Plant-based proteins are just what they sound like: They're vegetarian foods that are high in protein. (Think: legumes, nuts, lentils, chickpeas, and edamame.) They're useful whether you're trying to cut back on meat, eat a fully vegetarian diet, or just save some cash at the grocery store. Here are 23 recipes to get you started.
1. Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bowl
Start the day off right with this quinoa porridge (P.S.: It actually tastes more like dessert than breakfast). Get the recipe.
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2. Flourless Chickpea Peanut Butter Pancakes
Thanks to peanut butter, almond milk, vanilla, and maple syrup, you'd have no idea you're eating chickpeas for breakfast. Get the recipe.
3. Spicy Tofu Scramble
Trying to avoid eggs? This tofu scramble is the perfect breakfast addition to a vegan diet. Get the recipe.
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4. Edamame Black Bean Burgers
Dress up this bean burger with anything from avocado and spicy mayo to sun-dried tomatoes and arugula. Get the recipe.
5. Creamy Wild Rice Soup with Roasted Butter Mushrooms
Cold nights call for hot bowls of this rich, decadent soup. Make a big batch and freeze it for a weeknight meal when you're feeling too lazy to cook. Get the recipe.
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6. Crispy Buffalo Tofu Bites with Garlicky Yogurt and Feta Dip
Make these as a party appetizer...or just for yourself. Get the recipe.
7. Quinoa Fried Rice
Everyone's favorite Chinese dish gets a better-for-you twist. Swap rice for quinoa and load it with your favorite stir-fry veggies. Get the recipe.
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8. Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew
The majority of this recipe can be made with ingredients you probably have sitting in your pantry and spice cabinet — like canned chickpeas and tomatoes, cayenne, paprika, and chili powder. Get the recipe.
9. Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Crispy Goat Cheese
If you need proof that vegetarian meals can still feel totally decadent, look no further. Get the recipe.
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10. Ginger and Lemongrass Thai Soup with Crispy Tofu
Lemongrass, ginger, coconut milk, sesame oil, and soy sauce make this soup the perfect mix of sweet and tangy. Get the recipe.
11. Kale, Edamame, and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
Loaded with edamame, quinoa, and avocado, this salad will fill you up and make you feel good. Get the recipe.
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12. Spicy Eggplant, Chickpea, and Chard Shakshuka
Whip up this skillet recipe for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If you're trying to avoid dairy, just skip the crumbled feta. Get the recipe.
13. Baked General Tso Tofu
Marinated in soy sauce, maple syrup, and a little cornstarch, this tofu gets super crispy without any deep-frying. Get the recipe.
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14. BBQ Chickpea and Cauliflower Tacos
Dress this recipe up with all of your favorite taco toppings like avocado, jalapeño,
salsa, and sour cream. Just don't forget about the easy homemade creamy lime slaw. Get the recipe.
15. Creamy French Lentils with Mushrooms and Kale
The key to this recipe is the creamy sauce made with mixed mushrooms, garlic, thyme, white wine, coconut milk, and and tamari.
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16. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burrito Bowls
You can substitute your favorite grain for the rice in these versatile burrito bowls. Get the recipe.
17. Vegan Lentil No-Meat Loaf
Just because you're eating less meat doesn't mean you have to cut back on any of your favorite comfort foods. Get the recipe.
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18. Lentil and Mushroom Ragu
Make a big batch of this vegetarian ragu and keep it in the freezer. It's an easy way to take pasta night to the next level. Get the recipe.
19. Spicy Black Bean Soup
Loaded with beans and veggies, this hearty soup will warm you up from the inside out. Get the recipe.
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20. Thai Peanut Tofu Budda Bowl
The secret to these Buddha bowls is the sweet and savory peanut marinade, which calls for peanut butter, lime juice, Sriracha, tamari, garlic, maple syrup and ginger. Get the recipe.
21. Zucchini and Wild Rice Gratin
Shredded zucchini, wild rice, flour, cheese, and some spices is all you need to make this comforting dish. Get the recipe.
22. Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
If you're pressed for time, don't worry about making enchilada sauce from scratch. A store bought version will do the drink. Get the recipe.
23. Portobello Steaks with Avocado Chimichurri
Marinated in balsamic vinegar, olive oil, cumin, black pepper, paprika, garlic, and steak sauce, these portobello mushrooms are the perfect meatless Monday dinner. Get the recipe.
