Stir fry some tofu and add whatever veggies you like. Pick up a magazine like Vegetarian Times and read it. Soon, in no time you won't feel so lost. One thing that might help is visiting the nearest food co-op or natural foods store to get ideas of which foods are available. Lentils are a good start, they and soup mix are dirt cheap, and usually have directions for simple, delicious meals on the packet.
Instant falafel is fantastic, too.
I make a great sauce with tahini, miso lemon, garlic and a teensy bit of brown sugar to sweeten. These may inspire you.