Vegetarian Main Dishes

A common complaint about vegetarian cuisine is that there are "no main courses, just side dishes." Nothing could be farther from the truth. Aside from the fact that probably 90% of recipes can be made vegetarian by leaving out or substituting for whatever meat they contain, there are a number of traditional recipes that do not include meat.

Bean Burritos
You can either make these burritos yourself or put the ingredients on the table and let everyone build their own.

Bharta - Smoked Eggplant
Bharta is a smoked eggplant dish popular in the villages of Punjab. It is usually served with greens, bread, and lassi.

Black Bean Zucchini Quesadillas
Black beans, zucchini, and a bit of cheese folded into tortillas - this may be the best quesadillas you've ever tasted.

Black-Eyed Pea and Quinoa Croquettes
Crunchy croquettes made from black-eyed peas and quinoa are packed with vegetarian protein.

Cabbage Rolls
Normally filled with a mixture of ground beef and rice, cabbage rolls are a staple in Eastern Europe and a favorite in many other countries. Try these vegetarian cabbage rolls stuffed with vegetables for an equally tasty main course.

Calzone
A calzone is a turnover or pocket made with pizza dough and filled with veggies, cheese, and pretty much anything else you put on pizza.

Carrot-Onion Quiche
A quiche makes an easy, satisfying main course. This colorful carrot-onion quiche looks and tastes great with a side of dark green vegetables or salad.

Cashew Curry
This vegetarian curry is rich, filling, and delicious, and can easily be made vegan.

Cheese Enchiladas
Cheese enchiladas are very rich and filling, but if you're a cheese lover like me, they're one of the best dishes to get your fix.

Chop Suey
Chop suey, despite its Chinese name, is actually an American recipe, normally made with a mix of meat, vegetables, and bean sprouts. This vegan version uses tofu, bok choy, and spinach, to great effect.

Couscous
Couscous is a grain made of semolina commonly eaten in North Africa with vegetables and meat, fish, and/or poultry. This vegetarian version, simple vegetable couscous, is less common, but no less delicious.

Dal
Dal is the Indian term for lentils, and in cooking refers to any of the many Indian dishes made with lentils. There are many variations ranging from simple to complex. This recipe is on the easy side.

Deep-Dish Potato Pie
If you're looking for a rich and elegant dish and aren't worried about calories, give this beautiful potato pie a try.

Eggplant Gratin
Eggplant layered with tomato sauce and topped with saffron custard makes an elegant and delicious main course.

Eggplant Parmigiana / Parmesan
This classic vegetarian dish is a perfect main course served alongside/atop plain pasta.

Eggplant Zucchini Gratin
Layers of eggplant and zucchini with tomato sauce and custard make a delightful first or main course.

Fajitas
Everyone seems to love "build it yourself" meals, and fajitas are a delicous way to do this. Hot fillings and cold toppings are served with tortillas so that you can mix and match your own fajitas.

Felafel
Felafel are crunchy chick pea nuggets from Lebanon that make a delicious and very healthy sandwich.

Fettucine Alfredo
Alfredo is a rich and creamy Italian sauce, usually served over fettucine.

Fried Tempeh
Tempeh, a cake of fermented soybeans, is much tastier than it sounds. Fried tempeh is golden brown and goes well with peanut and barbecue sauce.

Fried Tofu
Fried tofu is easy to make and has a nice chewy/crunchy texture.

Gallo Pinto
Gallo pinto, literally "spotted rooster," is ubiquitous in Costa Rica (and apparently all of Central America). It refers to black beans and rice cooked together, which are served at every meal, surrounded by various side dishes. It's easy to make and very healthy.

Greek Lasagna
A light, vegan lasagna made with artichokes, eggplant, and lemons.

Grilled Vegetable Gratin
This hearty dish is made with pasta and grilled vegetables and topped with melted cheese.

Italian-Style Macaroni and Cheese
Try this macaroni and cheese made with great Italian cheeses.

Lasagne
Vegetarian lasagne is easy and delicious. Here's a variation on the classic red sauce version, with some extra vegetables.

Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is one of those dishes that sound boring, but can be just as delicious as a "fancier" pasta dish like lasagne or pesto.

Mock Beef bourguignon
Although time-consuming, this is an easy and very delicious recipe for mock beef bourguignon made with either seitan or tempeh.

Mock Beef Stroganoff
I just love this pasta dish: a creamy sauce with mushrooms and chunks of mock meat.

Mock Chicken Chow Mein
Mock chicken chow mein (made with TVP) doesn't take long to prepare, but it does require quite a bit of cooking.

Mock Lamb Curry
This "lamb" curry is made with seitan (wheat gluten) and is spicy and delicious.

Mock Meat Loaf
This mock meat loaf recipe made with TVP and served alongside mashed potatoes is good enough to fool your non-vegetarian, meat- and- potato-loving friends.

Mock Tuna Crêpe
This crêpe filled with warm mock tuna is a real treat.

Moussaka
Moussaka is a Greek dish traditionally made with lamb or beef. This vegetarian / vegan moussaka recipe uses portobello mushrooms and seitan instead. A rich and delicious main course.

Mushroom Goat Cheese Lasagna
This is a beautiful, elegant, and somewhat complicated lasagna, which makes it perfect for a dinner party.

Mushroom Lasagne
Three kinds of mushrooms combine with cheese, garlic, and pasta into a lovely main course.

Mushroom Strudel
Working with filo dough is not as difficult as you might think, and this elegant mushroom dish is well worth the effort.

Noodles and Cheese
I don't know where this recipe comes from or if there's a nicer name for it; all I know is that my mother used to make it when I was a kid and it only has 5 ingredients. The buttery, almost smoky onion flavor and the melty cottage cheese are absolutely delicious!

Pad Thai
Got a craving for Thai food? Try making your own vegetarian Pad Thai.

Paella
A Spanish dish traditionally made with meat and shellfish. This flexible veggie version is simpler, but no less delicious.

Pasta with Squash Sauce
Squash and pasta make a nice autumn meal.

Pesto Pizza
Pesto makes this simple pizza recipes stand out from the crowd.

Pesto Tofu
A simple, quick, and colorful dish made with tofu, pesto, and tomatoes.

Pissaladière
Pissaladière is an onion pizza or onion tart from Provence. Traditionally made with anchovies, this vegetarian pissaladière is spiced up with tapenade instead.

Pizza
Making homemade pizza is one of the best and most creative ways of proving that meat is not a necessary part of a human's diet. Also see my pages on pizza dough and toppings.

Potato Leek Gratin
Potatoes and leeks are one of those combinations that are just meant to be, and this gratin recipe is the perfect way to enjoy them.

Pot Pie
This pot pie recipe is better than the TV dinner version for two reasons: it's vegetarian and it's prepared and baked, rather than frozen and microwaved. It's also quick and flexible, so give it a try.

Ratatouille
The perfect recipe to enjoy fresh summer vegetables and herbs; it can be served half a dozen different ways.

Ricotta Gnocchi
Gnocchi are little Italian dumplings served with sauce. Usually made with potatoes, the best gnocchi are like soft pillows. Personally, I find they are even more delectable when made with ricotta cheese.

Roasted Seitan
Seitan and onions roasted in balsamic vinegar make a quick recipe for a hearty and delicious winter dish.

Sambar
This is a recipe for sambar, probably the most universal dish of South India. It has been adapted for the cooler climate of Monterey Bay. This recipe was submitted by a forum member.

Sandwiches and Burgers
For quick, healthy, and tasty meals, nothing beats a vegetarian sandwich.

Seitan, Onion, Bell Pepper Wraps
Wraps are the fun version of sandwiches. Just heat up a tortilla, add some filling, and enjoy. This seitan, onion, bell pepper, and cheese filling makes a hearty vegetarian wrap.

Shepherd's Pie
This vegetarian shepherd's pie recipe is a simple yet delicious lambless version of the real thing.

Spanakopita
A classic vegetarian recipe from Greece: rich and delicious spinach-cheese pie.

Spanish Tortilla with Peas
Peas and saffron really spice up a traditional Spanish tortilla (potato omelette).

