cheap vegan comfort food recipes

Cheap Vegan Comfort Food Recipes

Vegan comfort food is not only delicious but also wallet-friendly. These recipes can satisfy cravings without breaking the bank. Here, we explore various cheap vegan comfort food recipes that are easy to prepare, nutritious, and flavorful.

1. Vegan Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent.
2. Add chili powder and stir for an additional minute.
3. Stir in black beans, kidney beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (including juice).
4. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Cost: Approximately $8 for 4 servings ($2 per serving)

2. Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 1 cup cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours)
• 1 cup nutritional yeast
• 1 cup plant-based milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
2. Drain cashews and blend with nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
3. Combine macaroni with the creamy sauce, mixing well over low heat.

Cost: Approximately $10 for 4 servings ($2.50 per serving)

3. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (frozen or fresh)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 2 cups cooked rice

Instructions:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan over medium heat.
2. Add ginger and mixed vegetables, stir-frying for about 5-7 minutes.
3. Pour in soy sauce and mix for an additional 2 minutes. Serve over rice.

Cost: Approximately $6 for 4 servings ($1.50 per serving)

4. Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 cup lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add lentils, broth, thyme, and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes until lentils are tender. Season to taste.

Cost: Approximately $7 for 6 servings ($1.17 per serving)

5. Vegan Tacos

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 4 corn tortillas
• Toppings: lettuce, salsa, avocado

Instructions:

1. Sauté onion in a pan until soft. Add black beans and cumin, cooking until heated through.
2. Warm corn tortillas and fill them with the bean mixture. Top with lettuce, salsa, and avocado.

Cost: Approximately $5 for 4 servings ($1.25 per serving)

6. Mashed Potatoes with Vegan Gravy

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1/4 cup plant-based milk
• 1/4 cup vegan butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gravy Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

1. Boil potatoes until fork-tender, drain, and mash with milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper.
2. For the gravy, whisk flour into a pan over medium heat until lightly brown, then add broth, soy sauce, and onion powder, stirring until thickened.

Cost: Approximately $8 for 4 servings ($2 per serving)

7. Vegan Pizza

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pizza crust
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegan cheese
• Toppings: bell peppers, mushrooms, olives

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven according to crust instructions.
2. Spread tomato sauce over the crust, sprinkle with vegan cheese and desired toppings.
3. Bake until cheese is melted and crust is golden.

Cost: Approximately $10 for 4 servings ($2.50 per serving)

8. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 4 corn tortillas
• 1 cup enchilada sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Bake sweet potatoes until tender, then scoop and mix with black beans.
2. Fill tortillas with the mix, roll them up, and place in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top.
3. Bake for 20 minutes.

Cost: Approximately $8 for 4 servings ($2 per serving)

9. Chickpea Salad Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained
• 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
• 1 tablespoon mustard
• Chopped celery and onion
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Bread for serving

Instructions:

1. Mash chickpeas in a bowl. Mix in vegan mayo, mustard, and veggies.
2. Season with salt and pepper. Serve on bread as a sandwich.

Cost: Approximately $5 for 4 servings ($1.25 per serving)

10. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas
• 1 cup oats
• 1/3 cup peanut butter
• Optional: chocolate chips or nuts

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Mash bananas in a bowl, then mix in oats and peanut butter.
2. Stir in optional ingredients. Drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Cost: Approximately $4 for 12 cookies ($0.33 per cookie)

Using these cheap vegan comfort food recipes, you can create fulfilling meals that are both healthy and easy on your budget. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or meal prepping for the week ahead!