Carrot soup's the perfect remedy for those days when you're in the mood to wind down with a meal that's truly light. One of my favorite versions is so silky-smooth you'd think it was simmered with cream like a traditional bisque, but the secret ingredient to its consistency is actually a blended potato, which adds a velveteen heft. I like to build flavor by first sautéing the aromatics, then Read more

Since vegetables are the new meat, this year on Thanksgiving, why not serve an entirely meat-free meal?! The holiday can be just as delicious without the turkey. Start with an easy but luxurious appetizer: gorgonzola crostini drizzled with honey and sprinkled with chopped nuts. For the first course, offer a velvety, make-ahead pumpkin soup that's garnished with crunchy sweet potato chips and Read more

For years, I was one of those people who avoided mushroom quesadillas. I would often see them on menus or buffet tables, but mushrooms just didn't seem like an acceptable filling for quesadillas. Red peppers? Yes. Onions? Of course! But mushrooms? Nope. Until one day when I was starving and grabbed a mushroom quesadilla not realizing what it was. I was shocked to learn how good it was! Mushrooms Read more

Traditionally, the classic Vietnamese sandwich that's known as banh mi has a pork filling. However, this clever update ditches the meat and replaces it with tofu, meaning the sandwich is vegetarian friendly. It's packed with tons of veggies and flavored with hot and soy sauces. It's a well-seasoned and provocative meal that's perfect for a night when you're on the go. It also doubles as a hearty Read more

After overindulging on pub favorites and loads of beer, tonight keep things light and healthy with a vegetarian meal that's full of crunchy veggies. The spicy tofu is seasoned and seared with a sauce made from sesame oil and soy sauce. The mixture sits on a bed of brown rice, baby greens, shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, and creamy avocado. A sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds is the finishing Read more

When cooking quick and uncomplicated meals, don't be afraid to take some help from store-made sauces, condiments, and jams. This recipe is packed with exotic and spicy flavor thanks to a purchased hot mango chutney. The chutney is jazzed up with sautéed onions and peppers before being brushed onto triangles of tofu. Steamed mustard greens act as a bed for the tofu and veggies, but other greens Read more

Traditionally, chimichangas are deep-fried and filled with meat. However, this innovative recipe remakes the classic Mexican dish into something healthy and vegetarian-friendly. Fat-free soy meat is combined with cumin, chili powder, onions, garlic, diced tomatoes, and roasted jalapeño peppers to make a filling that's well-seasoned and provocative. The chimichangas require half an hour of bake Read more

Most broccoli cheese soup recipes are loaded with cream and cheese. Not so with this vegetarian-friendly recipe. The clean, bright flavor of broccoli is most prominent. The only cheese is sprinkled on the finished soup as garnish; however, the soup has a rich, nutty depth thanks to nutritional yeast flakes. This health food store ingredient is popular among vegans and can be used to add a Read more

Polenta is a versatile Italian ingredient that should be one of your pantry staples. Why? Because it can be used in tons of different applications. Take this recipe for example: the instant polenta makes a crisp and filling stand-in for classic pizza dough. Topped with store-bought marinara, chunks of goat cheese, and a layer of veggies, this pizza is healthful and satisfying. If your family Read more

The best and most filling salad recipes are ones that have lots of flavors, textures, and ingredients. For example, a salad that's packed with beets, fennel, olives, oranges, onions, and greens is complex enough to stand alone as a meal. It may take a little time to chop and prep the veggies, but the resulting salad is worth the effort. Serve with a slab of good cheese and a chunk of crusty Read more