Spinach Lasagna
Spinach lasagna, sometimes called lasagne Florentine, is a classic vegetarian dish made with a creamy white sauce, cheese, and vegetables.

Squash-Leek Quiche
This quiche made with squash and leeks and topped with cheese is a simple yet elegant main course. Serve it with salad and rice or quinoa pilaf for a satisfying meal.

Stacked Tortillas
This is a quick and interesting way to eat some good veggies.

Stir-Fry
If you're looking for an easy way to make up a healthy meal out of leftover vegetables, a vegetarian stir-fry is the way to go.

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmades)
When I think of Greek food, dolmades is one of the first thing that comes to mind, followed by the fact that these grape leaves are stuffed with meat. Fortunately, a vegetarian version of stuffed grape leaves is easy and tasty.

Stuffed Shells
Pasta shells stuffed with cheese, topped with tomato sauce, and baked until bubbly.

Tamale Pie
An authentic Mexican dish that can be made as spicy (or not) as you like.

Thai Tofu Curry
Delicately sweet and spicy, this is a delicious Massaman-inspired curry made with potatoes and pineapple.

Tostadas
Tostadas are kind of like the Mexican equivalent of pizza, with beans, cheese, and guacamole piled on top of a tortilla crust.

Vegan Lasagna
It's easy to make vegan lasagna. All you need are noodles, good tomato sauce, and a tasty tofu mixture in place of the traditional ricotta cheese.

Vegetable Biryani
This hearty vegetable and rice casserole is from India.

Vegetable Curry
Curry is one of those dishes that can be made with just about any combination of vegetables - use this vegetable curry recipe as a guide.

Vegetable Gratin
I don't know anyone who doesn't love gratins - there's something about the cheese/bread crumb layer on top that appeals to just about everyone. If this sounds like you, try this tasty way to use up some leftover vegetables.

Vegetarian Pizza
Recipe for a typical vegetarian pizza recipe with mushrooms, bell peppers, and olives.

Winter Squash Risotto
Risotto isn't difficult to make, but it does require a lot of standing at the stove, stirring away. The end result, however, is delicious and a wonderful comfort food.

Zucchini Lasagna
If you love the layers of lasagna but are on a wheat-free diet, this zucchini lasagna recipe is just what you're looking for.

Welcome to VegWeb.com

Southwestern Pasta Salad by Jilary
"Light refreshing pasta salad, great for a summer meal or side dish."

Recipe Quick Links:

• Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes
• Browse All Recipes
• Recipes by Category
• Recipe Photos
• New Recipes and Reviews
• Recipe Q & A

Latest Recipe Reviews

Easy Pleasin' Oat Bars

Today at 01:20:26 AM meganash writes: My co-worker gave me a recipy such as this one, except you add in a lot of penut butter and some dark chocolate, and don't put a... read full recipe review

Freezer Pie

Today at 12:56:03 AM BreyettEyes writes: this sounds soo clever!!~ read full recipe review

Butternut Squash Soup

October 29, 2007, 11:30:44 PM janeyboo writes: This soup was deelish. I mixed it up a bit and added half a VERY large carrot, and instead of the seasoning (sage, clove, cinnam... read full recipe review

Vegan Fried Chicken

October 29, 2007, 10:33:28 PM mentink writes: hi.  i made this recipe for the second time today, and it turned out much better, no crumbles!   the first time i tried using ma... read full recipe review

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

October 29, 2007, 10:28:42 PM biodancer writes: I just made this tonight because GBC is my dish to bring for this Thanksgiving so I needed a trial run.  It turned out awesome. ... read full recipe review

Ricks Casserole

October 29, 2007, 09:59:30 PM notquitevegan writes: Well, I did make this for dinner and it was quick, easy and delicious.  I will have leftovers for lunch (and dinner) tomorrow. read full recipe review

Get Your Groove on Veggie Burgers

October 29, 2007, 09:49:12 PM mentink writes: hi.  sounds good.  i usually cook just for one, so i was wondering how should i store the leftovers?  should i freeze/refridgera... read full recipe review

