'Meatless Monday' ideas: 5 vegetarian recipes to start the week right

Doing a "Meatless Monday" once a week can be a daunting task especially for households who have meat lovers. However, the introduction of this campaign can help incorporate the importance of eating vegetables and non-meat food items to meals, gaining one step forward to a healthier and diverse culinary experience. Furthermore, it can also encourage kids and young adults to sample plant-based food options, not just the staple meat, poultry, and fish.

Here is a list of 5 easy vegetarian recipes that you can try without breaking a sweat or your budget.

1) Stir-Fry Vegetables for Dinner

Nothing beats a colorful meal in enticing kids and young adults to eat, One Green Planet writes.

Simply cut and slice a few sweet and crunchy veggies like carrots, bell peppers, radish, and water chestnuts, put a few drops of olive or coconut oil, some garlic with onions then begin to stir-fry on medium heat. Toss in some black or wild rice to the mix or if you are feeling adventurous, have the rice steamed first before adding in the stir-fry veggies, and you'll have your own version of Chinese-style fried rice. If you feel incomplete without any protein in the mix, then add a few toasted tempeh or tofu on top to elevate your delish stir-fry mix.

2) Caramelized Onion with White Bean on Flatbread

Who says going meatless needs to be boring? Eating Well recommends foods need to be inspired by meat favorites to let kids and young adults feel connected to the vegetarian dish. This take on pizza can be the answer because it is familiar and easy to work with, especially if the toppings are sweet tomatoes, caramelized onions, and yummy herbed mushrooms.

View the recipe here.

3) Chickpea, Barley, and Feta Salad

Bon Appetit Magazine suggests using barley to get a nice bulk and chew on your meal. Besides this wheat, you can also add in brown rice or quinoa as an alternative if you prefer as it is best to start with something both you and your household will enjoy. Remember, going meatless doesn't have to be bland or intimidating especially if you wish to have your family eat them more on a daily basis.

Check out the recipe here.

4) Veggie Burger with Veggie Soup

One Green Planet adds that reinventing everyone's favorite comfort foods like a bowl of soup or a hefty, juicy burger can help kids and young adults eat these meatless variety even more. There are several veggie burger patties available online to ensure you are using the real ingredients, not the genetically-modified kind. The Chipotle Maple Sweet Potato Burger is a great hearty choice and you can view the recipe here.

5) Barbecue Portobello Quesadillas

Eating Well adds that using this variant of mushroom can help enhance the taste of the quesadillas, making it reminiscent to the flavorful pulled pork. Adding in chipotle chile pepper served with coleslaw and guacamole and it might feel like you are serving "meat" on a supposedly Meatless Monday. Check out the recipe here.