Our best healthy vegetarian recipes

Source: Web exclusive, May 2010

Mushroom and Thyme Toasts
Prepare these toasts for a satisfying snack or a quick lunch paired with fresh fruit. The smooth flavour of the mushrooms is enhanced by cooking them with garlic, herbs and a dollop of tangy low-fat sour cream. The mushrooms taste wonderful piled on top of whole-grain toast spread with ricotta cheese.

Pea Curry with Indian Paneer
Paneer is an Indian cheese, similar to ricotta but drier. It is often combined with peas in a curry. This delicious version uses homemade paneer, which is simple to make. The cheese is also high in protein, making it a useful meat substitute in vegetarian meals. Serve the curry with basmati rice and steamed fresh carrots for colour.

One-Pot Sweet-Potato Couscous
This quick and easy weeknight couscous dish blends green beans and cubed sweet potato with the flavours of raisins, feta cheese and walnuts.

Saag Paneer with Tomatoes
The literal translation of saag paneer is spinach with cheese. Serve this flavourful dish with brown rice and a flatbread, either naan or pita. It’s also great as a side dish to roasted turkey or chicken breast.

Vegetarian Moussaka
Traditionally made with ground lamb, moussaka can be made low-GI by using vegetables.

Quinoa Salad with Mango and Walnuts
Quick-cooking quinoa is combined with mango, red pepper and walnuts for a tasty, healthful salad.

Avocado, Edamame and Radish Salad
Crisp, clean and versatile, this salad makes a great lunch or perfect on the side of grilled meat or fish. Hearty avocado chunks lend a creamy texture and smooth, savoury flavour.

Soba Noodle Vegetable Salad
This tasty vegetarian noodle salad packs up easily for a healthy lunch.

Vegetable Casserole with Crunchy Bread Topping
This simple but tasty vegetable casserole tastes even better the next day.

Cucumber Mint Gazpacho
Gazpacho is the ultimate summertime food’fresh, quick to make, and no cooking required. This version boosts the classic cucumber flavour with fresh mint.

Portobello Mushroom, Goat Cheese and Walnut Sliders
This bite-size mushroom burger makes a tasty meat-free option at summer barbecues.

Apple and Potato Rösti
Sometimes cravings call for nothing but the buttery, warm goodness of homemade potato rösti. Indulge with our version, which adds sweet apples and fresh sage to the mix. Top with sour cream, chives and a good-quality smoked salmon or trout for an impressive appetizer or main dish.

Raw Pad Thai
Try this vegan, raw version of the spicy and delicious Thai classic Pad Thai.

Sushi Pockets
Sushi pockets are a quick lunch idea that also make an excellent appetizer or party canapé.

Don’t miss out! Sign up for our free weekly newsletters and get nutritious recipes, healthy weight-loss tips, easy ways to stay in shape and all the health news you need, delivered straight to your inbox.