Vegan Spicy Thai Peanut Noodles

October 29, 2007, 08:43:39 PM Willowflower writes: Awesome recipe! I used a bag of baby carrots, broccoli, and water chestnuts, and a spicy peanut dipping sauce and it always come... read full recipe review

More New Reviews

New Recipes

Hummus and Peanut Butter Spread by Marz October 27, 2007, 12:55:32 PM

Best Potato Chowder by anonymousemokid October 27, 2007, 12:53:52 PM

Polynesian Salad with Curry Dressing by Syliloquie October 27, 2007, 12:52:21 PM

Vegetarian Argentinean Empanadas by arielscars October 27, 2007, 12:49:09 PM

Vegan Potato Salad by aslusarenko October 27, 2007, 12:45:58 PM

Lemon Garlic Tempeh by veganluv October 27, 2007, 12:43:32 PM

No Pickles or Mustard Potato Salad by sunshinedaydream95 October 27, 2007, 12:42:03 PM

White Hippie by sunshinedaydream95 October 27, 2007, 12:40:23 PM

Veggie Stir-fry with Couscous by Cheezees October 27, 2007, 12:38:50 PM

Hummus-My Own Personal Ambrosia by MartyMart October 27, 2007, 12:37:31 PM

Pasta e Ground Veggie Burger by MartyMart October 27, 2007, 12:35:00 PM

Veggie "Cheese" Salsa Stirfry by Boo Radley October 27, 2007, 12:28:26 PM

Sweet Tea by VeganKatie October 27, 2007, 12:26:59 PM

Banana Dogs by anonymousemokid October 27, 2007, 12:26:17 PM

Spanish Rice Casserole by prettyin_punk October 27, 2007, 12:22:54 PM

Ali's Greek Tortellini Salad Submitted by: Jamie Hensley Living In: Roseburg, Oregon, USA This salad is going to be in the Allrecipes Hall of Fame one day! My friend Ali made this refreshing summer salad for me, which is even better a few days later. Tortellini, a great vinaigrette, baby spinach, and feta. If you like balsamic vinegar, it's a must to add into the vinaigrette. Bon appetit!

Al's Quick Vegetarian Spaghetti Submitted by: Albert Ross A bevy of veggies, corn, broccoli, carrots and mushrooms are simmered in tomato sauce until gently cooked, and then napped over al dente spaghetti.

Anne's Potato Pancakes Submitted by: KURZANNA Easy and tasty potato pancakes. Serve with sour cream, applesauce, and/or ketchup.

Apple Cranberry Relish Submitted by: Karen Dunn This tasty and colorful dish combines oranges, cranberries, apples and celery. It needs to be refrigerated overnight, so plan ahead!

Apple Crisp Submitted by: claudia Apples baked with a brown sugar, butter and walnut topping. A delicious desert, or a treat for breakfast!

Applesauce Wheat Blueberry Muffins Submitted by: Tammie Bickar These are great! I use dried blueberries, and sometimes I put in fresh chopped apples and cinnamon. These are sweet and nutritious; a good breakfast or snack!

Apricot Glazed Carrots Submitted by: Eleanor Home Town: Pasadena, California, USA Living In: Alameda, California, USA Carrots are cooked tender then mixed with a tangy apricot sauce. Serve cold or slightly warm.

Artichokes in a Garlic and Olive Oil Sauce Submitted by: SLW0784 I used to work in a fabulous Italian restaurant, and the cooks taught me how to make this dish. I have modified it a bit, but it's very similar, and incredibly delicious.

Asian Asparagus Salad with Pecans Submitted by: Ruby-Mama Marinated asparagus is served cold with crunchy pecans and green onions.

Asparagus with Brie Submitted by: Vicki Steamed asparagus is baked with Brie cheese and topped with buttery bread crumbs and toasted sesame seeds.

Asparagus with Orange-Cream Sauce and Cashews Submitted by: Gourmet Princess Home Town: Bogalusa, Louisiana, USA Fresh steamed asparagus, topped with an orange cream sauce and chopped cashews makes for an uncommon, yet delicious, preparation that is sure to be a hit at your next dinner.