7 Vegan Meals You Can Make for £1
When it comes to eating well on a shoestring budget, plant-based living might just be your secret weapon. Believe it or not, £1 vegan meals aren’t just possible — they can be delicious, hearty, and even a little indulgent. If you’re keen to discover cheap vegan food ideas that won’t compromise on flavour or nutrition, you’re about to be pleasantly surprised.
Let’s explore seven fantastic recipes for extreme budget meals, vegan style, each costing around a single dollar or less per serving!
Why Vegan Meals Are Perfect for Budget Eating
Plant-based meals have a natural edge when it comes to saving money:
- Beans, grains, and vegetables are some of the cheapest foods available.
- Skipping animal products saves on premium grocery costs.
- Bulk buying dry goods can make meals even more affordable.
“Eating vegan on a tight budget isn’t about scarcity — it’s about abundance in creativity, nutrition, and taste.”
For more extreme budget meal inspiration, check out how to make vegan chilli on a budget.
Pantry Staples That Make £1 Vegan Meals Possible
Here’s what to keep stocked for maximum flexibility and savings:
- Rice and oats
- Lentils and beans (dry or canned)
- Tinned tomatoes
- Peanut butter
- Pasta
- Onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes
- Spices: cumin, paprika, turmeric, chilli powder
Buying in bulk, shopping sales, and visiting local markets can significantly stretch your food budget!
7 Vegan Meals You Can Make for £1
Ready to transform basic ingredients into mouth-watering meals? Let’s go!
1. Lentil and Rice Curry
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup rice
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Water
Instructions:
- Simmer lentils and rice in water with stock and curry powder.
- Cook until soft and creamy.
Cost per serving: ~ £0.90
Why it’s brilliant: Filling, hearty, and packed with plant protein.
2. Peanut Butter Noodles
Ingredients:
- 100g spaghetti
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- A pinch of chilli flakes
Instructions:
- Cook pasta.
- Mix peanut butter, soy sauce, and chilli with a little pasta water to create a sauce.
- Toss together.
Cost per serving: ~ £1.00
Why it’s brilliant: Savoury, satisfying, and crazy quick.
3. Chickpea Salad Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1/2 can chickpeas
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vegan mayo (optional)
- Bread slices
Instructions:
- Mash chickpeas and mix with mustard and mayo.
- Spread onto bread.
Cost per serving: ~ £0.85
Why it’s brilliant: High-protein, easy to pack for lunch.
4. Pasta with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Ingredients:
- 100g pasta
- 1/2 can diced tomatoes
- Garlic powder, chilli powder
- Olive oil (optional)
Instructions:
- Simmer tomatoes with spices.
- Toss with cooked pasta.
Cost per serving: ~ £0.95
Why it’s brilliant: Pantry-friendly and deeply comforting.
5. Oatmeal with Peanut Butter and Banana
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 banana (or substitute with other fruit)
Instructions:
- Cook oats with water.
- Stir in peanut butter and top with banana slices.
Cost per serving: ~ £0.80
Why it’s brilliant: Breakfast that feels like dessert!
6. Black Bean and Rice Burrito
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 can black beans
- Tortilla (or lettuce wrap alternative)
- Salsa (optional)
Instructions:
- Warm rice and beans together.
- Wrap in tortilla or lettuce.
Cost per serving: ~ £1.00
Why it’s brilliant: Protein-packed and totally customisable.
7. Sweet Potato and Lentil Soup
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup red lentils
- 1 small sweet potato, diced
- 1 vegetable stock cube
- Water
- Spices: cumin, paprika
Instructions:
- Simmer all ingredients until lentils and sweet potato are tender.
Cost per serving: ~ £0.95
Why it’s brilliant: Nourishing, rich in beta-carotene, and super cosy.
Real-Life Story: How I Ate Well for Less
A few years ago, after an unexpected job loss, I had to seriously tighten my belt. Armed with a pantry full of lentils, rice, and beans, I discovered a new kind of creativity in the kitchen.
Each £1 meal became a little triumph: a proof that plant-based living could still feel abundant, joyful, and deeply nourishing, even when times were tough.
Lesson: Frugality doesn’t mean sacrifice; it can be a path to genuine culinary satisfaction.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking £1 Vegan Meals
- Neglecting seasoning: Salt, herbs, and spices are essential.
- Overcomplicating: Stick to 5-ingredient ideas for budget and sanity.
- Skipping bulk buys: Dry goods are cheaper and last ages.
- Not planning meals: A little menu prep saves time and money.
“Simple meals, made with heart, can nourish far more than just your stomach.”
Extreme Budget Vegan Cooking
- Batch cook: Make big batches and freeze portions.
- Be flexible: Swap ingredients based on deals and discounts.
- Shop smart: Visit discount stores and local markets.
- Embrace leftovers: Reinvent last night’s meal creatively.
For more budget-boosting ideas, check out freezer-friendly vegan meals to save money.
Conclusion: Vegan Deliciousness for Just £1 a Plate
Preparing £1 vegan meals demonstrates that delicious food can be both affordable and accessible. By utilising a handful of pantry essentials, a sprinkle of creativity, and a generous dose of love, you can craft inexpensive vegan dishes that are nourishing and bursting with flavour and truly satisfying. With just a bit of effort, you can transform simple ingredients into meals that delight the senses and warm the heart.
Embrace the cooking process as an opportunity to explore various flavours and techniques, allowing each dish to become a unique culinary adventure. Enjoy experimenting with spices, herbs, and different cooking methods to create dishes that reflect your personal taste and creativity. Each meal can celebrate vibrant ingredients and wholesome nutrition, proving that good food doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. Dive into this joyful journey of cooking, and relish the satisfaction of serving delightful meals that bring happiness to you and those you love.