Vegetables take centre stage: how to build a tasty meal around vegetables
12 November 2026
What shall we eat today? When we ask ourselves that question, we often think first of meat, fish or a meat substitute. But you can also turn it around: why not start with the vegetables? Choose, for example, cauliflower, pumpkin, broccoli or aubergine, and build the rest of your meal around them. That way, vegetables will naturally play a bigger role on your plate and you’ll discover just how versatile they are.
Step 1: Start with your favourite vegetable
Try turning your usual approach to meal planning on its head. First, have a look at what vegetables you’ve got at home, what’s in season, or what you fancy at that moment. Then think about what goes well with them. In autumn, for example, you could choose pumpkin, cauliflower, carrots, beetroot or various types of cabbage. But vegetables such as peppers, aubergines and broccoli also make excellent bases.
Step 2: choose how to cook the vegetables
The method of preparation has a big impact on the flavour of vegetables. Roasting in the oven, for example, produces a very different result to boiling or steaming. And by grilling, frying or stir-frying vegetables, you can create yet more different flavours and textures. A great example is roasted cauliflower with chickpeas. Roasting the cauliflower gives it a lovely, rich flavour. The chickpeas immediately make the dish much more substantial.
Pumpkin is also ideal for roasting. Try combining it with herbs and other vegetables and let the oven do most of the work. Handy for a weekday evening when you don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen.
Step 3: turn it into a complete meal
You’ve chosen your vegetables, but what to serve with them? Consider potatoes, brown rice, wholemeal pasta, couscous or another grain product. Also add a source of protein, such as pulses, eggs, tofu or unsalted nuts.
Pulses and vegetables go together really well. Lentils, for example, can be added to a curry; chickpeas go well with roasted vegetables; and beans work well in a stew or wrap. Why not try a curry with pumpkin and chickpeas? Pumpkin forms the vegetable base and the chickpeas complement it perfectly. Serve with brown rice and you’ve got a lovely vegetarian meal for a crisp autumn evening.
Step 4: give vegetables extra flavour
Having vegetables take centre stage certainly doesn’t mean your meal has to be boring. Herbs, spices, a dressing or a sauce can make a big difference.
For example, give pumpkin extra flavour with cumin or curry powder, combine carrots with thyme or rosemary, and try cauliflower with paprika. Fresh herbs, lemon juice, garlic, seeds and nuts can also add that little bit extra.
Do experiment with different combinations. You might just discover a new way of enjoying a familiar vegetable that you find much tastier.