Going vegan doesn’t mean spending hours in the kitchen or giving up flavor. After years of plant-based cooking, I’ve learned the best vegan recipes are the ones you’ll actually make on a busy Tuesday night—simple, satisfying, and surprisingly delicious.
Jump to Recipe ↓Why Easy Vegan Recipes Changed My Cooking Forever
Let me be honest with you. When I first explored vegan cooking, I was overwhelmed. The recipes I found had ingredient lists longer than my grocery receipt, filled with things I’d never heard of. But here’s what changed everything: I discovered that the most delicious vegan meals don’t require exotic ingredients—they’re built on simple whole foods you probably already have.
The turning point came on a hectic Wednesday evening when I threw together a simple chickpea curry. It turned out to be one of the most satisfying meals I’d made all month. That’s when I realized simplicity isn’t a compromise—it’s actually the secret to consistent, delicious vegan cooking. Similar to my approach with healthy meal prep, keeping things simple means you’ll actually stick with it.
Simple Vegan Recipe That Converts Everyone
This is my go-to recipe when friends say they can’t imagine eating vegan food. It’s inspired by techniques I use in dishes like my chicken stir-fry, but completely plant-based. The ingredients are simple, the technique is straightforward, and the result converts skeptics every single time.
Creamy Coconut Chickpea Curry
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened. Your kitchen should start smelling amazing.
Step 1: Sauté the onions until golden and fragrant -
Add garlic and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The garlic should be fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Add the aromatic garlic and colorful bell peppers -
Add chickpeas, tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, and turmeric. Stir and simmer for 8-10 minutes. This is when the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Let the chickpeas simmer with aromatic spices - Pour in coconut milk and add spinach. The spinach will look like too much at first, but it wilts down dramatically. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. I use about ½ teaspoon salt and fresh black pepper, but adjust to your preference.
- Serve over rice, quinoa, or with warm bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling fancy.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
More Quick Vegan Recipes for Every Meal
If you’re looking for breakfast inspiration, my matcha chia pudding takes just 5 minutes to prep the night before. For lunch, try this ABC salad (Apple, Beet, Carrot) that’s both refreshing and surprisingly filling.
The Secret to Making Plant-Based Recipes Taste Amazing
Here’s what I wish someone had told me: seasoning is everything in vegan cooking. Without the natural fats from animal products, you need to be generous with herbs, spices, and aromatics. This isn’t a bad thing—it’s what makes vegan food so vibrant!
I always keep fresh garlic and ginger on hand, along with good olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and various dried spices. A pinch of smoked paprika can make almost anything taste more complex and satisfying.
Start Your Easy Vegan Cooking Journey Today
If you’re thinking “I could never give up [favorite food],” I understand. But here’s the thing: you’re not giving up anything—you’re just adding options. Start with the recipe above. Make it on a night when you have 30 minutes and no pressure. Adjust the spices to your taste. Make it your own.
The best easy vegan recipes are the ones you’ll actually make. They come together quickly on a weeknight and taste good enough to serve when you have company. They’re forgiving—you can swap vegetables based on what’s in season and adjust spices to your preference.
So grab those chickpeas, turn on some music, and let’s get cooking. Your kitchen, your rules. Make it simple, make it delicious, and most importantly—make it yours.