Vegetarian dishes can shine as the main attraction, especially when using fresh and flavorful ingredients. Use spices and herbs often, add lots of flavor with grains and beans, include good fats to carry flavors and salt to bring them together. Roasting vegetables also make them delicious.

It can be challenging to serve healthy meals on a budget. Meatless meals are built around vegetables, beans and grains instead of meat, which is more expensive. You may be able to save money by going meatless once or twice a week. In addition, meatless meals offer health benefits. A plant-based diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, grains, beans, legumes and nuts, is rich in fiber, vitamins and other nutrients. This kind of healthy eating is the central theme of the Mediterranean diet — which limits red meat and emphasizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains and healthy fats — and has been shown to reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

Plan some meals that feature entrees you like that are typically meatless, such as lasagna, soup or pasta. Occasionally, try substituting protein-rich foods for meat in your favorite recipes, such as, using beans and legumes in casseroles, salads, burritos and tacos. The following recipes show you that meatless dinners can be good tasting. Give then a try.

Dinner 1: Potato Vegetable Skillet Cake and Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

Vegetable and Potato Skillet Cake

Ingredients

• 3/4 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 (8-ounce) russet potatoes, peeled, shredded and squeezed of excess moisture
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 parsnips, shredded
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the vegetables and onion. Sprinkle with flour, salt, Italian seasoning and nutmeg and toss to coat. Stir in the eggs and mix in thoroughly..

Heat a 10 inch skillet over medium heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of oil. Pour in the vegetable mixture and press gently. Cook, running a spatula around the edges of the skillet occasionally, until the bottom is very brown, about 12 minutes.

Place a round platter upside down over the top of the skillet. Grasp sides of the skillet and platter with oven mitts and invert the potato cake onto the platter. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet  and slide the potato cake back into the skillet (browned-side up) and continue to cook over medium heat, loosening the edges with a spatula and shaking the pan occasionally to loosen the bottom. Cook until the bottom is browned and crisp and cooked through, about 12 more minutes. Invert the skillet again to remove the potato cake. Cool 5 minutes before cutting into wedges.

Green Bean Mushroom Casserole

Ingredients

• 12 oz fresh green beans
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 2 oz mushroom blend, sliced (such as, shiitake and oyster mushrooms)
• 6 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup thinly sliced shallots
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 1/2 tablespoons flour
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2/3 cup shredded Italian Fontina cheese, divided
• 1 1/2 tablespoons dried Italian bread crumbs

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add green beans and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and plunge into a large bowl filled with ice water; set aside for 5 to 8 minutes, then drain. Cut beans into 2-inch pieces.

In a large skillet on medium-high, heat oil. Add mushrooms and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until mushrooms release their juices. Reduce heat to medium and add shallots, garlic, thyme, pepper and salt.

Cook, stirring constantly, until shallots become translucent, about 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle in flour; stir to coat. Slowly add buttermilk and continue to cook, stirring until buttermilk starts to thicken and mixture is creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in broth and green beans. When broth is absorbed, after 1 to 2 minutes, stir in 1/2 cup cheese.

Transfer mixture to a medium greased baking dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs and remaining cheese over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until bubbling. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes

Dinner 2:  Butternut Squash Pie and Orange Beet Salad

Butternut Squash Pie with Hazelnuts

Ingredients

• 1 (3-pound) butternut squash, halved lengthwise, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes or 3 cups cubed squash from the supermarket or one 16-oz package of frozen and defrosted cubed squash
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons dry white wine
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 1/2 cup toasted hazelnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 1 frozen 9-inch pie crust (in a pie pan)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.

In a large bowl, mix squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt and pepper. Arrange squash in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast, tossing occasionally, until squash is tender and golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and set aside.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, until browned, 7 to 9 minutes. Add wine and cook, scraping up any brown bits, for 1 minute more.

Add onion to the bowl with the squash and add Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, hazelnuts, egg, bread crumbs, salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Transfer mixture to the pie crust, pat down lightly and bake until crust is golden brown and the filling is hot, about 40 minutes. Set aside to let cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Beet, Orange & Burrata Salad

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream.

Ingredients

• 2 beets (about 11 oz), ends trimmed
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
• 2 oranges
• 2 tablespoons white or regular balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 5 cups (5 oz) baby arugula
• 6 oz fresh burrata or fresh mozzarella cheese, broken into about 8 pieces

Directions

Position rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 425°F. Wrap beets in foil and roast in a baking pan until tender when pierced with a fork, about 1 hour. Set aside to cool. Peel and cut each beet into 12 slices.

Use a sharp knife to slice peel off the oranges. Cut each orange into 6 round slices.

Squeeze pieces of orange peel (there should be some flesh still attached) into a mixing bowl to yield about 2 tablespoons juice. Whisk in garlic, vinegar, 2 teaspoons water, oil, mustard, parsley, salt and pepper.

In a large bowl, toss arugula with 3 tablespoons orange vinaigrette. Divide among serving plates and top with oranges, beets and cheese. Drizzle with remaining vinaigrette.

Dinner 3: Pappardelle with Tomatoes and Almonds and Bibb Radish Salad

Pappardelle with Tomatoes, Almonds and Parmesan

If your market doesn’t carry fresh basil this time of year, use 2 tablespoons of basil pesto instead.

