Indian Lentil and Rice Salad Fragrant Basmati & Spiced Lentil Salad with Fresh Herbs Ingredients: 1/2 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 cucumber, diced 1 medium carrot, grated 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped Juice of 1 lemon Salt and black pepper to taste Optional topping: toasted cashews or peanuts Directions: Cook the lentils in lightly salted boiling water for about 20–25 minutes until just tender but not mushy. Drain and let cool. Meanwhile, cook the basmati rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and let cool completely. In a small pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; cook until they begin to pop. Stir in turmeric, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. Remove from heat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled lentils and rice. Add red onion, cucumber, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, and mint. Pour the spiced oil mixture over the salad. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to combine. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with toasted nuts if desired. Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #indianflavors #lentilrecipes #ricesalad #healthyindianfood #plantbasedmeal #vegandinner #spicedrecipes #herbaceous #refreshingsalads #glutenfreevegan #easyveganrecipes #indiancooking #cleaneating #wholefoods #meatlessmeals #veggiepacked #summerrecipes #basmatirice #spicyandsavory #nuttysalad Craving something healthy, hearty, and full of spice? This Indian Lentil and Rice Salad has everything—fragrance, flavor, and freshness in every bite!

Black Bean Chili Hearty Vegan Black Bean Chili with Smoky Spices Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon oregano 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) Salt and pepper to taste 1 cup vegetable broth or water Optional toppings: avocado, cilantro, vegan sour cream, lime wedges Directions: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper and sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Cover partially and let simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with desired toppings. Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 240 kcal per serving (approximate) | Servings: 4 #veganchili #blackbeanchili #plantbaseddinner #meatlessmonday #healthycomfortfood #onepotvegan #easyveganrecipes #vegetarianchili #heartyveganmeals #legumelove #dairyfree #meatfree #glutenfreedinner #blackbeans #vegancomfortfood #spicyvegan #veganchiliideas #plantprotein #easychili #veganbowls Warming, bold, and meat-free—this Black Bean Chili is packed with flavor and plant-based power! 🌶️🫘🥄

Baked Pesto Tofu Herb-Infused Baked Tofu with Homemade Basil Pesto Ingredients: 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or walnuts) 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast 1 garlic clove 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 2 tablespoons lemon juice 3 tablespoons olive oil Optional: cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for garnish Directions: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Press tofu for at least 15 minutes to remove excess moisture. Cut into cubes. In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, nutritional yeast, garlic, salt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth to create pesto. In a bowl, gently toss tofu cubes with the pesto until fully coated. Spread tofu cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and slightly crispy. Serve warm with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Garnish with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers, if desired. Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes Kcal: 215 kcal | Servings: 4 servings #bakedtofu #veganpesto #plantbasedprotein #meatlessmeal #easyveganrecipes #dairyfree #pestotofu #basiltofu #highproteinvegan #veganentree #crispypanbaked #tofulover #pestoinspired #glutenfreevegan #ovenbakedtofu #healthyveganmeals #freshherbs #nutritiousdinner #vegancomfort #pestorecipes 💚 This Baked Pesto Tofu is an herb-packed, protein-rich delight that’s perfect for meatless Mondays! 🌱🔥