Foods that look awful but taste great are like hidden gems in the kitchen — they might not win any beauty contests, but they’ll make your taste buds dance. We’ve all been there: you whip up something that looks like a mess on the plate, but one bite and you’re hooked. These recipes are perfect for those nights when you’re craving something really satisfying but don’t want to fuss over presentation.
![An overhead view of kitchari in a pot above a wooden board.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Kitchari-2.jpg)
Homemade Refried Beans
![An overhead view of a bowl of refried beans with a spoon beside it.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Refried-Beans-3.jpg)
These easy vegan refried beans will mean you'll never reach for canned refried beans again! It's a one pot, 20 minute recipe that is also gluten-free and oil free!
Get the Recipe: Homemade Refried Beans
Vegan Shepherd's Pie
![Close up view of vegan shepherd's pie in a white baking dish.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Vegan-Shepherds-Pie-11-scaled-1.jpg)
Vegan Shepherd's Pie is made with lentils, mushrooms and a creamy vegan mashed potato topping - hearty vegan main ready in an hour!
Get the Recipe: Vegan Shepherd's Pie
Shiro Wat
![A large white pot filled with thick, orange shiro wat is pictured from above.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Shiro-Wat.jpg)
Fragrant Ethiopian chickpea stew with warm spices that comes together in 45 minutes. Vegan, gluten-free and a delicious but hearty meal that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Shiro Wat
Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
![An overhead view of kitchari in a pot above a wooden board.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Kitchari-2.jpg)
This kitchari is an easy, vegan, gluten-free, one-pot Indian rice-lentil porridge. It's healthy, comes together in just 45 minutes, and great for a cleanse.
Get the Recipe: Ayurvedic Indian Kitchari
King Ranch Casserole
![The best low-carb king ranch casserole.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/King-Ranch-Casserole.jpg)
King Ranch Chicken is a Southern favorite that’s usually loaded with carbs. Trust Chef Jenn to take a Southern casserole recipe like this and ketoize it! Read on to see all my chef tips and tricks to make this keto casserole perfect every single time!
Get the Recipe: King Ranch Casserole
Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
![A bowl of easy vegan mushroom stroganoff placed on a wooden board.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/MSN-Mushroom-Stroganoff.jpg)
An easy vegan mushroom stroganoff recipe that’s creamy, delicious, and comforting! The perfect weeknight dinner, it takes less than 30 mins to throw together, and it’s guaranteed to please a crowd!
Get the Recipe: Creamy Vegan Mushroom Stroganoff
Split Pea Soup
![Slow cooker split pea soup in a slow cooker with a spoon.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Slow-Cooker-Split-Pea-Soup-2.jpg)
This Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup is an easy recipe that’s great for anyone, including beginner cooks. Just prep your ingredients, add them to your slow cooker, and that’s it. Cook it on low to simmer all day, or set it to high if you need it ready sooner.
Get the Recipe: Split Pea Soup
Hungarian Mushroom Soup
![A bowl of Hungarian mushroom soup.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hungarian-Mushroom-Soup.jpg)
It's soup weather! Thick, rich and creamy Hungarian Mushroom Soup is the perfect addition to your menu plan this week, you won't regret it!
Get the Recipe: Hungarian Mushroom Soup
Saag Gosht
![Saag Gosht served in a round, rustic bowl that highlights its rich, earthy tones.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Saag-Gosht-Lamb-Palak.jpg)
Soft and succulent pieces of lamb in the mildly spiced spinach gravy, this saag gosht is so hearty and comforting. This popular curry can be served with naan bread, roti, or rice. Follow this easy recipe and make the best-tasting lamb and spinach curry.
Get the Recipe: Saag Gosht
Spiced Pear Oatmeal
![A bowl of spiced pear oatmeal.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spiced-Pear-Oatmeal.jpg)
This spiced pear oatmeal uses warming cinnamon, cardamom and nutmeg spices to create a cozy, gluten-free and vegan seasonal breakfast with an irresistible maple syrup caramelized pear topping.
Get the Recipe: Spiced Pear Oatmeal
Biscuits and Gravy
![Keto gravy on a plate with biscuits.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Biscuits-and-Gravy-4.jpg)
Let me introduce you to Low Carb Biscuits and Gravy, Southern classic ultimate breakfast made with our homemade low carb biscuits and a flavorful and creamy sausage gravy. Our gluten-free biscuits and gravy dish is also grain-free, sugar-free, diabetic friendly, and a perfect recipe for your brunch or a meal plan.
Get the Recipe: Biscuits and Gravy
Chicken Mole Salad
![Chicken mole salad on a green plate.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chicken-Mole-Salad.jpg)
Chicken mole salad is an excuse to get your chocolate fix taken care of while eating your greens. What more can you ask for?
Get the Recipe: Chicken Mole Salad
Sausage Gravy
![A plate loaded with sausage gravy casserole and scrambled eggs.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Copycat-Bob-Evans-Sausage-Gravy-Recipe.jpg)
Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe is layered with refrigerated biscuits in a casserole that’ll have eaters coming back for seconds!
Get the Recipe: Copycat Bob Evans Sausage Gravy Recipe
Spicy Collard Greens and Rice
![Spicy collard greens and rice served on a white plate.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Spicy-Collard-Greens-and-Rice.jpg)
Spicy collard greens are served with lemon and brown rice. An easy complete side dish that pairs well with any protein!
Get the Recipe: Spicy Collard Greens and Rice
Peanut Butter Oatmeal
![Red bowl of oatmeal on a blue towel.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/instant-pot-peanut-butter-oatmeal-2.jpg.jpg)
This delicious, easy to prepare Instant Pot Peanut Butter Oatmeal is your new go to breakfast!
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Oatmeal
Palak Paneer
![A bowl of palak paneer using frozen spinach.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Palak-Paneer.jpg)
Indulge in the goodness of Palak Paneer, a popular North Indian dish made with spinach and Indian cottage cheese. This recipe uses frozen spinach in the Instant Pot to create a silky, mildly spiced spinach.
Get the Recipe: Palak Paneer
Chicken Saag
![Two bowls of chicken saag.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Chicken-Saag.jpg)
This quick and easy chicken saag recipe (also called chicken saagwala) is nearly identical to the restaurant quality spinach and chicken curry. It’s a healthy Indian meal that’s delicious served simply over basmati rice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Saag
Cucumber Kimchi
![Cucumber kimchi on a white plate with a pair of chopsticks lifting a slice of cucumber.](https://parallelplates.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cucumber-Kimchi.jpg)
Korean Cucumber Kimchi is a spicy, flavorful addition to any rice bowl. This is a quick "kimchi salad." It's eaten right away rather than being left to ferment for days or weeks. It's crisp, spicy, tangy, loaded with umami—and ready to eat in just 30 minutes!
Get the Recipe: Cucumber Kimchi
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