Popular Vegetable-Focused Recipes : Categorized by Type

1. Main Courses

🥕 Stuffed Bell Peppers

Bell peppers filled with a mix of rice, beans, tomatoes, and herbs.

Optional: add cheese or nuts for richness.

🍛 Vegetable Curry

Made with seasonal vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, and peas.

Cooked in a base of onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.

🍝 Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) with Pesto

Spiralized zucchini tossed with basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and roasted pine nuts.

🍲 Ratatouille

A French stew of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, and bell peppers.

Slow-cooked with olive oil, garlic, and herbs like thyme and basil.

2. Side Dishes

🌽 Grilled Corn with Chili-Lime Butter

Corn on the cob charred and topped with a mix of butter, lime juice, chili powder, and salt.

🥦 Garlic Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli florets tossed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice, then roasted until crispy.

🥔 Smash Potatoes

Boiled baby potatoes smashed and baked until crispy, seasoned with rosemary and garlic.

3. Soups & Stews

🥣 Minestrone

Hearty Italian soup with vegetables, beans, and pasta in a tomato-based broth.

🧄 Creamy Cauliflower Soup

Cauliflower, onions, and garlic simmered and blended with plant-based milk or stock.

4. Salads & Raw Dishes

🥗 Rainbow Slaw

Shredded red cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and green onions in a sesame vinaigrette.

🥒 Cucumber Avocado Salad

Sliced cucumbers, avocados, mint, and lemon juice—light and refreshing.

🍅 Caprese with a Twist

Heirloom tomatoes, vegan mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.

🔪 Essential Cooking Techniques for Vegetables

1. Roasting

Enhances natural sweetness and texture.

Best for: carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, squash.

Tip: Roast at 400°F (200°C) with a bit of oil and salt.

2. Sautéing

Quick and easy—great for leafy greens, mushrooms, zucchini.

Use a bit of oil or broth and cook over medium-high heat.

3. Grilling

Adds smoky flavor to eggplant, corn, peppers, and asparagus.

Brush lightly with oil before grilling.

4. Steaming

Preserves nutrients and bright color.

Ideal for: broccoli, green beans, spinach.

Steam lightly to keep a bit of crunch.

5. Blanching

Quick boil then ice-bath to preserve color and texture.

Good for prepping vegetables for salads or freezing.

6. Fermenting & Pickling

Adds probiotics and tangy flavor.

Great for cabbage (sauerkraut, kimchi), carrots, radishes.

7. Pureeing

For creamy soups and dips.

Blend roasted or steamed vegetables with a bit of stock or plant milk.

🌱 Tips for Delicious Veg-Centric Cooking

Use herbs and spices generously: cumin, coriander, paprika, thyme, basil, etc.

Add acidity: Lemon juice, vinegar, or tomatoes brighten flavors.

Texture matters: Combine soft and crunchy (e.g., roasted veggies with nuts or seeds).

Layer flavors: Sauté aromatics (onion, garlic, ginger) to build a strong base.

Bonus: 3 Simple Recipes to Try

🌮 Vegetable Tacos

Ingredients: sautéed bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, black beans, avocado, cilantro

Technique: Sauté vegetables, warm tortillas, and layer with toppings.

🍛 One-Pot Chickpea & Spinach Curry

Ingredients: chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, onion, garlic, coconut milk, curry powder

Technique: Cook onions and garlic, add tomatoes and spices, then chickpeas and coconut milk. Simmer and stir in spinach.

🥗 Roasted Veggie Grain Bowl

Ingredients: quinoa, roasted carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tahini sauce

Technique: Roast veggies, cook quinoa, and drizzle with lemon-tahini dressing.