🌿 Easy Vegetarian Recipes to Warm Up Your June Evenings

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As June brings cooler nights here in South Africa, there's nothing quite like comforting, wholesome vegetarian meals to warm the body and soul. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just yourself, these easy recipes are perfect for cosy evenings — no fancy ingredients, no fuss.

🍲 1. Hearty Lentil and Vegetable Soup

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 2 carrots, sliced

  • 2 potatoes, cubed

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • 1 can chopped tomatoes

  • 4 cups vegetable stock

  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper

Method:
1️⃣ In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2️⃣ Add carrots, potatoes, paprika, and thyme; cook for 5 minutes.
3️⃣ Stir in lentils, tomatoes, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–35 minutes, until lentils are tender.
4️⃣ Season with salt and pepper. Serve with crusty bread.

🍛 2. Creamy Butternut and Coconut Curry

Ingredients:

  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed

  • 1 onion, chopped

  • 1 tbsp curry powder

  • 1 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 can coconut milk

  • 1 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Fresh coriander, for garnish

Method:
1️⃣ Heat olive oil in a pan. Sauté onion until golden.
2️⃣ Add curry powder and cumin; stir until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add butternut, tomato paste, and coconut milk. Simmer for 20 minutes until the butternut is tender.
4️⃣ Garnish with fresh coriander. Serve with rice or roti.

🥘 3. Cheesy Veggie Bake

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of broccoli, chopped

  • 1 cup frozen peas

  • 2 potatoes, thinly sliced

  • 1 cup grated cheddar or mozzarella

  • 1 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)

  • 1 tbsp flour

  • 1 tbsp butter or olive oil

  • Salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg

Method:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 180°C.
2️⃣ Steam broccoli, peas, and potatoes until just tender.
3️⃣ In a pan, melt butter, stir in flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking to form a sauce. Add cheese (reserve some for topping), nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
4️⃣ Combine veggies and sauce in a baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
5️⃣ Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

📝 Final Thought

These recipes are simple enough for busy weeknights, but tasty enough to make June evenings feel a little more special. Pair with your favourite hot drink, light a candle, and enjoy the season’s cosy vibes!

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