There are many reasons why increasing numbers of us are making the switch to a vegetarian diet. Concern for the environment is one, as is the want to live a healthier life. Whatever the reason, the wide range of vegetarian recipes, meal ideas, and fresh produce that is out there means that changing your diet doesn’t have to be a stressful or expensive experience.

Vegetarian pasta dishes are a great way of encouraging the whole family to reduce their meat consumption. After all, what could be better than pasta, fresh vegetables, and tomato basil pasta sauce, all topped with a handful of parmesan cheese? You’ll find this recipe below, plus a few helpful tips and tricks to start you on your vegetarian journey. Good luck!

Vegetarian diet tips
Providing that vegetarians make an effort to include whole, natural foods in their diet, there is no real risk that they will be missing out on important nutrients. Of course, it’s always a good idea to talk to a nutritionist or healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, particularly if you have any pre-existing health conditions.

The following tips might help you as you transition to a plant-based diet:

● Variety: Fruit and vegetables will probably form the basis of your diet. Don’t be afraid to experiment with ingredients you haven’t used before. Often, people following a vegetarian diet get stuck following the same recipes and using the same basic ingredients. In reality, fresh produce can be cooked in so many different ways, and the variety of taste, texture, and colour will certainly help liven up your meals. Don’t know what squash is? Now’s the time to find out!
● Protein: Meat is a source of protein that will obviously be off-limits to you as a vegetarian. Fortunately, there are many other foods you can enjoy that will provide essential amino acids. Eggs and dairy products both contain protein, as do legumes, lentils, nuts, and other seeds.
● Substitution: Just because you’re vegetarian, doesn’t mean you have to miss out on all of your favourite meals. Simply substitute the meat for your choice of plant-based alternative — this could be beans, tofu, or a fake-meat product, depending on the recipe.
● Explore: Look at your vegetarian diet as an opportunity to explore unknown ingredients and recipes. There are many traditional cuisines that are primarily vegetable-based, take your time to try some new dishes!

Vegetables and pasta — a winning combo
There are so many different types of pasta dishes, from traditional bolognese to the modern pasta primavera. While some of these dishes contain meat, there are many that are entirely vegetable based, and all can be adapted to suit the dietary needs of vegetarians.

There are a few different ways that you can make a vegetarian pasta dish. Roasted winter vegetables — such as squash, pumpkin, and eggplant — pair well with pasta and a light, oil-based sauce.

You can also create a hearty pasta bake by combining capsicum, tomato, zucchini, and mushrooms with a tomato sauce and pasta before topping it with cheese.

If you are looking for a light, fresh meal, try a select few vegetables (such as cherry tomatoes and spinach) served with .

Two tasty meals to try

Simple vegetable spaghetti
Let’s start with the basics. This simple vegetable spaghetti serves 6.

Ingredients:
● 500g spaghetti
● 1 tbsp olive oil
● 2 cloves garlic, thinly chopped
● 2 small zucchini, diced
● 1 carrot, thinly chopped
● 1 red onion, sliced
● 1 tbsp tomato paste
● 1 jar 1 tsp oregano
● 1 tsp chilli flakes
● Parmesan, to serve
● Salt and pepper, to serve.

Method:
1. Heat a large pot of boiling water.
2. Cook spaghetti according to packet instructions.
3. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frypan over medium heat.
4. Add the garlic and cook until just starting to brown.
5. Add the carrot, red onion, and zucchini. Stirring constantly, cook until the vegetables start to soften.
6. Add the tomato paste and jar of .
7. Season with oregano, chilli flakes, and salt and pepper.
8. Drain the cooked spaghetti, reserving one cup of the pasta water.
9. Add the spaghetti to the vegetable and sauce mix and stir until it is well coated.
10. Slowly add the pasta water, allowing the sauce to thicken.
11. Serve topped with parmesan — enjoy!

Chargrilled basil pasta
Serves 4.

Ingredients:
● 400g pasta
● ½ cup olives
● ½ cup sundried tomatoes, sliced
● 100 g chargrilled eggplant, sliced
● 100 g chargrilled capsicsum, sliced
● 1 jar Salt and pepper, to serve
● Parsley leaves, to serve
● Parmesan, to serve.

Method:
1. Heat a large pot of boiling water.
2. Cook pasta according to packet instructions.
3. Drain pasta, setting aside 1 cup of pasta water.
4. Return the pasta to the pot and add the chargrilled vegetables.
5. Stir through the tomato basil pasta sauce until well combined. Add the pasta water as required.
6. Season with salt and pepper, serve topped with parmesan and parsley — enjoy!