Vegetarian Cooking Tips

Replace meat stocks and broths with vegetarian versions to add flavor and body to your favorite meatless dishes. Make your own hearty broth by simmering a variety of flavorful vegetables, such as onions, carrots and celery, along with garlic, bay leaves and other spices. Strain the ingredients to create a clear broth that you can use as soup and stew bases, in gravies or in dishes such as risotto.

Replace meat with low-fat, high-protein legumes in a variety of recipes. Each type of legume, such as black beans, black-eyed peas, split peas and chickpeas, will add its own distinctive flavor and color to a dish. Buy canned legumes for convenience, or soak dry peas and beans -- typically a more economical choice -- before using them in recipes. Add the legumes to casseroles, chilies, soups and salads.

Healthy vegetarian cooking can be fast and convenient as well. Bypass a high calorie-laden trip to a fast-food restaurant by preparing a quick and delicious meatless meal at home. Make quesadillas filled with canned black or pinto beans, cheese, and sauteed green peppers and onions in a matter of minutes. Other fast meals include grilled Portobello sandwiches with baked French fries; tofu stir-fry; and grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches with tomato soup.

Spice up a vegetarian diet by incorporating a variety of ingredients into meals. Just as chicken can become boring in traditional diets, tofu and beans can get old in vegetarian diets. Get creative by substituting other plant-based protein sources, such as tempeh and seitan, for tofu. Experiment with new vegetable dishes, such as sauteed zucchini lasagna or green bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of brown rice, chopped tomatoes and savory seasonings. Season dishes with flavorful ranch dressing mix or Cajun seasoning salt.