Meatless Mondays is a global campaign that encourages people to cut out meat one day a week for their health and the health of the planet.
The benefits of going meatless are many. For your health, cutting out meat can help lower your cholesterol and blood pressure, reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer, and help you lose weight.
For the planet, producing meat requires a lot of resources – including water, land, and energy – that can put a strain on our limited resources.
According to a report by Vegetarian Times, nearly one-fifth of the world’s population is vegetarian. And while some vegetarians may be content to eat salads and steamed vegetables every day, others want to get a little more creative in the kitchen.
After all, there are a lot of delicious meatless recipes out there from cuisines all over the world. So why not try going meatless one day a week? It’s easy to do with these seven delicious recipes from around the world.
1. Black Bean Burritos from Mexico
Mexico is known for its delicious food, and one of my favorite dishes is the black bean burrito. Originating in the state of Guerrero, this simple but flavorsome dish consists of a flour tortilla stuffed with black beans, cheese, and salsa.
The beans are cooked until they are soft and creamy, and the cheese adds a lovely richness to the filling. The salsa can be either mild or spicy, depending on your preference. I like to top my burrito with sour cream and avocado, making it even more delicious.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick snack or a hearty meal, black bean burritos will satisfy you. Give them a try the next time you’re in the mood for Mexican food – you won’t be disappointed!
Get the Black bean burritos recipe here.
2. Falafel from the Middle East
Falafel is a delicious and popular dish from the Middle East made from ground chickpeas or fava beans. The beans are soaked overnight, then ground into a paste with spices such as cumin, coriander, and garlic.
The paste is formed into balls or patties and fried in oil until crispy. Falafel can be served on its own as a snack or appetizer, or it can be added to a salad or wrapped in pita bread with vegetables and tahini sauce.
No matter how it is served, falafel is a delicious and healthy option that is sure to please.
Get the Falafel recipe here
3. Quinoa Salad from Peru
This quinoa salad is a delicious, nutritious dish that originates from Peru. It is made with quinoa, a grain native to the Andean region of South America.
Quinoa is a high-protein food that is also packed with vitamins and minerals. This salad also contains fresh vegetables, such as tomatoes, red onions, and cilantro. The combination of flavors in this salad is truly unique and will leave you feeling satisfied and refreshed.
This dish is perfect for a light lunch or a side dish at dinner. So, if you’re looking for something new and exciting to try this spring, give this quinoa salad a try! You won’t be disappointed.
Get the Quinoa salad recipe here
4. Vegetable Stir-Fry from China
If you’re looking for a delicious healthy meal, look no further than a vegetable stir-fry from China. This dish is typically made with various vegetables, including carrots, peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
The vegetables are stir-fried in a small amount of oil until they’re tender and slightly browned. Then, they’re usually served with rice or noodles. Although vegetable stir-fries are typically associated with Chinese cuisine, they can be found in many other cultures.
For example, in India, a similar dish is called sambhar. Whether you call it a vegetable stir-fry or sambhar, this dish is sure to satisfy your hunger and delight your taste buds.
Get the Stir-fried recipe here
5. Portobello Mushroom “Steak” from the United States
It’s no secret that the United States is known for its steak. Juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection, American steak is a true delight.
But what about beef’s vegetarian counterpart?
Portobello mushrooms make a delicious “steak” full of flavor and just as satisfying as the real thing. While they may not have the same meaty texture, portobellos are packed with umami flavor and are sure to satisfy even the most diehard carnivores.
Best of all, they can be cooked in just minutes on the stovetop or grilled to perfection. So next time you’re in the mood for steak, give portobello mushrooms a try. You might be surprised at how delicious vegetarian fare can be.
Get the Portobello Mushroom “Steak” recipe here
6. Vegan Tomato Tofu Stuffed Eggplant from Turkey
Eggplant is a delicious and versatile vegetable that you can use in different recipes. One of my favorite ways to prepare eggplant is to stuff it with a vegan tomato tofu filling.
This dish is packed with flavor and nutrients, and it’s sure to please even the most diehard meat-eaters. To make the filling, simply sauté some onions and garlic in a pan, then add crumbled tofu and diced tomatoes.
Season the mixture with your favorite herbs and spices, stuff it into halved eggplants and bake in a hot oven until tender. Serve this dish with a side of steamed rice or quinoa, and you’ll have a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Get the Vegan tomato tofu stuffed eggplant recipe here
7. Ratatouille from France
Anyone who loves good food knows that ratatouille is a dish not to be missed. This humble dish of vegetables stewed in olive oil originated in the Provence region of France, and it has been delighting taste buds for centuries.
The key to a good ratatouille is to use fresh, seasonal ingredients. Tomato, eggplant, bell pepper, zucchini, and onion are the classic vegetables used, but feel free to experiment with other favorites.
The vegetables are first cooked separately to allow each one to retain its individual flavor, and then they are combined into a single delectable concoction.
Ratatouille can be served hot or cold, making it a perfect year-round dish.
Final Thought
So there you have it – 7 delicious Meatless Mondays recipes from around the world you can cook today. Give them a try and see how easy it is to go meatless one day a week!