Plum tomatoes are a good choice during the winter months.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds plum (Roma) tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1/4 cup shredded basil leaves or 2 tablespoons basil pesto
• 1 small fresh hot red chile, minced
• Salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• 1 pound dried pappardelle pasta
• 1/4 cup chopped almonds
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes with the vinegar, olive oil, shallots, oregano, basil and chile and season with salt and pepper. Let stand at room temperature for 1 hour.

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain. Add the pasta to the tomato mixture and toss. Mix the almonds and Parmigiano together, sprinkle over the pasta and serve right away.

Bibb and Radish Salad with Buttermilk Dressing

Ingredients

• 3 heads of Bibb lettuce, leaves torn
• 8 radishes, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup snipped fresh chives
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

In a large bowl, toss the lettuce with the radishes and chives. Chill until ready to serve.

In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the buttermilk and vinegar.

Gradually whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Just before serving, drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Dinner 4: Tomato Risotto and Broccolini with Lemon Crumbs

Tomato Vegetable Risotto

Ingredients

• 32 oz carton lower-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 2 cups Arborio rice
• 28 oz container diced Italian tomatoes, drained and liquid reserved
• 1/2 cup dry white
• 1 box (10 oz) frozen corn kernels, defrosted
• 1 box (10 oz) frozen green beans, defrosted
• 2 ounces finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Put the reserved tomato juice and the vegetable broth into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over low heat, with a ladle nearby.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a wide, heavy skillet or a wide, heavy saucepan. Add the onion, a generous pinch of salt and cook gently until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the rice and garlic and cook, stirring, until the grains of rice are separate and beginning to crackle. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and salt to taste and cook, stirring often, until the tomatoes have cooked down slightly and coat the rice, 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the wine and stir until it has evaporated and been absorbed by the rice. Begin adding the simmering stock, a couple of ladlefuls (about 1/2 cup) at a time. The stock should just cover the rice, and should be bubbling, not too slowly but not too quickly. Cook, stirring often, until it is just about absorbed. Add another ladleful or two of the stock and continue to cook in this fashion, adding more stock and stirring when the rice is almost dry.

After the rice has cooked about 15 minutes, stir in the defrosted corn and green beans. Continue adding broth until it is all used.

You do not have to stir constantly, but stir often and when you do, stir vigorously. When the rice is just tender all the way through but still chewy (al dente), in 20 to 25 minutes, it is done.  Stir in the basil and Parmesan and remove from the heat. Serve in wide pasta bowls.

Broccolini with Lemon Crumbs

Ingredients

• 2 slices of country white bread, torn
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• Salt
• 2 bunches Broccolini (8 ounces each) or broccoli rabe (rapini), ends trimmed
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small shallot, very finely chopped
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccolini and cook until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Drain well, shaking off the excess water; pat dry with paper towels.

In a food processor, pulse the bread until large crumbs form.

In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the breadcrumbs and cook them over moderate heat, stirring constantly, until golden. Remove from the heat. Stir in the crushed red pepper and lemon zest and season with salt. Transfer the crumbs to a plate to cool.

In the same skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the shallot and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute. Add the broccolini, season lightly with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the broccolini is lightly browned in spots, about 4 minutes. Transfer the broccolini to a serving platter and sprinkle the lemony bread crumbs on top. Serve right away with lemon wedges.

Dinner 5: Stuffed Shells and Green Bean Slaw

Cheese Stuffed Shells with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Ingredients

SAUCE:

• 3 cups canned Italian tomatoes
• 12 oz roasted red bell peppers (from a jar packed in water), drained, patted dry and roughly chopped
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup packed parsley sprigs, roughly chopped, plus extra for garnish

SHELLS:

• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn, defrosted
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 30 large pasta shells
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
• 3 oz grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

Directions

Prepare sauce:

In a medium saucepan, combine tomatoes, roasted peppers, garlic, rosemary, oregano, red pepper flakes and black pepper. Bring to a simmer on medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a blender and add parsley. Remove plastic center from blender lid to allow steam to escape, hold a kitchen towel loosely over the opening and purée.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Meanwhile, prepare pasta shells according to package directions, cooking until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and place on clean kitchen towels.

In a large bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan cheese, basil, chives, egg and corn. Season with black pepper.

Spread 1 cup sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been coated with olive oil cooking spray. Fill pasta shells with about 1 rounded tablespoon of ricotta mixture and place in the baking dish, stuffed side up. You may have a few extra shells that do not fit in the baking dish.

Cover shells with remaining sauce and mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or until the sauce is bubbling. Let cool for 10 minutes, garnish with additional parsley and serve.

Green Bean Slaw

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 pounds thin green beans
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
• 2 1/2 tablespoons water
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 medium carrot, cut into fine julienne
• 1 medium parsnip, cut into fine julienne
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into fine julienne
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the beans until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain, rinse and pat dry. Slice the green beans lengthwise, if they are not thin.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat, about 30 seconds. Stir in the vinegar, water, mustard, honey and celery seeds. Add the carrot, parsnip, red pepper and onion and toss until warmed through, about 1 minute.

Transfer to a large bowl. Add the beans and toss well. Add a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce and season with salt and pepper. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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Posted by Jovina Coughlin in Balsamic Vinegar, beets, Bread, broccoli rabe, broccollni, carrots, Cheese, corn, green beans, Healthy Italian Cooking, large shells, onion, parnips, Pasta, peppers, Risotto, roasted red pepper, Salad, Salad Dressing, Sauces, Vegetarian Tags: vegetarian dinners