7 reasons to go vego tonight

If you think dinner isn’t a meal without a serve of meat, tell that carnivorous brain to think again. From meatless pie and spaghetti with polpette to triumphant vegan tacos, here are seven vegetarian recipes that stack up against the originals.

1. Welcome to burger heaven

These easy chickpea and quinoa burgers with roasted pumpkin are hearty, wholesome and delicious – just the ticket for meat-free Mondays.

2. The freshest tacos this side of Mexico

Spice up Taco Tuesdays with chipotle black bean tacos starring jalapeño slaw. These vegan wunderkind are packed with protein from both the beans and mayonnaise, which is made using silken tofu.

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3, Pho in 45 minutes

Pho bo, or beef and noodle soup, is one of Vietnam’s most popular dishes. We think this vegetarian (and vegan!)-friendly version, pho with shiitake mushrooms, is pretty special, too.

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4. Some pie, dhal-ing?

Yes, even meat-lovers will adore Rachel Khoo's one-pot lentils. Packed with spices, and sealed with a “naan lid”, this clever take on dhal is even tastier on day two.

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5. Marching to its own beet

What's not to love about Peter Kuruvita's beetroot curry? Vibrant, earthy and easy to prepare, it pairs perfectly with steamed rice and other Sri Lankan eats. Try cashew nut curry or a pumpkin, peanut and mustard version.

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6. You crumby, cheesy snag!

This Welsh recipe for Glamorgan sausages with watercress salad substitutes breadcrumbs and cheddar for meat. It was a popular dish druing the ration era of World War Two, but we think these snags are fab any time.

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7. Not your average spag and meatballs

Forget spaghetti and meatballs, these tasty spinach and lemon polpette work a treat mixed through a bowl of pasta with a sprinkling of parmesan and fresh basil.

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