|
||||||||
Vegetarian Main Dishes |
![]() |
|
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
#1 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Vegetarian Main Dishes
Hi!
I am having a guest stay with us for a couple weeks. He is a normally a meat eater but has decided he is going to try being vegetarian for a year. My hubby hates veggies, pasta, pulses, etc., so I am going to have to make separate meals. I am in need of ideas for a fulfilling vegetarian main course meal in smaller portions so I don't waste food and my guest gets a variety over the 2 weeks instead of eating leftovers the entire time. My guest doesn't like curries, but does love spicy hot stuff, like Mexican cuisine. He seems to put hot sauce on everything! ![]() Does anyone have some good suggestions? Many thanks! ![]() Edited to add: Sorry, he doesn't like tofu or Quorn either which is also why it makes it so hard. |
|
|
|
|
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Council Estate
Posts: 35,538
|
Buy some Quorn sausages and you can all have Toad-In-The-Hole... problem solved
|
|
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 5,032
|
Maybe suggest the hottest chilli in the world?
|
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 684
|
Use some Quorn mince and make tacos?
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Buy some Quorn sausages and you can all have Toad-In-The-Hole... problem solved
![]() Quote:
Use some Quorn mince and make tacos?
Thank you both for the suggestions, but he doesn't like tofu or Quorn either which makes it harder. I have edited my original post. ![]() I was thinking mushroom tacos though? |
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Folkestone
Posts: 10,537
|
All the standard supermarket boxed mexican meals (Enchiladas, Fajitas and so on) can be made with Quorm pices or mince substituted. You can also bulk it up with the addition of mushrooms, kidney beans, sweet potato and so on.
You can also use Quorn to make, well just about any other meaty dish. Shephards pies, Stroganoff, Sunday Roast, Bacon Sandwiches, Ham and Eggs, Sausage Rolls, Perperoni Pizza and so on. If you look at your usual weekly menu you can probably duplicate 70 - 80% of it using Quorn. Fish dishes are a problem (if you usually eat fish) although there are some fish-free fish fingers and prawns available now...but they are in their early stages. Your husband doesn't eat any veggies, or pasta? Blimey! |
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Folkestone
Posts: 10,537
|
Really? Doesn't like Quorn either?
What on earth does your husband eat in a week? Does he just gnaw on a leg of lamb? ![]() Perhaps if you could give us examples of a usual weekly menu we might be able to suggest alternatives. It doesn't even seem that you have to cook a seperate meal, just one element. If you and your husband are having mashed potaties and sausages you would just do normal sausages for you and Quorn ones for your guest. If you were having a full roast dinner your guest would have all the side veg you are having (assuming you have any veg) but whilst you have roast beef they get a Quorn Fillet or Pie (with seperate gravy). Most people I know think that once you cook Quorn mince or pieces in a sauce, or pie, or curry or whatever it tastes just like whatever meat it's pretending to be. PS - No one suggested Tofu, no one ever does, even vegetarians think that tofu tastes rank. ![]() PPS - What's your husband's view on rice? |
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 684
|
Aubergine parmigiana. This is a recipe by Jamia Oliver: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/v...lla-parmigiana
|
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,035
|
My partner recommends Imam Bayaldi and aubergine moussaka.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 2,035
|
Quote:
Aubergine parmigiana. This is a recipe by Jamia Oliver: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/v...lla-parmigiana
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
All the standard supermarket boxed mexican meals (Enchiladas, Fajitas and so on) can be made with Quorm pices or mince substituted. You can also bulk it up with the addition of mushrooms, kidney beans, sweet potato and so on.
