30 Hearty Vegetarian Main Dishes

Use any Asian chili paste or sauce you have in your refrigerator to give this rice bowl a touch of salty heat, including sambal oelek, garlic chili sauce, or even Sriracha chili sauce.

Recipe: Sweet and Spicy Red Kuri Squash Bowl

Create this tasty vegetarian bowl using chickpeas and Freekeh with Parsley and Onions, topped with thinly sliced brussels sprouts, plain yogurt, and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.

Recipe: Saffron Tomato Chickpeas, Freekeh, and Brussels Sprouts

Technically a seed (so no gluten), quinoa is touted as a superfood for its high fiber and protein. The runny yolk of a poached egg creates a little sauce on top.

Recipe: Red Quinoa Bowl with Swiss Chard and Poached Egg

This gently spicy dish uses a North Indian technique called tadka or chaunk: seasonings are sizzled in hot oil or clarified butter, then swirled into the lentils right before serving for a massive flavor boost.

Recipe: Spiced Red Lentils with Caramelized Onions and Spinach

Canned beans make these tostadas quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but the generous fresh vegetables and avocado make them very fresh.

Recipe: Black Bean Tostadas

Loads prettier than a typical casserole-style eggplant parmesan, this spicy, herb-rich version is individually assembled on plates and broiled to finish.

Recipe: Eggplant Parmesan

We don’t know which part we like the most, the alternatingly crusty and custardy bread, the tender chunks of roasted vegetables, or the melted, tangy cheese.

Recipe: Wild Mushroom and Butternut Squash Bread Pudding

For an alternative to frozen patties, make your own burgers packed with nuts, mushrooms, and tofu in place of meat.

Recipe: Tofu Burgers

The comfort-food classic gets studded with jewels of fresh vegetables for an all-in-one meal.

Recipe: Spring Vegetable Macaroni 'n' Cheese

The simple and tasty salt-and-pepper crust of this tart is worth making from scratch. If you do use a ready-made crust, pick one without sugar.

Recipe: Leek and Chanterelle Tart

Here's a simple yet satisfying way to get more vegetables into your day. Include some store-bought falafel for an added boost of protein.

Recipe: Mediterranean Garden Wraps

We updated ribollita, a hearty, comforting Tuscan vegetable soup thickened with lots of day-old bread, with this lighter version. Make sure to sub in vegetable broth for chicken.

Recipe: Toasted Bread, Bean, and Vegetable Soup

Everyone loves the colorful, flavorful mix of vegetables and beans in these open-face enchiladas. They’re especially pretty baked in individual dishes, but you can also use a 9- by 13-in. baking dish.

Recipe: Vegetable Enchiladas

Asian flavors come together in a flash in this easy soup. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken to make it vegetarian.

Recipe: Shiitake Mushroom and Tofu Soup

Flaky, cheesy, and–thanks to the addition of a few eggs–satisfying enough with just a side of salad.

Recipe: Flaky Feta Tart

Try topping these healthy caps with grilled asparagus in the spring and summer, or trade out for grilled green onions in the cooler months.

Recipe: Grilled Portabellas with Couscous

Some pantry staples–canned beans and tomatoes–and a smattering of spices come together in no time for a satisfying meal with little to no pre-planning necessary.

Recipe: Garbanzo-Tomato Curry

This spectacular main dish will impress discerning vegetarians and omnivores alike.

Recipe: Sweet-Potato Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Spinach

Flavorful ginger, garlic, and a medley of spices produce a robust heat, while also providing an array of health benefits. Try pairing with brown rice and a dollop of yogurt to cool things down.

Recipe: Curried Red Kidney Beans and Cauliflower (Rajma Masala)

Black beans give these enchiladas their name, since they darken the red chili sauce. Try adding diced bananas to the cucumber and cilantro topping for a more authentic Yucatecan taste.

Recipe: Enchiladas Negras

This robust dish unites hearty lentils with the best of winter vegetables.

Recipe: Lentil Stew with Winter Vegetables

Our version of this Filipino favorite is based on a garlicky, peppery one at House of Sisig in Daly City, California. Substitute vegetable broth for chicken.

Recipe: Stir-fried Thick and Thin Noodles with Vegetables and Tofu (Pancit)

A fragrant, brothy pile of chewy couscous, spicy vegetables, and tangy-sweet onions takes the chill out of the air when the cool season comes.

Recipe: Pearl Couscous with Fall Vegetables and Caramelized Onions

Opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken, and this easy twist on traditional Chinese rice porridge makes a wonderful vegetarian one-dish supper on a cold night.

Recipe: Wild Rice Congee

Ricotta salata is a firm, slightly salty, and very mild sheep's-milk cheese. If you’ve got a surplus of eggs, this dish provides a delicious way to use them up.

Recipe: Swiss Chard and Ricotta Salata Egg Bake

This fragrant, buttery stew is hearty enough to work as a main dish. Serve with a green salad and naan (Indian flatbread) or fresh pita.

Recipe: Split Pea-Squash Stew with Basil and Serrano

Nuts bring flavor, richness, and protein to this hearty dish. Serve with sautéed greens and roasted sweet potatoes for a well-rounded vegetarian meal.

Recipe: Nutted Brown Rice Pilaf

A slice of this traditional Spanish egg and potato dish is well suited for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, ensuring that any leftovers will be gobbled up in no time.

Recipe: Spanish Tortilla

Reminiscent of Greek spanakopita pastries, but with no individual shaping, this big filo pie is a snap to prepare. Cook down a big batch of mustard greens, layer them with robust cheese in between sheets of filo dough, and bake until golden and crisp.

Recipe: Mustard Green and Fontina Filo Pie