In general, vegetarians avoid meat, but may consume other animal products such as eggs or dairy products. Some vegetarians choose to eat fish as well. There are a number of easy vegetarian dishes that can be delicious and satisfying without containing any meat. One of the best easy vegetarian ideas is to make a dish containing a mixture of beans, brown rice, mushrooms, and vegetables, as well as seasonings.
This type of easy vegetarian dish allows a lot of customization, because vegetarians are able to choose the types of seasonings as well as the kinds of beans and vegetables that they enjoy. The beans in this dish provide protein and fiber, and are very filling; black beans, white beans, or kidney beans are three popular types used in many vegetarian dishes. Brown rice is a whole grain that also provides fiber, but it may also be substituted with quinoa, another type of whole grain. Vegetarian soups, such as lentil soup, can make a great meal as well.
When most people think of easy vegetarian food, they think of salads. It's true, salads are a quick and easy way to get a healthy meal, but they can get boring, so try to get creative when making a salad. Add sources of protein like chick peas, pieces of hard boiled egg, or cheese. Feta cheese is especially good when sprinkled on a salad. Use a variety of vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, carrots, peppers, and artichokes in a salad, just to name a few.
Pasta dishes often make easy vegetarian meals as well; many pastas are now offered in whole-grain varieties. Spinach or vegetable lasagna is something a little different than just plain pasta with tomato sauce, and again, it is possible to add all of one's favorite vegetables to the dish. Many vegetarians use tofu in various recipes; firm tofu can be great in a stir-fry meal or even on a kabob, because it holds up well and takes on the flavors of the marinade or foods around it.
Some vegetarians eat fish as well, which can be another easy vegetarian meal. When searching for easy vegetarian meals, it may be a good idea to check cookbooks and online for recipes. It is necessary to be willing to try a lot of new things when becoming a vegetarian, and it is important to be creative when planning meals. Vegetables, fruits, mushrooms, grains, and legumes, as well as eggs, cheeses, and yogurt, can be used in a number of different ways to create great meals.
