Thai Vegetarian Classics: Easy and Healthy Recipes

If you’re a vegetarian, you might find it challenging to scout for delicious and healthy meals to prepare. Fret no more because Thai cuisine offers various vegetarian delights that won’t disappoint your taste buds. Here are easy and healthy Thai classics that you can whip up in your kitchen, even if you’re not an expert in Thai cuisine.

Tom Yum Soup

Tom Yum is a spicy soup that’s a staple in Thai cuisine. It’s a hot and sour soup that can be served with or without meat. To make the soup vegetarian, you can omit the meat and opt for a vegetable broth instead. Here are the ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of vegetable broth
• 2 stalks of lemongrass
• 2 kaffir lime leaves
• 1-inch piece of galangal
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of lime juice
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1-2 Thai chili peppers
• 1/2 cup of mixed vegetables (carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, etc.)

Directions:

1. In a pot, add vegetable broth, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and garlic.
2. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the herbs release their flavor.
3. Add soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, and Thai chili peppers.
4. Add mixed vegetables and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot.

Pad Thai

Pad Thai is a popular stir-fried rice noodle dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. It’s one of the easiest Thai dishes to make, and it’s highly customizable. Here’s how you make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 package of rice noodles
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 cups of mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, bean sprouts)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
• 2 tablespoons of peanuts
• 1/4 teaspoon of chili flakes

Directions:

1. Soak the rice noodles in hot water for 10-15 minutes until soft.
2. In a wok, add oil and garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
3. Add mixed vegetables and stir fry for 2-3 minutes until cooked.
4. Add soaked rice noodles and stir.
5. Add soy sauce, sugar, tamarind paste, and chili flakes and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
6. Add peanuts and serve hot.

Massaman Curry

Massaman Curry is a mild curry that’s rich in flavor. It’s a hearty dish that’s perfect for a cold evening. To make it vegetarian, you can use tofu instead of meat. Here are the ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 can of chickpeas
• 1-2 potatoes
• 1 onion
• 1 tablespoon of oil
• 2 tablespoons of Massaman Curry paste
• 1 can of coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste
• 1/4 cup of roasted peanuts

Directions:

1. In a wok, add oil and chopped onion and stir until golden brown.
2. Add Massaman Curry paste and stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add chickpeas and diced potatoes and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
4. Add coconut milk, soy sauce, sugar, and tamarind paste and stir well.
5. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the curry is thickened and vegetables are cooked.
6. Add roasted peanuts and serve hot.

Conclusion

Thai cuisine offers a wide variety of vegetarian classics that are easy to make and healthy. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in Thai cuisine, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings for flavorful and nutritious dishes.

FAQ

Q1. Can these recipes be made gluten-free?

A1. Absolutely! You can make these recipes gluten-free by substituting the soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari sauce.

Q2. Can I use other vegetables in these recipes?

A2. Yes, you can use any vegetables that you like in these recipes. Just make sure that they’re cut into small pieces and are easy to cook.

Q3. Where can I purchase the ingredients for these recipes?

A3. The ingredients for these recipes can be purchased in any Asian grocery store or online.

Q4. Can I make these recipes spicy?

A4. Yes, you can make these recipes spicier by adding more chili peppers or chili flakes.

Q5. Are these recipes suitable for vegans?

A5. Yes, these recipes are suitable for vegans. Just make sure that you’re using vegan-friendly ingredients.

Q6. How long do these recipes take to prepare?

A6. These recipes take approximately 30-45 minutes to prepare.

Q7. Can I make these recipes in advance and freeze them?

A7. Yes, you can make these recipes in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure that they’re stored in an airtight container.

References

1. Thai Vegetarian Recipes You Must Try- Link

2. Easy Thai Vegetarian Curry Recipe- Link

3. How to Make Pad Thai in 20 Minutes- Link

4. Recipe for vegetarian tom yum soup pt ต้มยำวี้ง- Link