10 Healthy Weight Gain Recipes for Vegetarians

10 Healthy Weight Gain Recipes for Vegetarians

Weight gain can be a challenge for many vegetarians, as it often requires a specific balance of macronutrients and calories to achieve. Despite this, it is still possible for vegetarians to gain weight healthily, with the right combination of foods and recipes. In this blog post, we'll explore 10 healthy, weight-gain friendly recipes that are perfect for vegetarians.

10 Healthy Weight Gain Recipes for Vegetarians

Lentil and Vegetable Stew

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried green or brown lentils
• 4 cups water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chopped kale or spinach
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Rinse the lentils in a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
• In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
• Add the lentils, water, carrots, potatoes, tomatoes, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils and vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the kale or spinach and let it wilt for a few minutes.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or rice, if desired.

Chickpea Curry

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated ginger
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the ginger, tomatoes, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Add the chickpeas and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chickpeas are tender.
• Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Serve hot over rice, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large red onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Rinse the quinoa.
• Bring the quinoa and water to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool.
• Combine the quinoa, black beans, bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, olive oil, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir.
• Serve cold or at room temperature.

Grilled Vegetable and Tofu Skewers

Ingredients

• 1 block of firm tofu, drained and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 large bell peppers, cut into 1-inch squares
• 2 large zucchinis, sliced into rounds
• 1 large red onion, cut into 1-inch squares
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
• Toss the tofu, bell peppers, zucchinis, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper to coat.
• Thread the tofu and vegetables onto metal or wooden skewers, alternating between each.
• Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred.
• Serve hot with a side of rice or a green salad.

Sweet Potato and Chickpea Veggie Burgers

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 hamburger buns
• Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Boil the sweet potatoes until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
• In a large bowl, mash the sweet potatoes and chickpeas together. Stir in the breadcrumbs, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties.
• Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Toast the hamburger buns and assemble the burgers with the toppings of your choice.

Avocado and White Bean Toast

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, mashed
• 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 slices of whole grain bread

Instructions

• In a small bowl, mash the avocados, white beans, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
• Toast the bread and spread the avocado and white bean mixture on top.
• Serve hot.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers, sliced in half lengthwise and seeded
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 large can of diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Heat the oil.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the diced tomatoes and rice and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Place the bell pepper halves on the prepared baking sheet and fill each one with the rice mixture.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bell peppers are tender.
• If desired, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the stuffed bell peppers and return to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Vegetable and Cashew Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow onion, sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup raw cashews
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon ginger powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Heat the olive oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
• Add the broccoli, bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, and cashews to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
• Stir in the soy sauce, ginger powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
• Serve hot with a side of rice or noodles.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

Ingredients

• 4 large portobello mushroom caps, stemmed and gilled
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the feta cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Place the portobello mushroom caps on the prepared baking sheet and fill each one with the spinach and feta mixture.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the cheese is melted.
• Serve hot as a main dish or as a side.

Baked Ziti with Vegetables and Ricotta Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 large zucchini, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 jar of marinara sauce
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F. 
• Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• In a pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 
• Add the zucchini, bell pepper, and onion and cook until tender, about 5-7 minutes.
• Cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions and drain.
• Mix the cooked pasta, vegetables, marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Serve hot as a main dish or as a side.