Man cannot survive on Taco Bell alone. Although the fast food chain is one of our go-to favorites for vegan junk food (bean burrito sans cheese, please!), it’s not exactly enough to fuel you through a busy work week. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly alternatives that will—without a full Sunday’s worth of prep work in between. Here are some of the most mouth-watering recipes we’ve seen for an affordable, quick menu schedule that will keep you going all the way until payday.
Vegan Thai “Take In”
Ah, Thai. The secret weapon to survive those late nights at the office or weekend-long home improvement projects. And many of the best entrees are made with coconut milk, rather than cream, and feature egg- and dairy-free noodles. But at about $10 a plate, takeout meals like these aren’t exactly great for your financial diet. This quick peanut noodle recipe reportedly costs less than a dollar to make, and will feed your hunger for some cuisine from the Land of Smiles.
Via Budget Bytes
Dairy-Free Pie to Cover Your Pizza Cravings
With researchers calling cheese as addictive as heroin, it’s no wonder that a lot of us have trouble kicking the fromage when we switch to a dairy-free diet. But pizza is possibly one of the world’s most perfect foods, so there’s no reason vegans should have to go without. This recipe uses pre-made vegan crust and a rich cashew-basil sauce to give you the ultimate ‘za experience without a huge time commitment. Plus when you make it at home, you can save your tips for your bank account.
Via PopSugar
Faux Chicken Salad Sandwich
When it comes to bagged lunches, nothing beats a sandwich for both convenience and deliciousness. But many deli classics don’t exactly jibe with the meat-free lifestyle, which is why we’re in love with this vegan take on the ubiquitous chicken salad sandwich. Made with mock chicken and vegan mayonnaise, this one gets PETA’s vote, so you know it’s good. After all, you need something tasty for lunch when you’re fighting for animal justice all day!
Via PETA
Drool-Worthy 15-Minute Carbonara
Much to the shock of Italian grandmothers everywhere, a great carbonara can be had without throwing meat, eggs or cheese into the mix. This one uses avocados to recreate the smooth, creamy goodness of the authentic Roman dish. And it takes a mere 15 minutes to make—compare that to the 30 to 40 minutes required to concoct the original. You’ll think you took a lunchtime tour of the Bel Paese.
Via Oh She Glows
African-Inspired Chickpea Stew
Chickpeas have been used in cooking for thousands of years—in fact, archeologists have found specimens dating all the way back to the Mesolithic era. So it’s probably safe to say these these hearty and tasty little legumes have some staying power. And with plenty of protein and dietary fiber, they’ll keep you lasting for a long time, too. We love them stewed with butternut squash and seasoned with Harissa, a Moroccan spice mixture which you can buy premade from international grocery stores if you’re pressed for time.
Via Martha Stewart
Easy-Bake Vegan Enchiladas
“Enchiladas” and “easy” aren’t ordinarily words you’d use in the same sentence, but in the case of these poblano-and-garlic enchiladas, “simple” is the best descriptor we can come up with. They take only 50 minutes, which is the blink of an eye in enchilada terms, and taste way better than your weekly Chipotle fix. Now enough drooling! Time to get back to work before we need a saliva transfusion!
Via Gimme Some Oven
About the Writer: Erin Vaughan is a blogger, gardener and aspiring homeowner. She currently resides in Austin, TX where she writes full time for Modernize, with the goal of empowering homeowners with the expert guidance and educational tools they need to take on big home projects with confidence.
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