Vegetarian Recipes for Beginners

I have a confession to make: in the past, when people told me they were vegetarians I would secretly laugh on the inside and be thinking ‘you poor, poor chicken, erm, I mean, tofu.’ I could never fathom how someone actively chose not to eat meat. I’d ask (knowing full well they couldn’t) “Can you eat pork belly?” “No.” “Can you eat chicken schnitzel?” “No.” “Can you eat a wagyu burger?” “No.” “What is the point of living!?” I’d cry in protest. Dramatic? Sure. But in all seriousness, I love my meat.

Many times I’d make an announcement to my friends that I loved animals too much and was going to try be vegetarian for a year. Looking back, I obviously needed to start smaller. I also learnt that people don’t always choose to be vegetarian because of animal rights, but also because it makes them feel healthier and more energised.

Whatever the reason, if you’re considering taking the plunge and going vegetarian or just want to take a break from meat and try it out for a while, here are some of my favourite recipes that are delicious and will fill you (because I am still adamant tofu will never fill me like a good old 300g T-bone).

For an appetizer …

Spinach Cob Dip

Whenever my mum has people over for a BBQ be it in summer or winter she will always whip out a Spinach Cob Dip. It’s one of my favourite vegetarian recipes and just secretly, I usually eat the whole cob. Nay – I always eat the whole cob. Don’t judge me, it’s too tasty to stop.

If you like Thai …

Thai Vegetable Curry

I love curry all year round and thai curries are some of my favourites. Thai flavours are so aromatic and bursting with taste and witht his particular curry you are consumed with ‘mmmm’s’ and ‘ahhhh’s’ of how delicious it is that you forget there’s no meat in it.

For potato lovers …

Sweet Potato and Zucchini Gratin

Next to chocolate and all things sweet, my next food of choice is potato – potato chips, sweet potato chips, crunchy chips, potato bake, jacket potato and pretty much anything you can do with a potato. This sweet potato and zucchini gratin will certainly warm your body and appease your tastebuds. Pair it with a good garden salad and you’ve got the perfect family dinner.

For cheese fans …

Cheesy Zucchini Rice Cakes

I grew up on these cheesy rice cakes. They are great snacks for kids for school/work and can be a pretty filling lunch if you cut up some veggie sticks and pair it with a dollop of hummus.

Tell me, what are some of your favourite vegetarian recipes that you love making?

This post was written in collaboration with Continental. However, all the beliefs and opinions expressed in this post are written in my own words and are 100% authentic. 

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