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    12 quick vegetarian dinners

    By | Shine Food – Tue, Mar 8, 2011 7:56 PM EST

    Vegetables play the starring role in these easy meals, ready in 30 minutes or less.


    Grilled Halloumi Pitas
    This Greek pita recipe can be put together easily for a quick and fun dinner. Grill Mediterranean halloumi cheese for a tasty, gooey base to the sandwich. Be careful not to cut the cheese too thin, or it will be hard to work with on the grill.

    Recipe:
    Prep Time: 30 minutes

    Yield: Serves 4

    Ingredients
    • About 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
    • 2 pkgs. halloumi cheese (about 8 oz. each), cut into thick slices
    • 4 onion slices (1/4 in. thick)
    • 4 pita breads, cut in half
    • 1/4 cup sliced roasted red peppers, rinsed and patted dry
    • 1/2 cup sliced pepperoncini

    Preparation
    1. Prepare a charcoal or gas grill for high heat (450° to 550°; you can hold your hand 5 in. above cooking grate only 2 to 4 seconds). Brush 2 tbsp. oil over cheese and onion. Grill, turning once, until grill marks appear, about 8 minutes. Cut onions in half.
    2. Fill pita halves with equal amounts of cheese, onions, peppers, and pepperoncini. Brush a little oil on outside of pitas, then grill, turning once, until grill marks appear and bread is toasted, about 4 minutes. Serve with mixed olives and a green salad.


    Asparagus Risotto
    This quick-cooking risotto incorporates a landmark spring ingredient: fresh asparagus.


    > Get the recipe


    Stir-fried Eggplant and Tofu
    Oyster sauce adds wonderful 'umami' to this Asian-inspired dish, and can be found in the ethnic foods aisle of most supermarkets. Serve over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
    > Get the recipe


    Cold Soba Salad with Crisp Vegetables
    The gentle, nutty flavor of soba noodles, which are made with buckwheat flour, complements the fresh crunch of vegetables in this cold salad.
    > Get the recipe


    Black Bean Soup with Avocado, Orange, and Cucumber
    This Southwestern-inspired soup hits all the right notes: solid protein from the beans, crunchiness from the cucumber, creaminess from the avocado, a sweet hit of acidity from the citrus, and a hint of spice.
    > Get the recipe


    Grilled Eggplant Naan Wraps with Tahini-Yogurt Dressing
    Make easy eggplant sandwiches by using naan bread to wrap the grilled vegetables for easy and delicious eating. Creamy Greek yogurt sauce adds a tangy flavor.
    > Get the recipe

    SEE ALL 12 QUICK VEGETARIAN RECIPES

    Related:
    30 fast and fresh weeknight dinners
    30 hearty vegetarian meals

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