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Food

Food

1 min Read

12 Delicious plant-forward recipes for Earth Month

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ParentsCanada

April 17, 2023
bowls of deconstructed fish taco

Plant-forward eating isn’t deciding to solely eat vegetarian or vegan. Instead, it’s a conscious way of emphasizing plants in your diet. You’re not exclusive with plants, either. A plant-forward diet might look like Meatless Monday or a mix of 50 percent meat with 50 percent veg 50 percent of the time. You can still totally eat meat, the aim is to not make it the main feature. Don’t forget that may veg items are high in protein. Wanting more? Read our tips on using tofu and how to follow a plant-forward diet. Ready to sink your teeth in some really hearty, plant-forward recipes? Good, because here they are. Enjoy!

bowl of gnocchi soup with veggies
plate of portobello mushrooms filled with lentils
plate of shepherd's pie
marinated beans over toast on a plate with a knife and fork
Bowl of chocolate pudding with whipped cream and raspberries
bowls of deconstructed fish taco
pitas stuffed with halloumi and cauliflower
casserole dish filled with eggplant parmesan and topped with melted cheese
bowl of pasta with greens and mushrooms. A wooden spoon rests in the bowl
bowl of tofu and noodles with veggies and chopsticks
Veggie Full Burgers - Parents Canada
frittata with greens

Creamy Gnocchi Soup

You know pillowy gnocchi covered in sauce or sautéed with sage, but do you know it in soup? Creamy, rich and delicious, the gnocchi in this soup is filling enough to be a meal in itself. Plus, it's vegan! Get the recipe: Creamy Gnocchi Soup

Portobello Boats with Rosemary-Lentil Crumble and Balsamic-Apple Glaze

Not only is this dish a fast vegan protein option, it’s also bursting with all kinds of crunchy, chewy textures and savoury flavours from the rosemary, parsley and garlic. Ready in just 35 minutes, give these Portobello boats a go. Get the recipe: Portobello Boats with Rosemary-Lentil Crumble and Balsamic-Apple Glaze

Vegan Shepherd's Pie

No shade to lentils (we love a good lentil shepherd’s pie!), but sometimes you just want a vegan shepherd’s pie that tastes and feels like real beef. Plant-based meats have come a long way, and this shepherd’s pie from the PC Test Kitchen proves it with a vegan ground that’s decisively beefy in taste and texture. Feel free to use whatever meat alternative you like. Get the recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie

Garlicky Great Northern Beans and Broccoli Rabe Over Toast

These satisfying beans and greens are so easy. It is your supper or lunchtime savior when served over toast. Will the kids eat it? Debatable. But you? You're going to love this. Get the recipe: Garlicky Great Northern Beans and Broccoli Rabe Over Toast

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Pudding

You can use many ingredients as a creative non-dairy base for vegan puddings. Most recipes call for avocado, tofu, or even black beans, this version's "secret ingredient" is sweet potato. And trust us when we tell you, you'd never guess from a bite of the rich, silky dessert. Get the recipe: Secret Ingredient Chocolate Pudding

Fish Taco Bowls

See? This is what we mean by plant-forward, where meat or fish isn't the main event. The whole family can roll up their sleeves and get to work on the prep. Parents of picky eaters, take note: Giving your little one the option to dress their own bowl may open them up to trying something new. Get the recipe: Fish Taco Bowls

Charred Cauliflower Pitas with Halloumi and Harissa

A quick, flavourful dinner isn't hard to accomplish. Just roast the cauliflower and halloumi until well charred, and stuff everything into a warm pita with spicy arugula. Get the recipe: Charred Cauliflower Pitas with Halloumi and Harissa

Eggplant Parmesan

The true way to make eggplant Parmesan, according to those with grandmother's from the Old Country, is to use Pecorino Romano cheese—Parmesan’s sheepier, saltier cousin. Mozzarella is traditionally forbidden, but, because mozzarella cheese is so stretchy and excellent, this recipe includes it in two forms. Get the recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

Mustardy Mushroom and Kale Stroganoff

A plate of satisfying noodles with sneaky greens tucked in that's ready in just 30 minutes? This stroganoff is where it's at. Pulsed beans add protein and mushrooms give the dish a meaty texture. Get the recipe: Mustardy Mushroom and Kale Stroganoff

Sesame Noodles with Maple-Harissa Tofu Steaks

When prepared right, tofu, like in this take-out-adjacent noodle dish, is truly delicious. We love that this recipe mixes sweet, savoury and a kick of fresh ginger. Plus, it'll make a tofu believer out of you. Get the recipe: Sesame Noodles with Maple-Harissa Tofu Steaks

Veggie-Full Burgers

Eating a mix of 50 percent meat with 50 percent veg is 100 percent plant-forward. With these, you can have your burger and lots of veggies, too! These beef burgers are full of flavour thanks to grated veg, are gluten- and dairy-free and help the whole family increase their veggie intake for the day. Get the recipe: Flavourful Veggie-Packed Beef Burgers

Basic Frittata

A frittata is like a quiche but without the crust. It can be filled with just about anything and is a great way to use leftover cooked veggies, roasted potatoes, meat or even pasta. Bits of cheese can be grated and tossed into the mix or add cubed stale bread and have yourself a strata. Get the recipe: Basic Frittata
Creamy Gnocchi Soup
Portobello Boats with Rosemary-Lentil Crumble and Balsamic-Apple Glaze
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Garlicky Great Northern Beans and Broccoli Rabe Over Toast
Secret Ingredient Chocolate Pudding
Fish Taco Bowls
Charred Cauliflower Pitas with Halloumi and Harissa
Eggplant Parmesan
Mustardy Mushroom and Kale Stroganoff
Sesame Noodles with Maple-Harissa Tofu Steaks
Veggie-Full Burgers
Basic Frittata

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