October 1 is World Vegetarian Day, a time to celebrate the benefits of eating plant-based meals. At East Sussex County Council (ESCC), we recently ran a campaign called “Let’s Celebrate Veg”, where staff shared their favourite vegetarian recipes. To mark World Vegetarian Day, we’ve handpicked five mouth-watering World Vegetarian Day recipes for you to try.
5 delicious World Vegetarian Day recipes from ESCC staff
Here are five fantastic World Vegetarian Day recipes shared by ESCC staff to inspire your celebration:
- BOSH! Ultimate Chilli
Suggested by Stephanie Shepherd – “Can’t get enough of this Chilli recipe. Even my carnivore Father-in-Law was very impressed by it.”
This smoky chilli combines mushrooms, black beans, and kidney beans for a hearty, rich meal. The secret ingredient? A dash of dark chocolate for depth.
Tip: Serve with rice or tortilla chips for a filling dinner. - BOSH! Pettigrew’s Paella
Suggested by Margaret O’Donnell – “Can’t say I’ve cooked this vegan paella but I definitely enjoyed scoffing it, it was very nommm.”
This vibrant Spanish dish is packed with peppers, artichokes, and green beans, bringing rich flavours with a low carbon footprint of just 0.1kg CO2 per portion.
Fact: Perfect for sharing at gatherings. - goodFOOD Aubergine Parmigiana
Suggested by Elaine Weddle – “This one is hard to beat.”
A classic Italian dish, this layers charred aubergine with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and parmesan-style cheese for a delicious comfort meal.
Note: Swap aubergines for courgettes if you are not a fan. - My Greek Dish Briam
Suggested by James Webb -“This is a delicious and common recipe in my house.”
A Mediterranean-style roast of tomatoes, potatoes, aubergines, and zucchinis, Briam is a simple and tasty meal perfect for any occasion.
Tip: Serve with feta cheese or crusty bread. - BBC Food Lentil Cumberland Pie
Suggested by Susan Holt – “This is one of my favourites. My husband was very dubious ‘eww, veggie…?!’ but he devoured it!”
This vegetarian version of the classic pie uses green lentils and mashed potatoes to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
Chef’s Tip: The crispy potato topping makes this dish extra comforting.
Why World Vegetarian Day recipes matter
Eating more plant-based meals is not only a delicious way to celebrate World Vegetarian Day but also brings numerous benefits for your health, wallet, and the planet. Here’s why World Vegetarian Day recipes matter:
- health: A diet rich in vegetables and fruits can lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and prevent certain types of cancer
- savings: Vegetarian and vegan diets can reduce food costs by up to one-third
- environment: Switching to a vegetarian diet can cut your carbon footprint by up to 1.25 tonnes of CO2 per person per year. Reducing fish consumption also helps restore the natural balance of our oceans, as 85% of fisheries are overfished or fully exploited.
Top tips for reducing your food footprint
In addition to enjoying World Vegetarian Day recipes, here are some easy ways to lower your food-related carbon footprint:
- eat more plant-based food and less meat/dairy
- plan meals to reduce food waste
- buy local and seasonal ingredients to cut food miles
- explore plant-based protein alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, and tofu.
Looking for more ways to make plant-based eating even easier? Check out our Easy Plant-Based Swaps for World Vegan Day for simple tips to incorporate more vegan options into your diet.
Calculate your meal’s carbon footprint
Curious about the carbon footprint of your favourite meals? Try using the My Emissions Food Carbon Footprint Calculator. You can calculate the environmental impact of your recipes.
We hope these World Vegetarian Day recipes from ESCC staff inspire you to enjoy more plant-based meals. Each recipe is a delicious, low-carbon option that supports a healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
Happy Cooking!
