To say that summer looks different this year is an understatement. As states try to reopen safely, various restrictions will remain in place for months to come. While there are no rules about what we can and cant eat, viral outbreaks struck processing plants at the beginning of the pandemic, causing meat shortages . And most recently, hackers have driven up prices by disrupting our meat supply .

Not to mention, experts who speak about climate change say that reducing your meat consumption could be the single most effective way to fight global warming.

Still, summer isnt canceled, and theres no reason you shouldnt take advantage of your grill and all the foods still available. Think of this summer as an opportunity to try out ingredients you would have otherwise overlooked. To help get those creative (plant-based) juices flowing, we asked chefs for their advice on how to turn vegetarian ingredients into satisfying meals.

1. Prep lentils for lunch.

I like to boil lentils in salted pasta water and use them as a way to add heft to grain bowls, salads, etc., said Priya Krishna , food writer and author of the Indian-ish cookbook. They cook quickly (quicker than beans, for sure), and they absorb flavors beautifully!

Starch and salt from the pasta water will give the lentils extra flavor and texture, and experimenting with adding your favorite herbs and spices to the mix will ensure that each batch is a little bit different. Any leftover cooked lentils will keep for a few days in your fridge, so you can prepare a big batch and eat it throughout the week.

2. Give mushrooms extra oomph with plenty of fat and a little soy sauce.

Mushrooms have long been a stand-in for meat in vegetarian cooking, from portobello burgers to chopped mushroom Bolognese sauce. They offer a chewy texture similar to meat, said Ryan Grimm, co-owner and executive chef at Robinson Ferry in Warrenton, North Carolina. I like to pan-fry them in butter and finish them with some fresh garlic and a splash of soy sauce.

Any kind of oil will work, but know that youll likely need more than you think. Mushrooms are particularly sponge-like when it comes to soaking up whatever theyre cooked in, so be prepared to add more butter or oil as they cook to achieve that meaty texture. And dont skip that splash of soy sauce, which will enhance the umami flavor of the mushrooms.