Some people think that eating vegetarian makes it hard to get enough protein, but that's not true at all! There are plenty of great protein sources, from beans to tofu to seitan.
The next time someone asks how you get enough protein, invite them over for dinner and cook up one of these delicious protein-packed dishes!
1. Parmesan broth with kale and white beans (h/t Smitten Kitchen)Have you ever had parmesan broth? It sounds a bit odd, but it's even tastier than vegetable stock or chicken broth. This soup makes an amazing appetizer, but you could throw in some tortellini if you want to make it even more filling!
2. Cheesy black bean stuffed sweet potatoes with arugula and poached egg (h/t How Sweet Eats)Stuffed potatoes are always amazing, but these cheesy black bean stuffed sweet potatoes are out of this world! They have beans AND eggs in them, so you know you're getting a ton of protein.
3. Sesame tofu and broccoli Chinese takeout is a favorite for a quick, delicious weeknight meal, but it's not always the healthiest choice. The fat, sugar and salt content of Chinese food is only part of what makes it so tasty, though. In the recipe below, tofu and broccoli are glazed with a lighter sesame sauce that's filled with flavor without being filled with junk. Get the full recipe
here.
4. Cauliflower lentil loaf (h/t Strength and Sunshine)This might look a lot like meatloaf, but it's actually made out of cauliflower and lentils! It's packed with protein and veggies, and it also happens to be gluten- and dairy-free.
5. Vegetarian split pea soup (h/t 101 Cookbooks)Most split pea soup recipes call for ham hocks, but this vegetarian version gets its flavor from lemon juice and paprika instead. Serve it with crusty bread for a wonderfully satisfying dinner!
6. Cashew noodles with broccoli and tofu (h/t Whole Foods Market)This recipe for cashew noodles with broccoli and tofu is so easy and delicious! You might have a hard time getting your kids to chow down on the broccoli, but that just means there's more left for you.
7. White bean risotto (h/t The Hungry Bites)Risotto doesn't have to be pure carbs! This white bean risotto still has the traditional Italian taste we all love, and it's extra creamy thanks to the starch the beans release when they cook.
8. Easy vegetarian chili (h/t The Endless Meal)Vegetarian chili is the perfect meal when you want something warm and filling that doesn't have any meat in it! This recipe is actually vegan, but feel free to serve it to meat-lovers — they won't even notice it doesn't have any meat in it!
