Vegan Valentines Dinner Recipes

I absolutely love this recipe because it’s packed with vibrant flavors and colorful veggies that make me feel like I’m eating a rainbow. Plus, it’s super satisfying yet healthy, perfect for fueling my busy millennial lifestyle without any guilt!

Honor love with a nourishing and vibrant Vegan Valentine’s Dinner. I love the rich base of quinoa cooked in vegetable broth that’s so alive with flavor that you hardly know it’s salt-free (which makes it a double-duty recipe for any time you want your quinoa to be rich and flavorful without the usual salt that tends to seep into it).

The broth takes the flavor of the quinoa to another level, and then smoky paprika and cumin come together (in whatever way you fancy) with the fresh flavors of zucchini, red bell pepper, and cherry tomatoes. And what’s that?

You want some creaminess? Throw in some avocado.

And some zing? (You know you want it.) You want lemon juice.

Vegan Valentines Dinner Recipes Ingredients

• Quinoa: High in protein and fiber, excellent source of plant-based nutrients.
• Red Bell Pepper: Rich in vitamins A and C; adds sweetness and vibrant color.
• Black Beans: Loaded with protein and fiber, essential for vegan diets.
• Zucchini: Low in calories, high in vitamins and antioxidants; adds freshness.
• Avocado: Healthy fats and creamy texture; boosts nutritional value.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, with a hint of sweetness, full of vitamins C and K.
• Cilantro: Fresh herbaceous flavor, contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

Vegan Valentines Dinner Recipes Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

How to Make this Vegan Valentines Dinner Recipes

1. Wash the quinoa in a fine mesh strainer under cold running water until the water is clear.

2. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the broth is absorbed and the quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and let cool.

3. In a huge pan, place 1 tablespoon of olive oil and warm it over medium heat. To the pan, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it is highly fragrant.

4. Combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, and turmeric. They should be combined very well, and you should cook them for another minute to ensure they are releasing their flavors before you add any liquids.

5. Add the diced red bell pepper and chopped zucchini to the pan. Sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until the veggies are tender but still crisp.

6. Stir in the drained and rinsed black beans, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.

7. Combine the cooked quinoa with the vegetables and beans in the pan. Mix everything well to combine.

8. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until softened.

9. Add salt, pepper, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar. Mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust if necessary.

10. Take it off the heat, and add diced avocados and fresh cilantro on top; then serve it warm. Delight in this vibrant, flavorful vegan offering of a dish.

Vegan Valentines Dinner Recipes Equipment Needed

1. Fine mesh strainer
2. Medium saucepan with lid
3. Large pan
4. Measuring cups
5. Measuring spoons
6. Mixing spoon
7. Chef’s knife
8. Cutting board

FAQ

• Q: Can I use any other grain instead of quinoa?A: Yes, you can replace quinoa with either couscous or bulgur. Modify the cooking times to what is recommended on their package instructions.
• Q: Is there a substitute for black beans?A: Other beans, like kidney beans or chickpeas, may be used if preferred.
• Q: How can I make this dish less spicy?A: Decrease or skip the chili powder to tone down the heat.
• Q: Can this dish be prepared in advance?A: Absolutely! You can make this dish ahead of time. Just put it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for up to 3 days.
• Q: Is there a substitute for cilantro?A: If you don’t like cilantro, use parsley or basil to give it a different flavor.
• Q: Can I serve this dish cold?A: Definitely. This recipe makes a salad that is completely tasty when eaten cold.
• Q: What is the best way to add a bit more protein to this dish?A: For additional protein, consider tossing in some roasted tofu or tempeh.

Vegan Valentines Dinner Recipes Substitutions and Variations

You can use either couscous or farro instead of quinoa.
Replace vegetable broth with mushroom broth or homemade vegetable stock.
Substitute avocado oil or coconut oil for olive oil.
Substitute red onion for red bell pepper to change the flavor.
If you lack black beans, you can substitute kidney beans or chickpeas.

Pro Tips

1. Toast the Quinoa: Before cooking, toast the rinsed quinoa in a dry pan over medium heat until it starts to crackle and turns slightly golden. This enhances the nutty flavor of the quinoa and adds depth to the dish.

2. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to your preference. For more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced fresh chili.

3. Veggie Flexibility: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables based on your preference or availability. For example, corn, spinach, or kale could add extra color and nutrients.

4. Perfectly Cooked Veggies: For a slight caramelization, don’t stir the vegetables too often during sautéing. Letting them sit in the pan undisturbed for a minute or two helps them to brown and improves the overall texture and flavor.

5. Freshness with Garnishes: Just before serving, add a zest of lemon for an extra citrusy kick, and consider topping with additional fresh herbs like parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese if not keeping the dish completely vegan.