Best Iron Rich Recipes - Vegan Richa (2024)

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Learn all about iron-rich vegan foods and how to incorporate them into a real-world, everyday meals for optimal absorption in this round-up of delicious iron-rich recipes.

Best Iron Rich Recipes - Vegan Richa (1)

Iron deficiency is quite a common nutrient deficiency in the world and affects vegans and omnivores alike. The good news is that you can get all the iron your body needs from Plants. When we think about iron, our minds wander to red meat etc. But there are lots of plant-based foods containing good amounts of this essential mineral as well.

Iron Absorption

Now, one thing is choosing iron-rich foods. The other thing is making sure your body can absorb that iron. You can enhance your body’s absorption of iron by drinking citrus juice or eating or adding other foods rich in vitamin C at the same time that you eat high-iron foods.

Another little trick: Use a cast-iron skillet. Cooking in a cast iron skillet can add significant amounts of iron to your food and into your body.

It’s often really surprising foods that contain a lot of iron. Like Blackstrap molasses 1 tablespoon of blackstrap molasses has 3.6 mg. You can add molasses to vegan baked beans, any baked oatmeal recipe, or add some to salad dressings. Mix and match lentils and beans or beans and spinach to make an iron packed meal.

If your readings are consistently low even after eating thoughtfully, consult your doctor about it. People can have absorption issues and will need supplementation even with an iron-rich diet.

For high protein options, check this collection!
Without further ado, here are some hearty vegan meals to try that combine iron-rich foods with ingredients that help to absorb it well.

Best Vegan Recipes using Iron rich foods

Lentils

1 cup of lentils has 6.6 mg iron. Paired with other iron sources such as spinach, tomatoes and that bit of lemon for the vitamin c that helps iron absorption and you are all set. Lentils are so easy to incorporate into your everyday like. Try them in lentil soups, tacos, pasta sauce, and even brownies

Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash with Lentil Apple Filling

Vegan Stuffed Butternut Squash with Lentil & Apple filling is a hearty and satisfying plant-based main course for any winter dinner and makes for a showstopping holiday meal! Easy to make ahead of time!

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Vegan Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry

This creamy Thai inspired Vegan Red Lentil Sweet Potato Curry features healthy coconut milk and plenty of veggies. It's all made in just one pot, gluten-free and perfect as a quick weeknight dinner!

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Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes

Instant Pot Vegan Lentil Sloppy Joes! 1 Pot, 30 min, freezer friendly tangy flavorful sloppy lentils. Serve in sandwiches with slaw or over tater tots or baked potato. Vegan Glutenfree Soyfree Nutfree Recipe

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Lentil Curry Casserole

Make this easy Vegan Curry Lentil Casserole whenever that craving for restaurant-style creamy Indian lentil dishes hits. Brown lentils simmered in a fragrant coconut curry broth, served over rice! So easy, so delicious. Gluten-free, too.

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Lentil Bolognese With Spaghetti

This Lentil Bolognese Sauce is hearty with Red lentils and Mushrooms, flavors with herbs, sauce and great with Spaghetti or other pasta. 22 Gm of Protein. Vegan Soyfree Nutfree Recipe. Can be gluten-free with glutenfree pasta

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Vegan Lentil Quinoa Loaf

This Lentil Quinoa Loaf with a Spicy Ketchup glaze is nut-free, vegan and can be made gluten-free. Perfect addition to a holiday meal. Makes 1 loaf, serves 3 to 4

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Turmeric Lentil Fritters Tomato Bowl with Tahini Dill Sauce

Turmeric Lentil Fritters Tomato Greens Bowl with Tahini Dill Sauce. Baked Seedy Golden Lentil fritters with greens, tomatoes and a tahini sauce make an easy Lunch bowl. Vegan Nut-free Soy-free Recipe. Easily Glutenfree. Makes 16 to 18 fritters

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Vegan Enchiladas Recipe with Lentils and Black Beans

Vegan Enchiladas Recipe. Easy Enchilada Recipe with Blender Enchilada Sauce, soft tortillas filled with black beans, spinach and lentils. Vegan Soy-free Recipe. Can be Gluten-free. Ready within 1 Hour. Makes 1 rectangular pan (8 by 12). (Pictured in 9 by 9 pan. You might have some leftover filling and sauce depending on how many tortillas you fit in). .

