Looking to up my repertoire of vegetarian recipes as we cut out some of the meat we are eating. We make tons of yummy stuff but I always love to try new things!
For health purposes my husband can’t have pasta, rice or bread though so that’s an extra added challenge – our vegetarian recipes aren’t always quick and easy the way pasta or a sandwich can be. And we eat a lot of bakeable cheeses as a result 😂
Frugal vegetarian recipes? (No pasta, rice or bread – ouch I know lol)
byu/IllyriaCervarro inFrugal
Posted by IllyriaCervarro
14 Comments
Tofu scramble is dirt cheap and delicious.
Vegetarian stews or gumbos without the rice (please don’t come at me I’m just trying to creatively help OP), and vegetarian casseroles are really good for meal prep, nutrition, and also being able to freeze leftovers.
Also, it may violate your no pasta rule but I have had a few high-protein pastas, usually pea based, that are not terrible and will def scratch the pasta itch while extremely lowering carbs and eliminating gluten intake.
Po-ta-toes
There was a post a month ago asking for vegetarian recipes that might help out! https://www.reddit.com/r/Frugal/comments/1m79wc0/veggie_eggs_but_no_dairy_or_beans_recipe_ideas/n4pskz0/?context=3
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You could also try https://minimalistbaker.com/recipe-index/?fwp_special-diet=vegetarian&fwp_recipe-type=entree for some vegetarian ideas. They have a grain-free option that might toggle out some of the pastas and breads.
Huevos rancheros with corn tortillas.
Edit: remembered that Americans have had weird egg prices this year. If that applies to you, then this may not be super cheap.
I made a really nice bean salad a few weeks ago with white navy beans, cucumbers, tomatoes, parsley, feta, and a homemade lemon vinaigrette. Since it’s served called, you can make a big batch and eat it multiple days. It’s really great for super hot days when cooking makes you want to cry.
Many people go the leaf-as-wrap/bread route when it comes to sandwich-esque meals. But many go the meat-and-potatoes route for those times when you want starchy food.
Pakora are also a nice treat option when you’re looking for something a little different (well, it’s different for our household anyway).
And of course there are other savories like quinoa or polenta or couscous, even savory oatmeal if you’re down. Fried versions of all of those too, to change up the texture.
Some folks seem to like spaghetti or zucchini noodles as well, just for the feel of swirling and whatnot.
Shepherd’s pies, soups, smoothies. As someone else mentioned, tofu scrambles or tofu bakes are an option. And, of course, depending on what the health reasons are that affect your husband, you may find alternative types of breads/pastas that work for him.
Look up bean salads like cowboy caviar, black bean and corn, or Mediterranean bean salads.
Also, panzanella salads are fun and filling and a great way to use up bits and pieces of veg, bread and cheese.
Indian food! Paneer, lentils, chickpeas.. many Indians are vegetarian so the cuisine is quite developed. If you’re looking for a good place to start, I recommend the website “my heart beets” and “ministry of curry”… but note that these heavily rely on the instant pot (pressure cooking makes lentils & beans cook faster)
Check Asian stores, some noodles are made out of green peas. Avocado or tofu can replace the feeling of eating carbs. You can use eggplant or zucchini to replace lasagna or spaghetti noodles. Check YouTube lots of recipes.
Marry Me Chickpeas (Marry Me, Chickpeas!)
Zucchini slice – it usually has some flour in it but you can cut that back
There are pastas that are made entirely of chick peas or lentils. You could try those.
Japanese style vegetable curry, and Turkish red lentil soup! 🙂
Spaghetti squash (33 cents at tops)
Potatoes
Noodles (they’re different from pasta)
Oatmeal
Cottage cheese
I think it’s more clear if you say what the issue is- gluten? Carbohydrates?