour, and avoid food waste in your home. Another delicious swap is goat cheese in place of feta—yum!
Black Bean Tacos
Black beans are a great source of plant-based protein, and when cooked up with some garlic, cumin, tomato paste, and salt, they make an excellent taco filling! Dress up your tacos with whatever you like. A good place to start might be the classic combination of avocado, diced tomato, lime juice, cheese, and cilantro. Try out this recipe for the black bean taco filling.
If you’re not into black beans, try using chickpeas, roasted sweet potato, or roasted cauliflower in the place of meat.
To kick it up a notch, try using this recipe to make your own tortillas! It’s super simple and all it takes is flour, vegetable oil, baking powder, salt, and water.
Fattoush
This Lebanese salad is packed with nutrients, flavour, and bread! While there are many variations of fattoush depending on what produce is in season, the dish often contains lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, fresh herbs, a bright dressing, and crispy pieces of pita bread. This is definitely a recipe worth trying!
To easily upgrade your fattoush, add roasted garlic to the dressing, throw in some pomegranate arils, or include some roasted chickpeas.
Green Curry
Are you wanting to try something new? Delve into Thai cuisine with this flavour-packed feast of green curry. If you’re able to find green curry paste at the store, all that’s left to do is simmer in a pot with a can of full-fat coconut milk, a little bit of vegetable broth, brown sugar, and whatever else you fancy! Any combination of veggies, tofu, and any other plant-based protein will be delicious.
If you’re feeling fancy and can get your hands on lots of herbs and aromatics, you might be interested in making your own curry paste! Try out this recipe and replace the shrimp paste with soy paste or miso for a vegetarian source of umami.
French Onion Soup
A more traditional option, french onion soup can easily be made vegetarian by swapping the beef broth for mushroom broth (trust us, you won’t even notice a difference). The deep, rich flavours of caramelized onions are definitely worth the extra time it takes to make this recipe.
Whether you’re looking to make healthier choices in your weeknight meals, make a positive impact on the environment, save money, or try something new, Meatless Monday is a great option for you! Aside from boring veggie burgers and salads, vegetarian cuisine from all around the world has so much to offer! Make sure to try out some of these recipes with friends and family next Monday (or any day 😉).