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Tofu

High in protein and iron – 4 oz has 6.4 mg. Tofu paired with greens or beans makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal

Sheet Pan Veggie Dinner with Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Tofu, Chickpeas & Miso Maple Dressing

Sheet Pan Veggie Dinner with Broccoli, Sweet Potato, Tofu, Chickpeas, Sunflower seeds dressed with Miso Maple Dressing. Vegan Glutenfree Nutfree Recipe. Can be soyfree with chickpea miso. 23 gm of Protein!

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Malai Tofu ( Vegan Malai Paneer)

Malai Tofu - a simple Indian weeknight curry with tofu in a thick spiced tomato coconut milk sauce. Serve with naan and/or rice for a delicious plant-based dinner. Soy-free option included.

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Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Breaded tofu.

Vegan Creamy Cajun Pasta with Crisp Breaded tofu. Nut-free Creamy Cajun Spice Sauce with Farfalle and Breaded Tofu. Vegan Nut-free Recipe. Soy-free option. Easily oil-free

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Vegan Zucchini Lasagna with Tofu Ricotta (not watery) gluten-free

Vegan Gluten free Zucchini Lasagna with creamy Tofu Herb Ricotta and Red Lentils! Grain-free, can be nut-free. 15 G of Protein. Can be made ahead. Makes a 9 by 9 inch baking dish.

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Vegan Tofu Katsu Curry

Curb your Japanese take-out cravings with this easy homemade vegan tofu katsu curry recipe! Crispy panko breaded tofu in a creamy mildly spiced curry sauce. Nutfree, GF option soyfree option

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Spinach

Spinach is another excellent source of iron. 1 cup has 6.4 mg. Spinach in combination with chickpeas, lentils or tofu makes for an iron rich meal.

Spicy Tofu Spinach Stir fry (15 Minute 1 Pan)

An easy Spicy Spinach Tofu Stir-fry that can be made in 1 pot within 15 minutes. This recipe is a lifesaver come dinnertime. weeknight Indian spiced Tofu Spinach curry with almost no chopping! Gluten-free, Nut-free, soy-free option.

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Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

You will love this delicious vegan spinach and artichoke pasta bakerecipe. It's like havingspinachandartichokedip, but for dinner! Nutfree.

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Chickpea Spinach Pie with Berbere Spice

Chickpea Spinach Pie with Berbere Spice. Easy Chickpea Spinach Pastry for holidays and company with vegan puff pastry. Use spices or blends of choice. Use lentils for variation. Vegan Soy-free Nut-free Recipe.

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Chickpea Lentil Quinoa Spinach Stew

This chickpea Lentil Quinoa Spinach Stew is easy, filing, full of protein and delicious. Free of dairy, egg, corn, soy, gluten

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Chickpeas and Kidney Beans

Great sources of iron and you can easily combine them. 1 cup of chickpeas has 3.6 mg 1 cup kidney beans has 5.2 mg

Instant Pot Vegan Chili - Oil-free Kidney Bean Red Lentil Chili

Instant Pot Vegan Chili - Oil-free Kidney Bean Red Lentil Chili. Easy Flavorful Pressure Cooker Vegetarian Chili. Vegan Glutenfree Nutfree Soyfree Recipe. Saucepan Option

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Vegan Coconut & Peanut Stew with Kidney Beans

This deliciously creamy and rich coconut-based Vegan Peanut Stew makes for a warm and comforting easy weeknight meal that’s super quick and simple to make using just one pot. Packed with healthy vegetables and plant-based protein from kidney beans and peanut butter! Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and plant-based! Serve over rice

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Baked Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry Vegan

Baked Chickpea Sweet Potato Curry - a one-pot wonder made in one casserole dish. So easy to make, so perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. No standing around and sautéing needed. Glutenfree, soy-free, nut-free option.

