If you’re finding your favourite recipes are deliciously fresh, healthy and increasingly meat-free, you’re not alone.

A new study by researchers at Oxford University, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, used data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey to assess changes in the consumption of red, white, and processed meat in the UK, and it turns out Brits’ daily meat consumption has dropped 17% in a decade.

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Along with the environmental benefits of eating less meat, there are myriad health benefits too, and it’s helpful that there are many meaty dishes that taste just as good if you swap the carnivorous elements for vegetarian ones.

 

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In our opinion, these traditionally meaty dishes are arguably better veggie..

1. Chickpea curry is the king of curries

Indian spicy chickpeas curry with rice and naan bread in pan on dark background, top view. Healthy tasty vegetarian food

Could it be the aromatic warm spices, coconut milk and a plate packed full of plant-based protein that tantalizes our taste buds? It’s easy not to miss hunks of lamb when chickpeas are involved.

2. Vegetable lasagne lords it over mince

Spinach lasagna made with spinach and bechamel sauces with fresh ingredients

Think sheets of fresh lasagne, layers of peppers, spinach and aubergines, a blanket of white sauce, gooey mozzarella, herb-crusted sweet cherry tomatoes and a bubbling golden brown topping. We’re in. Who needs minced beef?

3. Veggie burgers are the best

Healthy veggie burger with vegan pattie, guacamole, onion and sprout

Love at first bite, there’s something special about a veggie pattie, especially when the beans are moist; well-stacked with sweet pickles, cheddar cheese, lettuce and even a dollop of chunky guacamole oozing out the side.

4. Pizza without the padding

Homemade vegetarian pizza with broccoli, cherry tomato, pepper, black olives and mushrooms

The simplest pizzas are often the best – as the Neapolitans know. You can’t really beat a classic mozzarella – tomatoes, basil, cheese. Hold off on the pepperoni, you won’t miss it.

5. Meatless meatloaf makes a comforting choice

Vegetarian pate in shape of meatloaf served with fresh herbs and cherry tomatoes. Healthy homemade food

Healthy and hearty, a baked loaf of brown rice, mushrooms, your favourite nuts (cashews provide nearly as much protein as an equivalent portion of meat), herbs and spices, as a meal is far more appetising than a ‘meat’ meatloaf. You can even boost the flavours with a chilli glaze.

 

Best-selling vegetarian cookbooks

Stuck for inspiration? Check out our list of best-selling Amazon products!

SaleBestseller No. 1
Foolproof Veggie One-Pot: 60 Vibrant and Easy-going Vegetarian Dishes
  • Hardcover Book
  • Alan Rosenthal (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
SaleBestseller No. 2
200 Fast Vegetarian Recipes: Hamlyn All Colour Cookbook (Hamlyn All Colour Cookery)
  • Ed: Leanne Bryan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 240 Pages - 06/01/2015 (Publication Date) - Hamlyn (Publisher)
SaleBestseller No. 3
SaleBestseller No. 4
Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone as seen on Channel 4's Meat-Free Meals
  • Veg: Easy & Delicious Meals for Everyone as seen on Channel 4's Meat Free Meals
  • Product type: ABIS BOOK
  • Brand: Penguin Books Ltd
SaleBestseller No. 5
Ottolenghi FLAVOUR
  • Breaks down the three factors that create flavour and offer innovative vegetable dishes
  • Combines simple recipes for weeknights, low-effort high-impact dishes, and standout meals for the relaxed cook
  • Packed with signature colourful photography

Last update on 2024-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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