5 high-protein vegetarian meals you can make in under 30 minutes

When people first think about going vegetarian or or even just cutting back on meat, one of the first questions they ask is: "But where do I get my protein?" It's a fair question, but the answer might surprise you. Plant-based eating is full of protein powerhouses, and many of them cook up incredibly fast.

Here are five high-protein vegetarian meals that come together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing without the fuss.

Chickpea & spinach curry | ⏱ 20 min | 🔥 ~380 cal | 💪 15g protein per serve One cup of canned chickpeas carries around 15g of protein. Simmer with diced tomatoes, spinach, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Serve over brown rice or with roti.

Paneer stir-fry with capsicum & peas | ⏱ 20 min | 🔥 ~420 cal | 💪 18g protein per serve Paneer delivers roughly 18g of protein per 100g. Pan-fry with capsicum, peas, onion, and a splash of soy sauce. Pair with steamed jasmine rice.

Red lentil soup | ⏱ 15 min | 🔥 ~290 cal | 💪 18g protein per serve Red lentils need no soaking. Simmer with garlic, lemon, turmeric, and chilli for 15 minutes. Serve with sourdough.

Greek-style baked eggs with feta | ⏱ 20 min | 🔥 ~310 cal | 💪 22g protein per serve Sauté cherry tomatoes, olives, and spinach. Crack four eggs over the top, scatter feta, and grill until just set. Add flatbread to mop up the sauce.

Tofu & edamame noodle bowl | ⏱ 25 min | 🔥 ~380 cal | 💪 21g protein per serve Pan-fry firm tofu until golden. Toss with soba noodles, edamame, shredded cabbage, and a sesame-ginger dressing.

The key with all of these meals is a well-stocked pantry with legumes, firm tofu, paneer, eggs, and dried lentils are all shelf-stable staples that make weeknight cooking fast and stress-free.

If you'd like to go deeper into plant-based cooking, Nosh Me Good cooking classes are a wonderful place to start. Puja runs hands-on classes in Canberra for all skill levels. Check out the schedule at noshmegood.com.au or book through ClassBento.