Looking for a delicious dinner that won’t weigh you down? These easy low-carb vegetarian recipes are just what you need. Packed with fresh flavors and satisfying ingredients, each dish is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight meal. Get ready to enjoy a feast that’s both healthy and tasty!
Steps
- Begin by preparing the cauliflower rice by grating cauliflower florets or using a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Heat a large pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
- Add minced garlic and chopped onions to the heated pan, cooking until they become translucent. Stir in the cauliflower rice, ensuring it is evenly coated with the oil and cooked ingredients.
- Add your choice of vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers, stirring occasionally to combine. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the cauliflower rice is fully cooked.
- Season the cauliflower fried rice with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. If desired, scramble some eggs in a separate pan and mix them into the rice for added protein and flavor.
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro. Serve hot as a standalone dish or a side to your favorite protein.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated or processed into rice-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as peas, carrots, and corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bunch escarole, chopped
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, for serving
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked pasta of choice
- 1 block (14 ounces) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, chopped
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups spinach leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, grated
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) butter beans, drained and rinsed
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or vegan substitute
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons garam masala
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 can (14 ounces) coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons red curry paste
- 1 sweet potato, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
FAQ
- What is an alternative to traditional rice in fried rice recipes?
- Cauliflower can be used as a substitute for rice in fried rice recipes for those looking to reduce carb intake or increase vegetable consumption.
- How can I enjoy Alfredo pasta with less fat?
- By using cottage cheese, you can create a creamy Alfredo sauce that is lower in fat but still rich in protein and flavor.
- What makes sweet and sour tofu appealing even to tofu skeptics?
- The combination of savory, tangy, and sweet flavors in the sauce enhances the mild taste of tofu, often winning over those who are initially hesitant.
- Is there a vegan option that captures the creaminess of traditional pasta dishes?
- Yes, creamy Tuscan vegan pasta replicates the texture of classic creamy pasta dishes while being entirely plant-based.
- Can cauliflower be used as a pizza crust?
- Absolutely, cauliflower pizza crust is a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional pizza crusts, ideal for those looking to reduce carb intake.
Tips
- When making cauliflower fried rice, ensure the cauliflower is well-dried to avoid a soggy texture. Pat it dry with a towel after rinsing.
- For the Mediterranean White Beans & Greens dish, try serving it with freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano or pair it with crusty bread to enhance its flavors.
- If preparing Cottage Cheese Alfredo, you can add grilled chicken or vegetables for extra protein and texture, making it a more complete meal.
- When making vegan sauces like the Creamy Tuscan Vegan Pasta, blend the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that mimics traditional dairy-based sauces.
Equipment
- Spiralizer – For recipes that include spaghetti squash or other spiralized vegetables.
- Food Processor – Useful for making cauliflower rice or cauliflower pizza crust.
- Tofu Press – Helpful for recipes involving tofu, like the Chili Crisp Fried Tofu or Marry Me Tofu.
- Sheet Pan – For recipes like Sheet-Pan Miso Chicken & Sweet Potatoes.
- Skillet – While many may have a basic skillet, a high-quality or specific type (like a cast iron skillet) might be needed for dishes like Mediterranean White Beans & Greens or Chickpea Broccoli Alfredo Skillet.
- Rice Cooker – Useful for recipes involving rice or rice alternatives like cauliflower rice.
