bowl of veggies for National Vegetarian Month

Ten Recipes for National Vegetarian Month

To celebrate National Vegetarian Month in October, we have gathered a collection of our favorite vegetarian recipes. Did you know that eating a plant-based diet is incredibly beneficial to your health? Making small adjustments like reducing animal products and increasing your intake of greens can improve cholesterol levels and promote a healthier heart. Additionally, there are advantages for your skin, hair, and nails. If you're not a full-time vegetarian, why not give a plant-based diet a try at least once a year during National Vegetarian Month?

Honey Recipes for National Vegetarian Month

Whether you're just getting started on your journey as a vegetarian or have been following a plant-based lifestyle for years, these 10 recipes offer an exciting array of flavors and textures to explore and enjoy. From nutritious dishes loaded with fresh vegetables to decadent desserts made without animal products, let this month be an opportunity to expand your experience in the kitchen and celebrate all the wonderful offerings of vegetarian food!

Summer Salsa

We call this summer salsa, but you can make it any time of the year with frozen corn. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe to share at your next gathering, look no further. It’s sweet, flavorful, and sure to please a crowd. And the best part? It only takes a few minutes to make! So go ahead and give this tasty salsa a try - your taste buds will thank you.

summer salsa on spoon in bowl

Plant protein can be just as adequate as protein from animals

One of the most common misconceptions about vegetarian diets is that they lack adequate protein. However, with awareness and intentionality, it is easy to get enough protein from plant-based sources. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of plant protein and how it can be just as adequate as protein from animals.

Plant proteins, such as soybeans, lentils, and chickpeas, are packed with nutrients our bodies need to function optimally. Unlike animal protein, plant protein sources are low in saturated fat and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming plant protein sources has been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.

Benefits of a plant-based diet

National Vegetarian Month is a timely reminder of the many benefits of incorporating plant-based diets into our lives. Plant protein is packed with nutrients, benefits the environment, and can be more affordable than animal-derived protein. With so many versatile plant-based protein options available, making the switch to a plant-based diet has never been easier. By consuming more plant protein and less meat, we can improve our health and contribute to a more sustainable world. So, this October, give plant-based protein a try and see how it can transform your life for the better.

Let’s start exploring handmade meat alternatives that are also rich in protein. Seitan Skewers with Chimichurri Citrus-Herb Sauce are a perfect meat alternative; you won’t be able to tell the difference.

Seitan Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

Plant Protein is Less Expensive

Plant-based diets are typically more affordable than meat-centered diets, allowing consumers to save money while eating healthily. Beans and lentils cost significantly less than ground beef or chicken, and whole grains like quinoa and brown rice are more affordable than cuts of beef or lamb. Plant-based protein powders, such as pea and rice protein, are often less expensive than animal-derived whey protein.

Work on better health at the very same time you work on your budget

If you're unfamiliar with making bean burgers, I can relate. Usually, I rely on frozen veggie burgers from the food store or simply enjoy bean burgers when dining out. However, I recently thought about trying to cook homemade ones. Online recipes seemed complex, with numerous steps, and the process of mashing everything together appeared messy, resulting in a crumbly, mushy burger. But, I decided to give it a shot. I didn't want to invest in soy-filled frozen burgers when I already had all the ingredients at home for this recipe. These Black Bean Burgers lead to satiety without guilt on any level.

three black bean burgers with honey in pan

Celebrate National Vegetarian Month with style by indulging in this delicious Sweet Spicy Honey Chili made with Stout Beer. This hearty and bold recipe will have you coming back for more, and you won't even miss the meat!

vegan chili with honey

Our Carrot Ginger soup is deliciously simple to make. I believe that the most nourishing foods are often those that require only a few ingredients and come together in less than an hour, including prep time. This Carrot Ginger Soup is also surprisingly satisfying, making it the perfect choice. As a lover of thick soups, this one definitely hit the spot for me, plus it's fast and easy to make!

Prefect any time of the year! This easy homemade Carrot Ginger Soup so delicious it’s hard to believe how simple it is to make.

Lentil Soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal that is low in calories. Lentils are an excellent source of iron, folate, and protein. Many vegetarians use lentil protein as a meat alternative. Lentils also contain polyphenols that may reduce heart disease risk factors. They come in various colors including yellow, red, black, and brown. Brown lentils are commonly used, but experimenting with different types can be fun. Each lentil type has its own unique chemical composition of antioxidants and phytochemicals. This soup recipe can be made in less than an hour and can be served for lunch or a light dinner. Add a salad to this Lentil Soup to make it a well-balanced meal. Try this flavorful lentil soup, perfect for a crisp autumn day. It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare and won't disappoint.

This lentil soup recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. It combines the nutrients, protein, good carbs & fiber in lentils with the antioxidant power of veggies.

This Honey-Glazed Squash Salad tastes delicious and is incredibly nutritious. Acorn Squash is packed with high amounts of Vitamin A and polyphenolic compounds, which are converted to Vitamin A by the body. It is also a great source of Vitamin C, providing about 30% of the daily requirement in one serving. Butternut Squash is rich in B vitamins, such as folate, riboflavin, niacin, and thiamin, as well as minerals like iron, zinc, copper, potassium, and phosphorous. The combination of these flavors with cinnamon and honey creates an amazing flavor from a squash. Our Roasted Squash Salad recipe uses our rich Buckwheat Honey. Once you roast the Acorn Squash, serve it on top of your favorite salad with bitter greens, add pomegranate seeds, pecans, and our famous honey lemon vinaigrette.

Acorn Squash Salad on table with forks and uncooked acorn squash and napikin and drink

When I find myself in a cooking rut, I like to turn to fresh salads to spark my culinary creativity. Lately, I've been experimenting with this spinach fruit salad that combines unexpected ingredients in delicious ways! I never thought to mix sweet flavors with savory spinach before, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well they complement each other. In this blog post, I'll explain why this unique dish stands out and how easy it is to make yourself. Whether you're a vegan foodie or simply looking for something new and tasty to try, this one's for you. This spinach fruit salad, dressed with our amazing honey vinaigrette, is a quick and delightful dish to prepare. an easy salad to make and features our honey vinaigrette or miso vinaigrette.

Fruit and Spinach Salad for Traditional Easter Dinner

Try these easy pickled onions on top of this salad or any salad. They add depth to any meal and taste special! You can make a batch of these and store them in a glass jar in the fridge for weeks.

easy pickled onions

While you are busy pickling, which is much easier than I ever knew, try these pickled beets. They will not disappoint and will keep in an airtight glass container in the fridge for at least a week.

honey pickled beets in a mason jar with garlic cloves on wood table

During National Vegetarian Month, indulge guilt-free in these scrumptious Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies! No one needs to know just how delectably irresistible they truly are. 

Eating a plant-based diet is the perfect way to give your health an extra boost this October, as well as explore and appreciate different flavors. The few small adjustments we make by reducing our animal product intake not only promote a healthier heart but also come with many beauty benefits for our skin, hair, and nails. So why not show yourself some love this month?

Let National Vegetarian Month be the motivation to explore meat-free recipes, indulge in fresh produce, or just try something new and delicious. Plant-based diets can be easy meals with intriguing flavors; from colorful salads to savory vegan sandwiches. Now is the best time of year to experience all of these amazing flavors while simultaneously respecting the wonderful planet we live on! All it takes is one action: trying going vegetarian this month!

For unique and wondrous vegan recipes, visit our friend Marly at Namely Marly.

If you decide to try any of these vegetarian recipes, take a photo and share them with us using #beeinspired on Instagram. We love seeing your photos!

National Vegetarian Month Tall Pin

 


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