10+ Instant Vegetarian Recipes for Delicious Quick Meals

If you’re looking to prepare quick and healthy meals, instant vegetarian recipes are a great option. These recipes make it easy to create delicious and satisfying dishes with minimal effort. With the right ingredients and a reliable cooking method, you can enjoy a variety of flavorful meals in no time.

Whether you’re a long-time vegetarian or just looking to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, you’ll find that these recipes offer something for everyone. Get ready to discover simple and tasty meals that align with your lifestyle and taste preferences.

Chickpea Curry

Chickpea curry is a delicious and healthy vegetarian dish that’s easy to make. You can whip it up in your Instant Pot or on the stovetop. It combines chickpeas with rich spices, tomatoes, and creamy coconut milk, making it perfect for any meal.

To start, gather your ingredients. You will love how simple and quick this recipe is. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz or 425 g), drained and rinsed
• 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz or 400 ml)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz or 411 g)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the oil in your Instant Pot on the sauté setting.
2. Add onions and salt, cooking for about 3 minutes until soft.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
4. Add chickpeas, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and curry powder.
5. Seal the lid and set the pot to high pressure for 10 minutes.
6. Release the pressure naturally, then enjoy your curry!

2) Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers are a tasty and colorful dish you can make easily. You can fill them with a mix of grains, beans, and spices to create a satisfying meal. They are not only delicious but also nutritious.

To begin, you can use quinoa or rice as a base. Adding black beans and corn gives an extra kick. Season your mixture with taco seasoning for some flavor.

Once your filling is ready, cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds. Pack the filling into each pepper tightly. Place them in your Instant Pot and cook under high pressure for about 10 minutes.

These stuffed peppers are great for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner. You can also try different fillings based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 1 cup diced tomatoes

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the quinoa or rice.
2. Mix the cooked grains, black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and tomatoes.
3. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds.
4. Stuff each pepper with the mixture.
5. Place the peppers in the Instant Pot.
6. Cook on Manual/High Pressure for 10 minutes.

3) Caprese Salad with Balsamic Glaze

Caprese Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that’s quick to make. Perfect for busy days, it combines simple ingredients for a burst of flavors.

You’ll need fresh, ripe tomatoes, basil leaves, and vegan mozzarella. The balsamic glaze brings everything together with its rich and tangy taste.

Start by slicing the tomatoes and mozzarella into even pieces. Layer them on a plate, alternating between tomato and cheese.

Next, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top. Drizzle the salad with balsamic glaze and some olive oil for added flavor.

This salad is best enjoyed immediately to keep the ingredients fresh and tasty.

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 8 ounces vegan mozzarella
• Fresh basil leaves
• Balsamic glaze
• Olive oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes and vegan mozzarella.
2. Alternate layering the slices on a plate.
3. Add fresh basil leaves on top.
4. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and olive oil.
5. Serve fresh and enjoy!

4) Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells

Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells are a delicious and easy vegetarian dish. You can prepare them quickly and enjoy a warm meal that everyone will love.

Start by cooking jumbo pasta shells according to the package instructions. Once they are tender, drain and let them cool.

For the filling, mix ricotta cheese, chopped spinach, and your favorite seasonings. Carefully stuff each shell with the mixture and place them in a baking dish with a layer of marinara sauce.

Top the shells with more sauce and a sprinkle of cheese if you like. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes.

These stuffed shells are perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends. They are both filling and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 12 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the pasta shells according to the package.
3. Mix ricotta, spinach, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Stuff each shell with the mixture.
5. Spread some marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place stuffed shells in the dish and cover with remaining sauce.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

5) Thai Peanut Noodles

Thai Peanut Noodles are a quick and tasty vegetarian option for dinner. You’ll enjoy the creamy peanut sauce mixed with fresh vegetables and noodles. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight.

You can make these noodles in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. The combination of flavors makes it a hit with kids and adults alike. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.

