The top 10 family-friendly vegetarian recipes from the last 12 months

Vegetarianism has gone far beyond the occasional meat-free Monday. The demand for veggie recipes from UAE residents records an upward trajectory year-on-year, as restaurants continually grapple with the need for diet-specific menus and sustainable ingredient choices.

At Hello Chef, things are no different. We’re constantly developing new and exciting vegetarian recipes for our customers to try, experimenting with innovative flavour combinations and ingredients to ensure every dish is both nutritious and delicious. 

As the trend continues to grow in the region, we’ve seen a great uptake in our veggie recipes over the last 12 months. If you’re considering making the switch, or simply want to make a conscious effort to consume less meat-focused meals, here are our top 10 family-friendly vegetarian recipes – as voted for by our customers, from the past year… 

Italian squash and sage risotto

There’s something about the earthiness of these two flavours that makes them a match made in heaven. Here, we pair them with saffron-infused rice, plenty of black pepper and a squeeze of lemon to make this creamy, comforting dish that makes a great alternative to the more traditional mushroom risotto for veggies. 

For the full squash and sage risotto recipe, click here. 

Mexican style red bean quesadillas with avocado and corn salad

Swap minced beef for flavourful red beans in this veggie alternative. Serve alongside a tangy salad for added freshness, and have it all on the table in just 30 minutes!

For the full red bean quesadillas recipe, click here. 

Paneer makhni creamy Indian tomato and cheese curry

Indian food is a safe haven for vegetarians, with much of the cuisine focusing around vegetable-based products. It’s unsurprising to see that this paneer curry made it into the top 10, as it’s one of our all-time favourites, too! Creamy and comforting with plenty of depth in flavour, this mild curry is sure to be a hit with the whole family. 

For the full curry recipe, click here. 

Tomato soup with feta cheese fatayer pastries

There’s something so comforting about homemade soup, don’t you think? And can you name a better combination than a creamy tomato soup with melted cheese pastries on the side? We’ll wait! 

For the full tomato soup recipe, click here. 

Goats cheese and red onion pizza with pine nuts

The addition of cranberry sauce to this gorgeous veggie pizza gives a festive feel to the dish, but we like to enjoy it all year round. The salty goats cheese pairs beautifully with the sweetened caramelised onions, and we love the extra crunch from the roasted pine nuts sprinkled on top. Not a fan of goats cheese? Swap for mozzarella instead!

For the full goats cheese pizza recipe, click here. 

Loaded nachos with beans, cheese and avocado

A classic sharing style treat, these loaded nachos are the perfect accompaniment to your next movie night at home with friends. For added heat, top with fresh red chilli slices or a sprinkling of jalapenos. 

For the full loaded nachos recipe, click here. 

Classic French chevre chaud goats cheese salad

Upgrade your salad with the indulgent addition of gooey, goats cheese toasts. This classic French dish is so simple to make and oh, so satisfying. Enjoy!

For the full French chevre chaud salad recipe, click here. 

Carrot soup with tomato and mozzarella toasties

We don’t just love the taste of this nutrient-packed soup, but its vibrant colour is something to behold – just look at it! Regardless of your dietary choices, soups are a great way to get plenty of veg into your meals. The gooey cheese toastie adds a level of decadence to this dish, too!

For the full carrot soup recipe, click here. 

Halloumi burger with tomato jam and rosemary potatoes 

Taking the cheeseburger to a new level, sweet tomatoes and salty halloumi pair perfectly in this Mediterranean-inspired supper. Remember, don’t cook the cheese on too high a heat – you want it golden on the outside and soft on the inside for the perfect texture. 

For the full halloumi burger recipe, click here. 

Aubergine parmigiana with garlic bread 

Aka, melanzane alla parmigiana, or parmesan aubergine. Another veggie alternative to lasagna, get stuck into layers of slow-cooked aubergine and mop up the leftover sauce with slices of homemade garlic bread – comfort food at its best!

For the full aubergine parmigiana recipe, click here. 

Don’t forget to get social with us and share your creations on social media, tagging us @hellochefme – we always love to see your finished products! If you enjoyed this article, you may be interested in reading more about the rise in demand for vegan dishes in the UAE here.