Hearty and Delicious Vegan Main Course Recipes: Lentil Stew, Shepherd's Pie, and Sweet Potato Chili Boats

Choosing a favorite vegan main course dinner recipe is like picking a favorite song: it really depends on the mood and occasion! Today, we explore three delightful vegan main courses that are sure to impress your guests. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a cozy dinner at home, or simply looking for a comforting meal, these recipes are a must-try!

Lentil Stew: A Nutritious and Flavorful Option

One of my go-to recipes is a hearty lentil stew. This dish is packed with protein, hearty vegetables, and a warm, comforting flavor. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings and can be made on a stove or in a slow cooker for convenience.

Ingredients:

1 cup of green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained 1 onion, diced 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1 teaspoon of dried thyme 1 teaspoon of dried oregano 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika 1 can of diced tomatoes 4 cups of vegetable broth Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a little bit of olive oil. Add the onion, carrots, celery, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the thyme, oregano, and smoked paprika and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley.

Hearty Lentil Shepherd's Pie: A Classic with a Twist

When hosting a dinner party, lentil shepherd's pie is a crowd-pleaser that even the meat-lovers can't resist. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal that pairs perfectly with seasonal vegetables and herbs. The recipe is versatile and allows you to customize it to your taste.

Ingredients:

Ingredients for the filling are the same as the lentil stew Lentils Vegetables as stated above Vegetable broth Seasoning as per the instructions For the topping, you can use mashed potatoes or a mix of mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes for a colorful twist

Instructions:

Prepare the lentil stew as usual but instead of serving it hot, reserve half of it for the topping. Mash the prepared potatoes or mix mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes for a vibrant color. Spread the mashed potatoes or potato mixture onto the lentil stew and bake or broil until golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot.

Sweet Potato Chili Boats: A Colorful and Creative Douce

Mention vegan chili and sweet potato chili boats come to mind. This dish not only offers a tasty and nutritious meal but also looks stunning on the plate. It’s a great option for a themed party or a casual family dinner.

Ingredients:

Largest sweet potatoes Basil, pepper, and chili spices Spaghetti sauce Garlic and onions Several different kinds of beans and mushrooms Celery and corn (optional)

Instructions:

Prep the sweet potatoes by baking or microwaving them. Cut the sweet potatoes lengthwise and scoop out the center, leaving a small wall around the perimeter. Fill the scooped-out portion with chili and mix well to create a color splash. Place the sweet potato boats on each person's plate and top with vegan cheese, a sprinkle of Noosh, and a sprig of parsley. Serve with a side of whole wheat rolls or bread for a complete protein dish.

These dishes not only offer a variety of flavors and textures but also provide a nutritious boost from the abundance of plant-based ingredients. Whether you're a vegan or just looking to expand your meal options, these recipes are sure to become your favorites. Try them out and enjoy a delicious, comforting, and colorful meal!