As I mentioned I have instituted “Meatless Mondays”. On Tuesday I told H we were having a chicken dish. He said, " well, chicken isn’t really considered meat is it?" ( me rolling eyes) Yes, we have a LONG way to go at our house. 
(I think in his mind beef is “meat” - maybe pork)
You could use butternut squash as a variation of sweet potatoes. Has the same nutrition profile. Yummy too
The myth about being vegetarian is that one lacks protein and B12. There are wonderful simple recipes in Indian cooking (Punjabi Chhole - chickpeas, Rajma Masala - Kidney Beans, Lentils - Dals as well as Paneer or Indian cottage cheese ) that provide plant based protein. The trick is to look for authentic recipes that are traditionally made. They are not so oily and spicy, but full of flavor.
Like others mentioned, Chinese, Italian and many French recipes are vegetarian too. Keep experimenting and stay the course!
Good luck !
^But Paneer is a cheese made from milk.
Paneer isn’t vegan, but many people would consider it vegetarian.
It doesn’t provide plant based protein, or provide a non-animal source of B12.
If you like carrots, here is another spicy marinated carrot salad. A friend who came to our NYE party brought it, and it was a big hit. This salad is also referred to as Koran carrot salad.
https://natashaskitchen.com/russian-carrot-salad-with-coriander/
Enjoy! ?
BTW, Natasha’s Kitchen is a good source of veggie recipes.
I only checked out one vegan website, but their advice on B-12 seemed to be you should eat fortified food or take a vitamin to be sure you are getting enough. Since I’m only a weekday vegetarian and I put real milk in my coffee and think spinach paneer makes a fine main dish even if it’s supposed to be a side dish. I’m not worrying about it. I also take a daily vitamin most days.
I have a similar carrot salad I make and when I am overrun with carrots I make it.
Remember “My Big Fat Greek Wedding “?
[upon learning Ian is a vegetarian] What do you mean, you don’t eat no meat? [the entire room stops, in shock] … That’s okay. I make lamb.
I don’t get the questioning of paneer. This is a vegetarian thread not a vegan thread, right? Am I missing something?
This is a great slow cooker vegetarian meal that my entire family loves. Great with a hearty loaf of grain bread.
I usually spice it up a bit more. I also add more stock than the recipe calls for.
Also, I believe this version has oil in it. I put in 4 tablespoons of vegan butter.
https://www.wegmans.com/meals-recipes/meals/soups-stocks/slow-cooked-spicy-red-lentil-chili.html
Paneer was wrongly referred to as a source of plant based protein, that seems worthy of clarification. And vegetarians include vegans.
@mathmom Cabbage soup is great this time of year and a good way to use up your CSA cabbage.
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/12371-cabbage-potato-and-leek-soup
@Leigh22 have you tried that lentil chili with a different type of lentil? I have all the ingredients but only have french or green lentils in my pantry.
My H is getting into this vegetarian mode, he skipped the chicken tonight. I don’t mind a mainly vegetarian diet but I do still like meat.