Anyone have quick and simple vegan meal ideas for busy parents?

Hi everyone! I’m looking for vegan meal ideas that are quick and easy to make, taking no more than 30 minutes. With my little one being just 6 months old, I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, especially since he prefers to be held all day. If anyone has any recipes that are filling and easy to clean up, I’d love to hear them! Thanks in advance!

How about Mexican quinoa?

You’ll need: 1 can black beans (rinsed), 1 can corn, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 cup quinoa, garlic, oil, and chili powder.

Steps:

  1. Toast minced garlic in olive oil for about 30 seconds.
  2. Add the rest of the ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil.
  3. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 18 minutes.
  4. Serve with tortillas or in a bowl, and top with guacamole or hot sauce or whatever you like!

@Teo
This recipe sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing it!

Keaton said:
@Teo
This recipe sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing it!

It’s a great pantry meal! Even my 7-year-old can make it.

@Teo
What size can of diced tomatoes do you use? There are a couple of different sizes here.

Microwaving potatoes (sweet or russet) works great for a quick meal.

Emory said:
Microwaving potatoes (sweet or russet) works great for a quick meal.

Try adding canned vegan chili on top of russet potatoes, it’s really tasty!

You could make tofu scramble, it’s easy and quick.

Hummus pasta is super easy to make. You can find recipes online.

Just throw chickpeas in a pan or oven with some oil and spices. Then, prepare couscous by pouring hot water over it and adding spices like cumin and paprika, along with salt and powdered broth. You can also add a bit of tomato paste. Chop up some bell peppers or any veggies and toss them in. Top it with yogurt or crème fraîche and it’s ready! It’s quick and only dirties a few dishes!

Spinach pancakes are an easy meal, and babies love them too! When they’re older, they can help mix the batter. Just mix flour, ground flaxseeds, and plant milk, then sauté spinach and stir it into the batter. Fry the pancakes and top with hummus, chickpeas, tomatoes, or whatever you like.

Get a rice cooker, the basic Aroma brand works great. While the rice is cooking, prep some toppings like baked tofu, sautéed veggies, or peanut sauce. You can make rice bowls with whatever toppings you like. You can also make congee, oatmeal, or mixed grain pilaf in the rice cooker. And if you have leftover rice, make fried rice the next day with frozen peas and cabbage.

Tofu tacos are another great option. Take extra firm tofu, crumble it in a pan, and add nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and olive oil. Sauté some bell peppers and onions. Use corn tortillas, then top with chopped cabbage, pico de gallo, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice. So tasty and healthy!

I make a kale bean stew I like to call Tuscan ribollita when I’m in the mood for something fancy. Sauté onions, garlic, and jalapeño in coconut oil until they’re transparent, then add cumin, coriander, and turmeric (you can also add some curry powder). Add a jar of mild salsa and a few cans of beans (I use black beans, kidney beans, and black-eyed peas). Chop up some kale or red chard (don’t forget the stems for extra texture) and let it all cook. It’s simple, filling, and great for colder months!

If you have a Costco, check out Tattooed Chef sheet pan vegetables with quinoa and baked or air-fried tofu. Here’s a pic of the meal: https://imgur.com/a/r6tMGSO. You can also use rice instead of quinoa, depending on what you have at home.

@Mai
Thank you for the suggestion! I’ll look for this at Costco.

Vegetable spring rolls are quick and simple to make. Just roll up some fresh veggies in rice paper and you’re good to go!

I love using my slow cooker in the winter. Just open cans of beans (like kidney and black beans), add chili seasoning, and throw in whatever veggies you like. Let it cook overnight or for at least 4 hours. You can serve it with bread, and it’s really easy with no chopping involved. Same for lentil dishes or rice – just add water or vegetable broth and let it cook.

Most of these recipes are in my collection on this forum in the vegan knowledge section.