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Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This Buffalo Chickpea Salad Sandwich is the ultimate vegan lunch sandwich with a spicy chickpea salad that has all the flavors of buffalo wings! 100% plant-based perfect for a summer picnic or as an office lunch!

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Jalapeno Popper Chickpea Salad Sandwich

This Jalapeno Popper Chickpea Salad Sandwich recipe combines two favorites into a new exciting lunch sandwich! Protein-rich chickpeas and veggies tossed with a creamy tofu based jalapeño popper dip, with a bit of a kick thanks to both pickled and fresh jalapenos! Soyfree option Glutenfree option

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Chickpea Veggie Loaf - Vegan Meatloaf Recipe

Chickpea Veggie Loaf with spices and a spicy bbq glaze. Chickpea Cannellini bean Veggie "meat" loaf for Thanksgiving and the holidays. Easy and delicious. Vegan Recipe. Makes 1 loaf. I use 9 by 5 inch pan, Nut-free, Soy-free, Can be gluten-free

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Ethiopian Berbere Chickpea Pizza Recipe with Tahini Garlic Dressing

Ethiopian Berbere Chickpea Pizza with Tahini Garlic Dressing. Amazingly flavorful pizza. Dress with tahini dressing, vegan ranch or other creamy dressing. Vegan Soyfree Nut-free Recipe. Gluten-free Crust option.. Makes 1 large pizza

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Beans and soycurls

Most beans are good sources of iron. Combination of beans with other beans or lentils, or soycurls adds a boost of iron to the meal. Soycurls with cashews which are also a good source of iron adds up!

Skillet Enchiladas with Soy Curls

Everyone will love these unconventional vegan skillet enchiladas made in one skillet with soy curls, black beans, sauteed veggies, queso, and crunchy tortilla chips. Garnish with your favorite Mexican toppings like cilantro, vegan shredded cheese, and avocado. A great recipe for 5 de Mayo

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Dragon Chicken Soycurls (Indo-Chinese Recipe)

Dragon Chicken Soycurls - a vegan twist on Indo-Chinese restaurant classic. Soycurls are Marinated and baked then tossed in a fiery spicy sweet cashew pepper sauce. Glutenfree.

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Hemp Seeds and Chia Seeds

Add some iron to your favorite bowls and breakfast treats. 3 tablespoons have 2.5 mg

Seedy Chocolate No Bake Granola Bars

Seedy Chocolate No Bake Granola Bars with candied ginger and gingerbread spices. These bars filled will nuts and seeds make a tasty snack. substitute nuts with more seeds to make them nut-free. Vegan Gluten-free Recipe. Easily made into protein bars. Makes 10 to 12 bars

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Tiramisu Chia Seed Pudding

Decadent Vegan Tiramisu Chia Seed Pudding! Coffee Chocolate Chia pudding layered with creamy vanilla layer topped with whipped coconut cream and cocoa powder. Glutenfree Soyfree Nutfree

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Lemon Curd Chia Pudding

Lemon Curd Chia Pudding. Easy 5 Ingredient Thick Lemon Coconut Milk Turmeric Pudding with Chia seeds. This zesty pudding is a refreshing treat for Summer. Serve with whipped coconut cream. Vegan gluten-free nut-free soy-free Recipe.

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Best Iron Rich Recipes - Vegan Richa (2024)

FAQs

What vegan food has the most iron? ›

8 Plant-Based Foods High in Iron
  1. Lentils: 1 cooked cup = 6.6 mg of iron. ...
  2. Cannellini beans: 1 cooked cup = 5 mg of iron per cup. ...
  3. Tofu: 1.2 cup = 6.64 mg of iron. ...
  4. Amaranth: 1 cooked cup = 5 mg of iron. ...
  5. Baked potatoes: A medium potato provides 2 mg iron (with the skin!). ...
  6. Spinach: 1 cup = 6.4 mg of iron.
Apr 21, 2024

How can I get my iron up fast vegan? ›

Foods With Iron For Vegans
  1. Blackstrap molasses. Blackstrap molasses is the best source of nonheme iron. ...
  2. Lentils. Lentils come in three varieties: brown, green, and red. ...
  3. Tofu/Tempeh. Tofu and tempeh soy-based products are an integral part of a vegan diet. ...
  4. Spinach. ...
  5. Beans. ...
  6. Swiss chard.
Nov 22, 2022

How can a vegan get enough iron and B12? ›

A bowl of fortified cereal paired with plant-based food can be a convenient way to have your daily intake of B12. Nutritional yeast is another staple in plant-based kitchen that can add a delicious umami kick to dishes. Plant-based meat can also be fortified as well as some breakfast bars and snacks.

