Vegan cooking doesn't have to mean expensive swaps and substitutes. Our affordable vegan recipes are chock full of storecupboard staples, nutritious fresh veg and filling everyday additions. Whether you're slowly simmering a double bean chilli to feed a whole house or you need some speedy comfort food for one, these recipes are easy enough for anyone to master. We'll show you how to turn a tin of kidney beans or the humble lentil into a healthy dinner in a flash.
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Stock up your student kitchen with these easy, budget-friendly vegan recipes and get inspiration for hearty veg-packed meals. Also, make sure you are kitted out with all the right equipment by reading our review of the best student kitchen essentials.
For more ideas, see our vegetarian and vegan student recipes.
Learning to cook for the first time? See the best cookbooks for students to learn the basics. Don't forget to stock up on equipment you may need with the best student kitchen essentials.
Keep on top of your busy schedule with our vegetarian budget meal plan.
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1. Roasted aubergine & tomato curry
This easy aubergine curry is an instant crowd-pleaser and you can prep everything in just 15 minutes. Our budget-friendly recipe uses mostly storecupboard ingredients to bulk up your dish and the creamy coconut milk adds a richness and subtle sweetness. Freeze any extra portions for a quick midweek meal fix. Serve with rice or chapatis if you fancy taking your curry to the next level with a fluffy flatbread.
Want even more warming curry inspiration? Watch our video tutorial and learn how to make a pocket-friendly healthy vegan curry.
2. Satay noodle soup
This is the perfect speedy meal for one. Our satay noodle soup can be served up in 25 minutes and is ideal filling comfort food. Season your broth with chilli, soy sauce, a spoonful of peanut butter and zesty lime juice for a bowlful of nourishing noodles everyone will be envious of. No fancy kitchen kit needed – just a saucepan, kettle and vegetable peeler for your impressive carrot ribbons.
If peanut satay isn't your thing, try our sticky noodles with homemade hoisin for an equally indulgent bowlful that packs in four of your 5-a-day.
3. Tarka dhal
Dhal is the perfect student staple; it's easy, healthy and uses plenty of pocket-friendly ingredients. Our classic tarka dhal with red lentils and plenty of curry spices couldn't be simpler, and we can't get enough of the thick, soupy consistency. Add our cheat's black dhal with spicy cauliflower to your recipe repertoire for delicious dhal perfection. If you're all about one-pots, our is low-calorie and low-fat but big on flavour.
For more well-spiced suppers, check out our vegan curry recipe collection.
4. Curried tofu wraps
Picture tandoori-spiced tofu, cool mint yogurt and crunchy red cabbage relish... are we making your mouth water? Our curried tofu wraps make a simple DIY supper full of colour and texture. Who knew tofu could taste this good?
Get a taste of the rainbow with our veggie olive wraps, great for an easy lunch option or an al-desko study session.
5. Lentil & cardamom soup
Spend a grand total of five minutes prepping this easy . Jazz up cheap and cheerful lentils with coconut milk, a pinch of chilli and plenty of spice. This wonderful warming recipe has a pop of citrus and plenty of fresh veg.
Check out our vegan soup collection for more tasty classic combinations and funky flavour fusions.
6. Vegan shepherd's pie
If you're feeling homesick, let us bring you some classic home cooking. Our filling vegan shepherd's pie topped with crispy roast potatoes is perfect for chilly evenings. Treat yourself to a healthy mix of leeks, earthy porcini mushrooms and chunky butternut squash. Try it with a squirt of tomato ketchup – trust us, it's irresistible. If you're got the time to devote to some chopping, this is well worth the effort.
Take a look at our vegan comfort food collection for more plant-based plates.
7. Falafel burgers
We've never said no to a falafel warm from the oven. Our falafel burgers are great for a simple packed lunch or a filling dinner with all the trimmings. If you're craving a big bite but don't want to load up on calories, bake up a batch of falafel. Pack them into pittas with salad, a spoonful of hummus and some crunchy red onion.
Load up on our favourite healthy hummus recipes for more simple snacking options.
8. Vegan pizza
A night in is always improved by a slice of homemade pizza. This impressive Italian-inspired recipe uses clever plant-based substitutes and takes just half an hour to go from dough to a magnificent Margherita. Sprinkle on our simple vegan parmesan for an extra cheesy flavour hit. No one needs to miss out on fakeaways with our genius vegan options.
Not a tomato fan? Try our white pizza with courgette, rosemary and sliced new potatoes.
9. Veg chilli
Behold, the easiest veggie chilli you'll ever make. Use ready-to-eat grains, tinned kidney beans and summer veggies to make a dish that's got four of your 5-a-day. With just four ingredients, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master and is a great way of packing in plenty of nutrients. If you're entertaining friends, try our black bean chilli with toppings people can pick and mix to their tastes.
10. Vegan mac 'n' cheese
The ultimate king of comfort food, macaroni cheese, is one recipe every student should perfect. This family-sized simple pasta dish is sprinkled with breadcrumbs for a crispy topping and uses nutritional yeast for that distinctive cheesy flavour. Serve piping hot and golden brown.
If you're a true pasta addict, get even more recipes with our vegan pasta collection.
Enjoyed these recipes? Try our other easy vegan meals...
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What's your favourite simple vegan recipe? Leave a comment below...
