What Does Plant-Based Really Mean? (Plus 5 Recipes That Make It Easy)

“Plant-based.” The word might conjure Impossible Burgers, vegans, vegetarians, or simply a love of garden-to-table produce. But what does it really mean?

The movement isn’t veganism or vegetarianism, but about “eating mainly plant-based foods.” Depending on the person, it might stem from a desire to eat more healthfully or to reduce the carbon footprint associated with their everyday diet. That means that people with self-described “plant-based” diets will occasionally eat dairy, meat or fish—no food is on the “banned” list.

Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z, who are affiliated with a company called 22 Days Nutrition, reportedly eat one to two plant-based meals daily, and Beyoncé eschews meat on Mondays. But are they vegan? No.

The movement towards eating more legumes and plants has extended into arenas previously thought unthinkable. The Impossible Whopper—a meatless burger—is making a cameo at Burger King. “Plant-based” dominates pop culture to the extent that James Cameron, Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger co-produced a Netflix movie, The Game Changers, demonizing meat dependence among athletes. Even famed cookbook authors like Melissa Clark are publicly trumpeting their reduction in how much meat and dairy they eat.

Whether you identify with a this plant-based way of eating or not, incorporating more whole, plant-based foods into your routine is always a good move. Whether you’re interested in reducing your carbon footprint by limiting red meat and dairy in your diet, you want to do more for animal welfare, or you’re interested in the potential health benefits of plant-based eating, here are five of our favorite recipes to get you started—deliciously.

1. Slow-Cooked Chickpeas on Toast with Eggs

Chef Yotam Ottolenghi is the genius mind behind this simple dish: slow-cooked spiced chickpeas on toast with eggs.

2. Stuffed Grilled Eggplant

As is true of mushrooms, eggplants have a definite meaty quality when cooked, ideal for those reducing their meat intake. This simple recipe of feta-and-bulgur-stuffed baby eggplants is a winner.

3. Fried Avocado Tacos

A key to not missing meat is employing favorite meat preparations, but using vegetables instead. These crispy-creamy fried avocado tacos are best in show.

4. Falafel Burgers with Lemon-Tahini Sauce

Grilled falafel burgers with a salad of tomatoes, onion and lettuce and a drizzled tahini sauce showcase just how “meaty” legumes can be. Chickpeas get their moment to shine in this recipe.

5. Slow-Cooker Vegetarian Chili

What’s “beefier” and more satisfying than a bean-packed chili? Not a lot, friends, not a lot. Get the recipe for a chili featuring a trio of excellent legumes—kidney, pinto and chickpea—right this way.