5 Frugal Vegan Recipes for Tasty, Affordable Meals
Living vegan doesn’t have to be pricey! With some simple, inexpensive ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy satisfying, flavorful dishes that are easy on your wallet. Here are five frugal vegan recipes that don’t sacrifice taste, and that make eating plant-based feel effortless.
1. Chickpea & Spinach Curry Recipe
This chickpea curry is packed with protein and iron-rich spinach, creating a nourishing, flavorful meal. The coconut milk adds creaminess, and spices give it warmth and depth.
Ingredients:
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can of coconut milk
2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until golden.
2. Add the curry powder and stir for 1 minute.
3. Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and spinach. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice.
2. One Pot Lentil Stew Recipe
This hearty, fiber-packed stew uses lentils and basic veggies to create a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients:
1 cup dry lentils
4 cups vegetable broth
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 can of diced tomatoes
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a large pot.
2. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and thyme.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes or until lentils are tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
3. Spicy Peanut Noodles Recipe
Peanut butter and sriracha create a rich, spicy sauce for these noodles. Add any fresh or frozen veggies you have on hand for extra nutrition and flavor.
Ingredients:
8 oz spaghetti or ramen noodles
1/4 cup peanut butter
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp sriracha
1 tbsp lime juice
1/4 cup water (to thin sauce)
1 cup chopped vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
Instructions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions.
2. In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and water.
3. Toss cooked noodles and vegetables with the sauce.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm or cold.
4. Veggie Packed Fried Rice Recipe
Repurpose leftover rice and any veggies you have to make this quick, satisfying fried rice.
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked rice (day-old is best)
1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn, etc.)
1/2 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp vegetable oil
Green onions (optional)
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add vegetables and cook until tender.
3. Stir in rice and soy sauce, cooking until heated through and slightly crispy.
4. Garnish with green onions if desired.
5. Black Bean & Sweet Potato Tacos Recipe
These tacos are a perfect blend of sweet and savory, with black beans adding protein and sweet potatoes offering a delicious, slightly sweet contrast.
Ingredients:
1 large sweet potato, diced
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Tortillas
Toppings (lettuce, salsa, avocado – optional)
Instructions:
1. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, until tender.
2. Warm black beans in a skillet with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Fill tortillas with roasted sweet potato and seasoned black beans. Add any toppings you like.
These five budget-friendly vegan recipes prove that plant-based eating can be both affordable and delicious! Try them out and let us know which ones you loved most.
