Various plates required for this kind of diet (6)
I believe the answer is:
staple
'for this kind of diet' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'various plates' is the wordplay.
'various' is an anagram indicator.
'plates' anagrammed gives 'STAPLE'.
'required' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for staple that I've seen before include "Pleats in a paper pin" , "Important; paper fastener" , "Paper fastener found on plates" , "Clip" , "U-shaped wire to fasten papers together" .)