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Frugal Ideas to Finish Veganuary Out Strong

If you’re celebrating Veganuary this year, then you might be running out of recipes that will keep you living a frugal lifestyle. Often, vegan recipes tend to include expensive ingredients that aren’t exactly something the average household can keep up with. Luckily, there are plenty of amazing recipes online that will suit your taste buds while helping you to stick to your vegan commitment this month. These ten ideas will play on your favorite comfort foods while keeping your budget flourishing.

1. Veggie Burgers
One of the easiest ways to satisfy your appetite on a budget is to simply whip up veggie burgers. When it comes to burgers, being vegan is incredibly easy because there are so many options to choose from. You might start with using store-bought patties or even working with items like Impossible Meat to help you feel more like you’re enjoying that burger feel. However, there are also numerous options to choose from when it comes to making your own patties. You can make everything from potato to chickpea burgers, which can help give you variety while also allowing you to enjoy more nutrients throughout the week. You can dress up your burger with almost anything too, which can help improve variety all the more.

2. One Pot Pasta
When it comes to busy nights, one of the best things you can do for a meal is a one-pot pasta. This also allows you to have a little fun with your meals as you can truly whip up a huge selection of dishes to make sure your taste buds don’t get bored. One-pot pasta is notoriously great because they allow you to whip up full meals with items that you just have sitting around in your refrigerator. Even if you’re craving creamy or cheesy elements, you can still swap things up with nutritional yeast and alternative milk to help you get the same feel. It doesn’t matter what you add in or what pasta you use, as it will help to make Veganuary feel a little less like a challenge and a little more like your normal routine. You may even find that you enjoy making these pasta so much that you can easily bring them into your regular schedule.

3. Soup
One of the best things you can do is make a soup when you’re not feeling any inspiration coming your way. This menu item can warm the soul and is especially comforting during the cold winter days. The best thing about soup is you can follow a recipe or completely reinvent something. For instance, when it comes to soup, you can toss some veggies in with the broth and you’ve got a treat that everyone will eat. You can also use alternative milk and nutritional yeast to get a cheesy flavor that is great for loaded potato soup. All in all, soup is easily thrown in a crockpot and forgotten, which makes it one of the easiest things you can make when you are worn out. There are tons of soup recipes to explore online too, so have fun with it. Plus, you can pair it with a sandwich of your choice to truly make the meal complete.

4. Stir Fry
When you’re craving something a little more Asian inspired then stir fry is a great direction to go in. This delicious meal can incorporate so many different things too. From tofu and eggplant to green onion and bell pepper, you can totally make your own stir fry without spending a small fortune. The best thing about stir fry is you can use a variety of sauces to truly cater to your needs. Of course, when it comes to stirfry, you also get to choose between noodles and rice, which can help cater to your budget all the more. This dish is simple to make for one or a whole party of people too, which can make your entertainment budget drop immensely. You may even tempt some of the pickier eaters in the household to try out this dish, which could help lead your whole family to healthier choices.

5. Burritos
Nothing says delicious quite like a nice burrito to feel you up. You don’t have to give up on burritos just because you’re not eating meat for a month though. In fact, some of the best burritos actually have vegetables, which makes it a lot of fun to experiment. Of course, the classic option to enjoy is a bean burrito, but if you’re looking to try something new then toy around with other forms of protein. You can also add as many veggies as you like to give it a fresh and enjoyable flavor that can’t be denied. Other than that, you can skip out on the burrito altogether and cut calories by enjoying a burrito bowl. Add some guacamole and you’ll be on the right track to eating right without having to pay extra from a restaurant.

6. Barbecue Sandwiches
If you’re really struggling to get through Veganuary without meat, then a barbecue sandwich might be your best way to enjoy the flavors and textures that you’ve been missing out on. You can enjoy a barbecue sandwich in many different ways. However, one of the methods that will provide you with the closest flavor and texture is going to be jackfruit. This fruit is remarkably similar to meat, so when you add in some sauce you’re good to go. Of course, you can enjoy other products too. For instance, tofu marinated in your favorite sauce is an easy option, but there are also meat alternatives that are designed to taste like the real deal when you add the right sauces.

7. Breakfast
Breakfast can still be your favorite meal of the day even when you’re keeping things vegan. One easy item to make is pancakes. Simply replace the milk and eggs with vegetarian alternatives and you’re good to go. Of course, you can also go with omelets, scrambles, and more of your favorite egg options without having to worry about your budget. You can also enjoy staples like biscuits and gravy without going out of your way to change recipes immensely. Breakfast is easy to wing too, but if you’re looking for recipes you won’t have to search far to find vegan options for your favorite dishes.

8. Curry
Curry and vegan food tend to go hand in hand, which is why it is one of the easiest and cheapest options for your menu. In order to enjoy vegan curry, you’ll have to swap yogurts and other creamy additions to the meal with milk alternatives. Coconut milk is actually a common ingredient used in many curries, so you won’t have to worry about changing recipes in many cases. Tofu and vegetables are common ingredients in many curries too, so finding recipes will be a breeze. Apart from that, all you will need is the spice to make your vegan curry truly suit your taste buds. Of course, adding naan to the meal adds the perfect finishing touch.

9. Pizza
Nothing says tasty quite like a pizza. Don’t worry though, because vegan foods definitely don’t deprive you of enjoying a slice of pizza or two. There are many ways that you can enjoy pizza without letting go of your diet. You might start by loading your pizza up with lots of vegetables. You can even make a vegetable-based crust if you’re feeling adventurous. Once you have everything ready to go then you might want to invest in some vegan cheese. You can also find meat alternatives that will make you feel like you’re getting your favorite topping without caving on your meatless goal. Some restaurants will also offer vegan options so you can still have a treat when you’re not in the mood to cook.

10. Baked Potato
One of the easiest lunches around is a simple baked potato. This dish can be dressed up to suit your individual needs too. You can even go healthier by using sweet potato for your meal. When it comes to keeping things vegan, most of the vegetables you would put on a potato are safe. You’ll just have to work out for chili, cheese, and various creams. However, once you get the perfect balance for your homemade potato, you will want to eat it all of the time, so make sure you explore your options.

Finishing out Veganuary strong won’t have to weigh heavily on your budget or your willpower. These ten ideas will help to keep your diet strong while allowing you to enjoy some of your favorite foods. You may even find being a vegan or a vegetarian simply makes more sense for you, which will allow you to do your part to eat less meat without worry.

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