Meat-Free Recipes for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

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Ditching the meat now and again is important for the sustainability of our planet. When it comes to changing our diet for the better, there are many factors that may play into our decisions other than for our own health. 

If you have seen the impact meat eating is having on the environment and you are looking for a way to eat in a more sustainable way, there are lots of ways you can do this. 

From warming soups to hearty curries there are plenty of amazing, meat-free recipes you can add to your menu this week to help you reduce your meat intake. 

Halloumi and sweetcorn fritters 

The first recipe we want to look at is some amazing halloumi and sweetcorn fritters. These can be served with a veggie breakfast as an alternative to sausages and bacon and they are super simple to make. 

Ingredients:

  • 100g sweetcorn 

  • 100g halloumi 

  • 150g flour 

  • 1 large egg (or vegan alternative)

  • 1 tbsp milk (or plant-based alternative)

  • 1 tbsp chopped chives 

  1. Chop your halloumi into pieces roughly the same size as the sweetcorn. 

  2. Mix your ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. 

  3. Heat up a pan with some oil, and then add some small spoonfuls of batter to the pan, allowing it to cook for a few minutes on each side. Think of it like making pancakes. 

  4. Remove from the heat and serve with your favorite sides and other dishes. 

Veggie crunch wrap supreme 

A crunch wrap supreme from Taco Bell is one of the most popular dishes for people to try and make at home. Today though, we have a great option for you that ditches the beef mince and instead uses a vegetarian alternative to make the same cheat food you love in a more sustainable way.

Ingredients:

  • 400g meatless mince (we like Meatless Farm)

  • 1 tin red kidney beans 

  • 1 sachet chilli or taco seasoning 

  • 1 tin chopped tomatoes 

  • Shredded cheddar or American cheese (or plant-based alternative)

  • Sour cream and chive dip (or plant-based alternative)

  • Shredded romaine lettuce 

  • Chopped tomatoes 

  • Doritos or nacho chips 

  • Tortilla wraps 

  • Mini tortilla wraps

  1. Heat up a pan with oil and then add your mince. Leave it to sit for a few minutes and get crispy, then break apart and cook for a few more minutes. 

  2. Add your spices, red kidney beans, and chopped tomatoes and bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Set aside.

  3. To assemble your wraps - start off with a large tortilla wrap. Add some Doritos or nacho chips to the wrap. 

  4. Add a dollop of your mince mixture. 

  5. Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream. 

  6. Add some more nacho chips or Doritos. 

  7. Place a mini tortilla wrap over your fillings in the centre of the wrap. Now, wrap the edges of the large wrap around to seal - this should make a sort of hexagon shape. 

  8. Preheat a frying pan and once you have wrapped up your crunch wrap, place it seal side down on the pan and fry for a few minutes. This will seal the wrap as well as start to melt the cheese. 

  9. Flip and fry for another few minutes. 

  10. Serve with your sour cream and chive dip for a yummy vegetarian cheat meal. 

Veggie-packed omelette 

From a low carb egg drop soup to a yummy poached egg on toast - eggs (or plant-based alternative) are a great protein option when you don’t want to eat meat. This easy omelette is a great breakfast or lunch option to fuel a healthy day for your body. 

Ingredients: 

  • 3 eggs (or plant-based alternative)

  • 1 handful cheddar cheese (or plant-based alternative)

  • 1 tbsp butter 

  • 1 tbsp oil 

  • ½ red onion 

  • 1 red bell pepper 

  • 1 handful spinach 

  • 2 basil leaves 

  • 1 tomato 

  1. Chop your onion, bell pepper, tomato, and basil finely. 

  2. Beat your eggs in a jug and season with salt and pepper. 

  3. Heat your pan with some oil and butter until foaming. 

  4. Add the eggs to the pan and let it sit for 30 seconds or so. Then, using a spatula start to pull lines in the egg mixture to help move the uncooked egg towards the heat of the pan. Do this for a minute or so. 

  5. Once the egg is halfway done, add your veggies and cheese to the pan and cook for a few minutes. 

  6. Flip the omelette in half to make a semi circle, and turn out onto your plate. 

  7. You can serve an omelette like this on its own for one person, or serve with a fresh side salad if splitting between 2 people. 

Try some of these meat free meals for a more sustainable winter and one that will lead into a better year for our environment in 2022.