Cheap Vegan Recipes: Budget-Friendly Meals That Taste Great

Eating a vegan diet doesn’t have to be expensive. There are plenty of delicious and filling meals you can make without breaking the bank. Cheap Vegan Recipes can help you save money while still enjoying a wide variety of flavorful and nutritious dishes. Whether you’re a student, a busy professional, or just someone looking to cut costs without sacrificing taste, these budget-friendly meals are the perfect solution.

1. Lentil Soup

Lentils are incredibly affordable and packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients. This hearty lentil soup is a great meal for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something warm and comforting.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 carrots, chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 4 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

2. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until softened.

3. Stir in cumin and cook for 1 minute.

4. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until lentils are tender.

6. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

2. Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas are a great staple for cheap vegan meals. This refreshing salad is full of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it the perfect lunch or side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 cucumber, chopped

• 1 bell pepper, chopped

• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.

2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then season with salt and pepper.

3. Toss to combine and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

4. Serve chilled for a quick, protein-packed meal.

3. Rice and Beans

Rice and beans are a classic combination in many cultures and provide a complete protein. This simple dish is as cheap as it is nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice (white or brown)

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.

3. Add beans, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Serve beans over rice for a filling, budget-friendly meal.

4. Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwich

When you’re looking for something quick, cheap, and delicious, a peanut butter and banana sandwich hits the spot. It’s a great snack or light meal that provides protein, healthy fats, and a natural sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole wheat bread

• 2 tablespoons peanut butter

• 1 banana, sliced

Instructions:

1. Spread peanut butter on one slice of bread.

2. Arrange banana slices on top of the peanut butter.

3. Top with the other slice of bread and enjoy!

5. Pasta with Tomato Sauce

Pasta is another inexpensive and versatile ingredient, and when paired with a simple tomato sauce, it makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta of your choice

• 1 can diced tomatoes

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions.

2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.

3. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. Toss the sauce with the cooked pasta and serve.

6. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potatoes and black beans are a nutritious, budget-friendly pair, and tacos are a fun way to enjoy them. These tacos are packed with flavor and can be topped with any extras you have on hand.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

• 8 small corn tortillas

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Salsa and avocado for topping (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.

4. Warm tortillas and fill with roasted sweet potatoes and black beans.

5. Top with salsa and avocado if desired.

7. Stir-Fried Vegetables with Tofu

Stir-fries are a quick and easy meal, and tofu is a great plant-based protein that’s both cheap and nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 block firm tofu, drained and cubed

• 1 bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 carrot, julienned

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add tofu and cook until golden on all sides.

2. Remove tofu and set aside. In the same pan, add sesame oil and sauté vegetables for 5-7 minutes.

3. Add tofu back into the pan, then drizzle with soy sauce and ginger. Stir to combine.

4. Serve with rice or noodles for a filling, affordable meal.

Read more about Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes…

Final Thoughts

Eating plant-based doesn’t have to be expensive. With cheap vegan recipes like these, you can enjoy nutritious, flavorful meals without straining your budget.

Simple ingredients like beans, lentils, rice, and vegetables are not only affordable but packed with the nutrients you need for a healthy lifestyle.

Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, these budget-friendly vegan meals are the perfect way to enjoy tasty dishes every day.