As you may know, I have been taking part in Veganuary, giving up meat, fish and dairy products for the month of January. The reasons for this are varied but include trying to challenge myself in the kitchen, cut down on the meat products I eat and trying to see if it would save me money. The added bonus is that I have also dropped 8lbs since January 1st! I thought I would compile a list of 5 fabulous vegan recipes for people unsure of where to begin.

The thing I hear most often is that a vegetarian or vegan diet costs more than a regular meaty diet. I can say from my experience that this definitely isn’t the case. Maybe it is because I have been cooking the majority of my meals from scratch but I have found it to be quite a lot cheaper than my usual diet. Admittedly my usual diet does consist of a variety of fast food including regular trips to McDonalds and also the ‘to go’ aisle in my local supermarket for a work day lunch. Yes it takes more planning to be vegan for a month. It has also made me consider the harm I could be doing to animals and the environment by the amount of meat I was consuming. After January, I will seriously cut down on the amount of meat and fish I buy.

Anyway, I wanted to compile a list of 5 of my favourite meals throughout this journey. This is by no means a comprehensive list of my meals, I will try to do this throughout February and share a few different meals each week. I hope it inspires you to try something you haven’t before.

Main Dishes

Harissa Aubergine Kebabs

This amazing dish was created by Katy Beskow for her 15 minute vegan book. It is amazing and has become a firm favourite in our house. Find the recipe HERE

Chunky butternut squash soup

In this cold, miserable weather, a good soup really warms you up. This is only 160 calories per portion as is so filling! If you like your soup smooth, blend it after cooking. Find the recipe HERE

Mushroom & sweet potato curry

This curry recipe is quick, easy and low in calories at only 498 per portion. The slightly spicy, coconutty taste is fantastic with garlic and coriander naan. Find the recipe HERE

Falafel burgers

I have been making these fantastic falafel burgers for a couple of years. They aren’t traditional as the recipe don’t use dried chickpeas, but are quick, easy and taste like Morocco to me. Find the recipe HERE

Vermicelli Miso

I love Japanese food and have been cooking this for a few months. I reintroduced this recipe throughout Veganuary and it is simple yet filling. Find the recipe HERE

I hope you liked my 5 fabulous vegan meals. Please give it a like if you enjoyed it. I hope you try some, do let me know in the comments which your favourite was!