To prepare, you’ll need some basic ingredients like noodles, peanut butter, and a mix of colorful veggies. You can customize the veggies based on what you have at home.

Ingredients

• 8 oz long pasta (or any noodles you prefer)
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup carrots, sliced
• 1 cup bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the noodles according to package directions.
2. In an Instant Pot, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add carrots, bell pepper, and cooked noodles.
4. Stir in peanut butter, soy sauce, and vegetable broth.
5. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
6. Release pressure and stir well before serving.

6) Quinoa and Black Bean Chili

Quinoa and Black Bean Chili is a delicious and healthy meal. It is packed with protein and fiber, making it a filling option. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight.

To make it, you will need black beans, quinoa, tomatoes, and spices. This combination creates a rich flavor that warms you up. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with rice.

Ready to cook? Here are the ingredients you’ll need:

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic, cooking until soft.
3. Stir in chili powder and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add black beans, quinoa, tomatoes, and broth.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
6. Cover and simmer for about 20 minutes until quinoa is cooked.

Enjoy your flavorful chili!

7) Lentil and Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Lentil and sweet potato shepherd’s pie is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any meal. It’s packed with flavor and is easy to make. The base is made of lentils and veggies that simmer together to create tasty layers.

You’ll start by cooking lentils with fresh herbs. This mix adds a savory touch to your pie. The sweet potatoes are boiled and mashed for a creamy topping that complements the filling well.

This dish is not only filling but also nutritious. Lentils are a good source of protein and fiber. Sweet potatoes bring vitamins and a hint of sweetness.

It’s a wonderful way to enjoy plant-based comfort food. Plus, you can make it ahead and reheat it for a quick dinner option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils
• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Fresh herbs (thyme, rosemary)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Boil sweet potatoes until tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Cook lentils with broth, garlic, and veggies in a pot.
4. Mash sweet potatoes and season as desired.
5. Layer lentil mix in a baking dish, then top with mashed sweet potatoes.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden.

8) Vegetable Stir Fry with Tofu

Vegetable stir fry with tofu is a quick and healthy meal option. You can use a mix of your favorite vegetables, like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights.

Start by pressing the tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into cubes and sauté until golden brown. Then, add your veggies and stir-fry until they’re tender-crisp.

For flavor, create a simple sauce with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Drizzle it over the stir fry and mix well. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Cooked rice or noodles, for serving

Cooking Instructions

1. Press tofu to remove excess water. Cut into cubes.
2. Heat a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C) and sauté tofu until golden.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes.
4. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic. Pour over stir fry.
5. Cook for another minute, then serve over rice or noodles.

9) Mushroom Risotto

Mushroom risotto is a creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for a quick vegetarian meal. You can make it in an Instant Pot, which saves time while keeping the flavors rich.

Start with Arborio rice, which gives risotto its signature creaminess. You can add a mix of your favorite mushrooms for extra flavor. Cremini or shiitake mushrooms work great.

You’ll also need vegetable broth and a splash of white wine for depth. Make sure not to rinse the rice, as this helps retain its starchiness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup mushrooms (your choice)
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté and add olive oil.
2. Sauté onions until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Stir in rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in the wine and cook until reduced.
6. Add broth, salt, and pepper.
7. Close the lid and set to high pressure for 6 minutes.
8. Release steam and stir before serving.

10) Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious vegetarian dish that’s easy to make. You can prepare it in the Instant Pot for a quick meal. It layers tender eggplant with rich tomato sauce and gooey cheese.

Start by slicing the eggplant. Sprinkle salt on it to draw out moisture. Then, layer the slices in your Instant Pot, adding tomato sauce and cheese in between.

Cook it under pressure for about 10 minutes. This keeps the eggplant soft while melting the cheese perfectly. Serve it as is, or pair it with spaghetti for a tasty dinner.

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the eggplant and sprinkle salt on it.
2. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then rinse.
3. Layer eggplant, tomato sauce, and cheese in the Instant Pot.
4. Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
5. Release the pressure and enjoy your meal!