What food is highest in iron? ›

meat — beef, lamb, pork, and kangaroo. poultry — chicken, turkey, and eggs. seafood — salmon, sardines and tuna. organ meats — liver, kidney and pate.

What do vegans eat for anemia? ›

  • 1 Legumes.
  • 2 Soy products.
  • 3 Nuts and seeds.
  • 4 Dark, leafy greens.
  • 5 Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts.
  • 6 Potatoes.
  • 7 Certain mushrooms.
  • 8 Tomato paste.
Apr 22, 2024

Which fruit has the highest iron? ›

  • Strawberries.
  • Watermelon.
  • Raisins.
  • Dates.
  • Figs.
  • Prunes.
  • Prune juice.
  • Dried apricots.

What foods block iron absorption? ›

Tea, coffee and wine contain tannins that reduce iron absorption by binding to the iron and carrying it out of the body. Phytates and fibres found in wholegrains such as bran can reduce the absorption of iron and other minerals.

Is oatmeal high in iron? ›

Whole Grains:

Wheat, millets, oats, brown rice, and quinoa all contain iron. 100 gms of oats contain 4.7 mg of iron while quinoa contains 1.5 mg of iron. Wheat has 3.9 mg of iron per 100 gms while millet contains 3 mg. Whole grains also contain fibre, proteins, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency in vegans? ›

General symptoms may include: extreme tiredness (fatigue), lack of energy (lethargy), tinnitus, breathlessness, feeling faint, headaches, pale skin, noticeable heartbeats (palpitations), loss of appetite and weight loss.

Is avocado good for iron deficiency? ›

If hemoglobin levels are too low, a person could have a medical condition known as iron deficiency anemia. Eating avocadoes and other healthy foods can help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Regarding shopping, avocadoes can be found in produce sections, ranging from about $1 to $4.

What drink increases red blood cells? ›

Drinks high in iron include:
  • Apple juice.
  • Apricot nectar.
  • Beef broth.
  • Beet juice.
  • Cocoa using natural cocoa powder.
  • “Green” smoothies. Usually containing ingredients such as kale, spinach, celery, Swiss chard, wheatgrass, cucumber, parsley, and mint.
  • Orange juice.
  • Pea protein smoothies.
Oct 4, 2022

What raises iron quickly? ›

Iron rich diet include red meats (beef, lamb, veal, pork, kangaroo). The redder the meat, the higher it is in iron. Offal (liver, kidney, pate), Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach. Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots and dates.

Is peanut butter high in iron? ›

Peanut butter is rich in iron and can be used as a spread or served to children. Peanut butter contains 0.56 mg iron per tablespoon. White beans are good when it comes to iron, providing 8 mg per serving.

Are bananas high in iron? ›

Bananas may be high in fiber but are low in iron (about 0.4 mg/100 g of fresh weight). Bananas are a popular fruit around the world, and a staple food in many countries, especially those in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Bananas are botanically considered a berry and nutritious food, but they are not high in iron.

What plant is highest in iron? ›

1. What legumes have the most iron?
FoodIron value
red kidney beans5.2 mg per cup cooked (65% of RDA)
lentils6.6 mg per cup cooked (82% of RDA)
white beans6.6 mg per cup cooked (82% of RDA)
soybeans9.9 mg per cup raw (123% of RDA)
7 more rows

How can I raise my iron levels quickly? ›

Foods rich in iron include:
  1. Red meat, pork and poultry.
  2. Seafood.
  3. Beans.
  4. Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
  5. Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
  6. Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas.
  7. Peas.

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