In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are searching for budget-friendly options that are not only easy on our wallets but also in harmony with our commitment to a plant-based lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring the benefits of plant-based eating, we have some delightful solutions for you. In this blog, we’ll be your guide to the realm of budget-friendly plant-based recipes. We’ll show you how to create dishes that are not only nourishing but also gentle on your finances. Plant-based choices offer incredible variety, flavor, and nutrition, and we’re here to celebrate that. So, let’s dive into the world of affordable and delectable plant-based cooking, where plant-based is the name of the game.

1. Vegan Chili

Vegan Chili
Source: From My Bowl

This hearty vegan chili is perfect for a cold winter day. It’s packed with protein and fiber, and it’s easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 can of kidney beans
  • 1 can of black beans
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the chili powder and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the beans and diced tomatoes, along with their juices.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Vegan Lentil Soup

Vegan Lentil Soup
Source: Simply Recipes

This vegan lentil soup is another great option for a healthy and budget-friendly meal. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of dried lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the lentils and vegetable broth.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Vegan Pasta Salad

Vegan Pasta Salad
Source: Food with Feeling

This vegan pasta salad is perfect for a summer picnic or barbecue. It’s easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 8 oz of pasta (any shape)
  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, chickpeas, bell peppers, and red onion.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.

4. Vegan Sweet Potato Curry

Vegan Sweet Potato Curry
Source: Taste

This vegan sweet potato curry is another great option for a healthy and budget-friendly meal. It’s loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder
  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the curry powder and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the sweet potatoes, chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juices), salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

5. Vegan Black Bean Tacos

Vegan Black Bean Tacos
Source: Plays Well With Butter

These vegan black bean tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch on-the-go. They’re packed with protein, fiber, vitamins B6 and C, iron, magnesium, potassium – all at an affordable price! Here’s what you’ll need:

For tacos:

  • Corn tortillas (6)
  • Black beans (15 oz can)
  • Red onion (small)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Cumin powder (½ tsp)
  • Paprika powder (½ tsp)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

For toppings:

  • Avocado (diced)
  • Tomato (diced)
  • Cilantro (chopped)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic to it followed by diced red onions.
  3. Cook until onions are translucent.
  4. Add black beans, cumin powder, paprika powder, and salt to taste.
  5. Mix everything well and cook for another minute or two.
  6. Warm up tortillas on a pan or microwave them for a few seconds.
  7. Place the black bean mixture on top of tortillas followed by toppings like diced avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro.
  8. Squeeze lime juice on top and serve.

6. Vegan Black Bean Soup

Vegan Black Bean Soup
Source: Maurer Foundation

This vegan black bean soup is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 2 cans of black beans
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the cumin and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the black beans, along with their juices.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Vegan Lentil Stew

Vegan Lentil Stew
Source: NYT Cooking

This vegan lentil stew is another great option for a healthy and budget-friendly meal. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 cup of dried lentils
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks of celery, chopped
  • 4 cups of vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the carrots and celery and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the lentils and vegetable broth.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. Vegan Chickpea Curry

Vegan Chickpea Curry
Source: Plantd

This vegan chickpea curry is another great option for a healthy and budget-friendly meal. It’s loaded with protein, fiber, vitamins A and C, iron, magnesium, potassium – all at an affordable price! Here’s what you’ll need:

  • 1 can of chickpeas
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of curry powder
  • 1 can of diced tomatoes
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat some oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent.
  3. Add the curry powder and sauté for another minute.
  4. Add the chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juices), salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

9. Vegan Sweet Potato Tacos

Vegan Sweet Potato Tacos
Source: Purple Carrot

These vegan sweet potato tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or lunch on-the-go. They’re packed with protein, fiber, vitamins A and C – all at an affordable price! Here’s what you’ll need:

For tacos:

  • Corn tortillas (6)
  • Sweet potatoes (medium-sized)
  • Red onion (small)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Cumin powder (½ tsp)
  • Paprika powder (½ tsp)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

For toppings:

  • Avocado (diced)
  • Tomato (diced)
  • Cilantro (chopped)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic to it followed by diced sweet potatoes.
  3. Cook sweet potatoes until they are soft enough to be mashed with a fork or spoon.
  4. Add cumin powder, paprika powder & salt to taste.
  5. Mix everything well & cook for another minute or two.

For assembling tacos:

  • Warm up tortillas on a pan or microwave them for few seconds.
  • Place mashed sweet potatoes on top of tortillas followed by toppings like diced red onions, tomatoes & cilantro.
  • Squeeze lime juice on top & serve.

In a world where health, sustainability, and cost-efficiency are paramount concerns, plant-based recipes stand as a beacon of hope. Our journey through budget-friendly plant-based recipes has revealed not only the incredible diversity of flavors but also the accessibility of this way of eating. Whether you’re whipping up a vibrant vegan chili or savoring a hearty lentil soup, the possibilities are endless. Plant-based meals are the answer to nourishing your body and soul without breaking the bank. We’ve explored an array of scrumptious options that prove that plant-based can be both delicious and economical. So, embrace the world of plant-based goodness, where the planet, your health, and your wallet all benefit – because in the world of plant-based, everyone’s a winner.