Best Iron Rich Recipes - Vegan Richa (2024)

Published: by Richa Leave a Comment

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!

TRY THIS RECIPE

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!

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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). .

TRY THIS RECIPE

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!

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

Vegan Spinach Artichoke Pasta Bake

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

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!

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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

TRY THIS RECIPE

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.

TRY THIS RECIPE

Sharing is caring!

Share on PinterestShare on FacebookShare on WhatsAppShare on X (Twitter)Share on Email

« One Skillet Vegan White Lasagna with Tofu Bechamel

Vegan Meatball Subs »

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️If you Love the Recipe, Please consider rating it using stars in comments! It helps readers and helps more people find the recipe online! I love hearing from you all! ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment and Rating

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Best Iron Rich Recipes - Vegan Richa (2024)

FAQs

What vegan foods have the most iron? ›

Great plant-based sources of iron include:
  • Dried apricots – 3.1mg/100g.
  • Tofu (firm) – 2.9mg/100g.
  • Dates (dried) – 2.6mg/100g.
  • Lentils / soybeans / kidney beans – 1.8mg-2.2mg/100g.
  • Amaranth (cooked) – 2.1mg/100g.
  • Tofu (silken / soft) – 1.8mg/100g.
  • Figs (dried) – 1.4mg/100g.
  • Baked beans – 1mg/100g.

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.

How to increase iron levels quickly? ›

Choose iron-rich foods
  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.

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.

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 to increase iron levels quickly vegan? ›

Vegans can find non-heme iron in dried beans and legumes, dark green leafy vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, and wholegrain cereals and breads. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to all parts of the body.

What fruit is the highest in iron? ›

Avocado, strawberries, watermelon, raisins, dates, figs, prunes dried apricots, and dried peaches are iron-rich fruits. Iron is a mineral the body uses to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout the body.

Does avocado have iron? ›

The avocado boasts the highest iron content (1.02 mg/100 g) of any fresh fruit.

What foods raise iron quickly? ›

What Raises Iron Quickly?
Food categoryExamples
Meat and poultryBeef Chicken Lamb Ham Turkey Veal Organ meats (especially liver) Eggs
SeafoodTuna Shrimp Scallops Clams Sardines Haddock Mackerel Oysters
VegetablesSpinach Collard greens Kale Sweet potatoes Peas Broccoli String beans Dandelion greens Chard
4 more rows

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.

Which nut has the most iron? ›

Pistachio nuts

Of all the popular nut varieties, pistachios have the most iron, containing 14mg per 100g – nearly 4 times the amount of almonds, brazils or cashews. They are also a great source of protein, vitamin E, calcium and magnesium, making pistachios the ideal healthy snack.

How can I get 100% iron daily? ›

A one-cup serving of fortified cereal contains 18 mg of iron, or 100% of a person's DV.
  1. Cooked oysters. A seafood choice that is rich in iron is oysters. ...
  2. White beans. White beans have the richest iron content of any bean. ...
  3. Dark chocolate. ...
  4. Organ meats. ...
  5. Lentils. ...
  6. Spinach. ...
  7. Tofu. ...
  8. Sardines.
Jun 23, 2022

How do you fix low iron ASAP? ›

Eating a diet with iron-rich foods can help treat iron-deficiency anemia. Good sources of iron include the following: Meats, such as beef, pork, lamb, liver, and other organ meats. Poultry, such as chicken, duck, turkey, (especially dark meat), liver.

What blocks iron absorption? ›

Inhibitors of iron absorption include phytate, which is a compound found in plant-based diets that demonstrate a dose-dependent effect on iron absorption. Polyphenols are found in black and herbal tea, coffee, wine, legumes, cereals, fruit, and vegetables and have been demonstrated to inhibit iron absorption.

How do vegans fix low iron? ›

Your body doesn't absorb iron from plant-based sources as readily as it does from meat, so you may need to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your daily diet. Some sources to consider are beans, such as lentils; dark leafy vegetables, including spinach; iron-fortified breads and cereals; and tofu.

Can vegans get enough iron from plants? ›

You can get all the iron you need from a well-planned vegan diet because there are lots of plant foods containing reliable sources of non-haem iron, such as leafy greens and kidney beans. More examples are provided in the infographic above.

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.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Annamae Dooley

Last Updated:

Views: 6074

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Annamae Dooley

Birthday: 2001-07-26

Address: 9687 Tambra Meadow, Bradleyhaven, TN 53219

Phone: +9316045904039

Job: Future Coordinator

Hobby: Archery, Couponing, Poi, Kite flying, Knitting, Rappelling, Baseball

Introduction: My name is Annamae Dooley, I am a witty, quaint, lovely, clever, rich, sparkling, powerful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.