Easy vegan recipes using healthy herbs

Hello everyone!

As a vegan, I'm thrilled to share with you how herbs have played a pivotal role in my culinary journey. January is special because it's Veganuary, a time when many people around the world take on the challenge of going vegan for a month. In this spirit, let's explore how herbs can revolutionise your vegan cooking, making each meal not only delicious but also packed with health benefits.

Exploring the Benefits of Vegan Cooking

Vegan cooking is more than just a dietary choice; it's a lifestyle that champions compassion for animals and aims for environmental sustainability. Since going vegan in 2015, I've seen firsthand the impact it has on reducing one's carbon footprint, conserving water resources, and fighting climate change. Vegan meals are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, crucial for bolstering your immune system, improving digestion, and potentially decreasing the risk of chronic illnesses. Incorporating whole grains, legumes, and nuts, vegan dishes offer a broad spectrum of nutrients. Whether you're embarking on Veganuary or committed to a long-term vegan lifestyle, exploring vegan cooking is a significant step towards both personal health and planetary health.

Top 5 Easy Vegan Recipes Using Healthy Herbs

To celebrate Veganuary, here are five straightforward yet delightful vegan recipes that harness the power of herbs:

1. Herb-Infused Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped into chunks
• 2 courgettes (zucchini), sliced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and cut into batons
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chiffonade or chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
• Prepare Vegetables: Spread the chopped vegetables on a baking sheet.
• Season: Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with rosemary, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to ensure all pieces are coated.
• Roast: Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelised. Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even roasting.
• Serve: Serve warm as a side dish or over quinoa for a hearty meal.

2. Creamy Avocado and Basil Pasta

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice (spaghetti works well)
• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Nutritional yeast for a cheesier flavour

Instructions:

• Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
• Make the Sauce: In a blender, combine avocados, basil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. If too thick, add a little pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Combine: Toss the pasta with the avocado sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add more pasta water until you reach the desired creaminess.
• Serve: Serve immediately, optionally topped with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or more fresh basil.

3. Quinoa and Herb-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients:

• 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1/2 cup parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup coriander (cilantro), chopped
• 1/4 cup dill, chopped
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Cook Quinoa: In a saucepan, bring quinoa and broth to a boil, then simmer covered for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• Sauté: While quinoa cooks, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
• Mix: Combine cooked quinoa with sautéed onions, garlic, and chopped herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
• Stuff Peppers: Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture.
• Bake: Place in a baking dish, add a little water to the bottom of the dish, cover with foil, and bake at 190°C (375°F) for about 30 minutes or until peppers are tender.

4. Lemon and Dill Tofu Skewers

Ingredients:

• 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
• Juice and zest of 2 lemons
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: bell peppers or onions for skewering

Instructions:

• Marinate: Mix lemon juice, zest, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Add tofu cubes and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
• Skewer: Thread marinated tofu onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if using.
• Grill or Bake: Grill on medium-high heat for about 10 minutes or bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until nicely browned.

5. Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

Instructions:

• Blend: In a food processor or high-speed blender, blend the frozen bananas and mint until smooth.
• Add Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips by hand or blend briefly if you prefer them more integrated.
• Freeze: If too soft, freeze for another 15-20 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and enjoy your guilt-free nice cream.

These recipes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to incorporating herbs into your vegan diet. Experimentation in the kitchen can lead to delightful surprises, allowing you to discover new flavour profiles and elevate your plant-based meals.

Conclusion: Embrace a Healthier Lifestyle with Delicious Vegan Recipes

Incorporating herbs into your vegan recipes isn't just about enhancing taste; it’s a holistic approach to health. Herbs like rosemary, thyme, basil, parsley, coriander, and dill are not only flavour enhancers but also bring antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals to the table, supporting your body's overall health.

Given it's Veganuary, there's no better time to start using herbs in your cooking, embracing a journey of culinary exploration while making a conscious choice towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Each meal becomes an opportunity to nourish your body and reduce your environmental impact.

So, why wait? Start experimenting with herbs in your kitchen this Veganuary, and watch as your vegan dishes transform from simple to spectacular.

Which herb do you find most transformative in your vegan cooking? Share your experiences or ask for recipe suggestions in the comments below!