14 Budget-Friendly Vegan Recipes for Students

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Being a student can mean juggling tight budgets and busy schedules, but eating well doesn’t have to be a challenge. With these 14 budget-friendly vegan recipes, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious and nutritious meals. From hearty curries to satisfying stir-fries, here are some fantastic vegan dishes perfect for students:

1. Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Spinach Curry

A comforting and hearty curry that’s both nutritious and filling. This dish combines sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and spinach in a creamy coconut sauce spiced with curry powder and cumin. Serve it over rice or with naan for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
2. Add curry powder, cumin, and paprika. Stir well.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Simmer.
4. Add sweet potato and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Stir in chickpeas and spinach; cook until spinach is wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with rice or naan.

2. Veggie Burgers (Chickpeas)

These homemade chickpea veggie burgers are packed with flavor and protein. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated carrot
• 2 tbsp flour (or chickpea flour)
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Combine chickpeas, oats, onion, garlic, carrot, flour, flaxseed (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until mixed but chunky.
2. Form into patties.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.

3. Chickpea Curry with Rice

A simple and filling curry that’s perfect for busy students. The combination of chickpeas and coconut milk makes this dish creamy and satisfying.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp turmeric
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 cup rice

Instructions:

1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. Heat oil in a pan. Add onion and garlic; sauté until soft.
3. Add curry powder, cumin, and turmeric. Stir well.
4. Add diced tomatoes and coconut milk. Simmer.
5. Stir in chickpeas; cook until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Serve over rice.

4. Baked Falafel Farro Bowls

These baked falafel are crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, served over farro with fresh veggies and a drizzle of tahini dressing.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup farro
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup diced cucumbers
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup tahini dressing (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook farro according to package instructions.
2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
3. In a food processor, blend chickpeas, parsley, garlic, onion, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour.
4. Form into small balls and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
5. Serve falafel over farro with cucumbers, tomatoes, and tahini dressing.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos

A delicious and filling option that combines roasted sweet potatoes with black beans. These burritos are perfect for a quick meal or a packed lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: avocado, salsa, lettuce

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast sweet potatoes for 20-25 minutes.
2. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add black beans, cumin, and paprika; heat through.
4. Mix in roasted sweet potato.
5. Fill tortillas with the mixture and add toppings as desired.

6. Quinoa and Veggie Stir-Fry

This stir-fry is a quick and nutritious meal packed with veggies and protein-rich quinoa. It’s customizable with your favorite vegetables.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
2. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, cornstarch, and water.
3. Cook tofu until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
4. Stir-fry vegetables until tender.
5. Return tofu to the pan, add sauce, and cook until thickened.
6. Serve over quinoa.

7. Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce and Veggies

A classic pasta dish that’s both hearty and healthy. The addition of vegetables makes it even more nutritious.

Ingredients:

• 1 package spaghetti
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add mushrooms and zucchini; cook until tender.
4. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Toss with spaghetti and serve.

8. Stuffed Bell Peppers

These colorful bell peppers are stuffed with a savory mix of rice, beans, and vegetables. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for meal prep.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.
3. Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, cumin, and paprika. Heat through.
4. Mix in cooked rice and season.
5. Stuff peppers with the mixture and bake for 25-30 minutes.

9. Cauliflower Bites

These crispy cauliflower bites make a great snack or side dish. They’re baked, not fried, making them a healthier choice.

Ingredients:

• 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for baking

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Mix flour and water to make a batter.
3. Combine breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Dip cauliflower pieces in batter, coat with breadcrumbs, and place on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy.

10. Vegan Pizza

Make your own pizza at home with a crispy crust, savory tomato sauce, and your favorite veggies. It’s a fun and customizable meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 premade pizza crust or homemade dough
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegan cheese (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup assorted veggies (e.g., bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, spinach)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 475°F (245°C).
2. Spread tomato sauce over the pizza crust.
3. Add vegan cheese and assorted veggies.
4. Sprinkle it with oregano and basil.
5. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is melted.

11. Lentil Tacos

A great alternative to meat tacos, these lentil tacos are filling and full of flavor. They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty lunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried lentils
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tbsp oil
• Tortillas
• Optional toppings: lettuce, salsa, avocado

Instructions:

1. Cook lentils according to package instructions.
2. Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in oil until soft.
3. Add lentils, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Heat through.
4. Serve in tortillas with your choice of toppings.

12. Vegetable Stir-Fry

Quick and versatile, this vegetable stir-fry is packed with nutrients and flavor. It pairs well with rice or noodles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas)
• 1 block firm tofu, cubed
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• Cooked rice or noodles

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, hoisin sauce, garlic, cornstarch, and water.
2. Cook tofu until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
3. Stir-fry vegetables until tender.
4. Return tofu to the pan, add sauce, and cook until thickened.
5. Serve over rice or noodles.

13. Black Bean Soup

This hearty black bean soup is perfect for a quick and comforting meal. It’s packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add cumin and chili powder; stir.
3. Add diced tomatoes, black beans, and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil and simmer.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Serve with your choice of toppings.

14. Vegan Pasta with Tomato Sauce

A simple and satisfying pasta dish with a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a quick meal or for feeding a crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 package pasta of choice
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain.
2. Heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
3. Add diced tomatoes, oregano, and basil. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
4. Season with salt and pepper. Toss pasta in the sauce and serve, optionally with nutritional yeast.

With these 14 budget-friendly vegan recipes, you’ll have a variety of delicious and satisfying meals to enjoy. Each recipe is designed to be easy on your wallet and quick to prepare, making them perfect for student life. Enjoy your meals and happy cooking!