You can also use Quorn to make, well just about any other meaty dish. Shephards pies, Stroganoff, Sunday Roast, Bacon Sandwiches, Ham and Eggs, Sausage Rolls, Perperoni Pizza and so on. If you look at your usual weekly menu you can probably duplicate 70 - 80% of it using Quorn. Fish dishes are a problem (if you usually eat fish) although there are some fish-free fish fingers and prawns available now...but they are in their early stages. Your husband doesn't eat any veggies, or pasta? Blimey!Really? Doesn't like Quorn either? What on earth does your husband eat in a week? Does he just gnaw on a leg of lamb? ![]() Perhaps if you could give us examples of a usual weekly menu we might be able to suggest alternatives. It doesn't even seem that you have to cook a seperate meal, just one element. If you and your husband are having mashed potaties and sausages you would just do normal sausages for you and Quorn ones for your guest. If you were having a full roast dinner your guest would have all the side veg you are having (assuming you have any veg) but whilst you have roast beef they get a Quorn Fillet or Pie (with seperate gravy). Most people I know think that once you cook Quorn mince or pieces in a sauce, or pie, or curry or whatever it tastes just like whatever meat it's pretending to be. PS - No one suggested Tofu, no one ever does, even vegetarians think that tofu tastes rank. ![]() No, my husband doesn’t like veggies or pasta. The only veggies he ever eats is PEAS! It’s peas with everything! He does like potatoes, rice and mushrooms and once in a blue moon I can get him to eat green beans or broccoli if I dress it up with cheese sauce or something. I love cooking, trying new recipes and like most foods, except curries and hot spicy stuff (believe it or not!). I will however try anything once and retest my taste-buds every now and then. My husband will normally have meat, gravy, potatoes or rice and, of course, PEAS! It does get boring. His other favourites are cottage/shepards pie, tacos, pizza, burgers or curries. The ideas I have come up with for my guest so far are the following: Mushroom Tacos Macaroni & Cheese with Tomatoes Grilled Cheese w/Chilli Lemon Pepper Pasta Mushroom Spaghetti Spinach Soufflé Portabella Mushroom Burger Vegetarian Pizza However, none of those are hot or spicy. Maybe I should have him bring a bottle of hot sauce.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Most parmesan is not vegetarian, so take care with this and other cheeses.
Cheese was one of my hopes! lol
|
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Aubergine parmigiana. This is a recipe by Jamia Oliver: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/v...lla-parmigiana
|
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 40,801
|
Blimey, sounds like they both need their heads knocking together ,lol good luck!.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Blimey, sounds like they both need their heads knocking together ,lol good luck!.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 684
|
Pasta e fagioli (beans), I love it. You can spice it up with pepper definitely, once my mum put so much pepper in it that it was bitter and didn't eat it all. It's delicious and filling. For a recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/r...ipe/index.html
I'd link an Italian one but don't think you could understand it. Omit the pancetta, it's not necessary, mum doesn't use it in fact and the cheese. |
|
|
|
|
|
#17 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Maybe suggest the hottest chilli in the world?
|
|
|
|
|
|
#18 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Pasta e fagioli (beans), I love it. You can spice it up with pepper definitely, once my mum put so much pepper in it that it was bitter and didn't eat it all. It's delicious and filling. For a recipe: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/r...ipe/index.html
I'd link an Italian one but don't think you could understand it. Omit the pancetta, it's not necessary, mum doesn't use it in fact and the cheese. I am also hoping to send him home with new recipes and this could be a good one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#19 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Folkestone
Posts: 10,537
|
Quorn is a mycoprotein extraxted from mould, very roughly speaking it's a fungus grown in sparkling water and fed glucose. They then dry it and add egg to bind...then they rough it up a bit.
It is I suppose manufactured rather than harvested directly like a fruit or a vegetable, but in a similar way you could argue that beef and chicken can be said to be manufactured as the animals are fed specific foods and then processed. Anyway, so you have a lethal combination of a husband who doesn't like vegetables (except peas) and a vegetarian who doesn't like Quorn. I'm not sure which one I'd find a bigger pain in the arse. And I know it's a trial run for your friend but I think he's going to struggle...or be very bored. Alternative taco fillings are beans such as Black Beans, Pinto Beans or even Butterbeans. You can also make a mean bean casserole with Caniloni beans, red and green peppers, chilli and paprika, onions, sherry, tin of tomatoes (and quorn sausages but obviously not in this case). Goats cheese is often popular, either in a salad, or grilled on it's own or in a tart. As with all cheese though not all are strictly vegetarian thanks to Rennet so you'll need to check the labels (you will also need to do this with wine is you partake). If you are going to serve pasta then frankly there are loads of recipes, no problems there. As your husband likes rice, peas and mushrooms then an obvious dish would be a risotto. They don't all have to be ones where you transfer stock in spoon by spoon by spoon over three hours. Search online for Jamie Oliver recipes, his are often quick and easy where you just chuck in the liquid up front. I would heartily recommend his spicy butternut squash risotto is you think you can sneak a squash past your husband. It's filling and spicy. Soup is another option, which might not sound like a meal but you can make ones that contain potatoes, pasta and a poached egge that's very filling. Alternatively spicy corn chowder will hide the sweetcorn from your husband by being blitzed up and contain chilli for your guest. |
|
|
|
|
|
#20 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Here
Posts: 2,854
|
Quote:
Quorn is a mycoprotein extraxted from mould, very roughly speaking it's a fungus grown in sparkling water and fed glucose. They then dry it and add egg to bind...then they rough it up a bit.
It is I suppose manufactured rather than harvested directly like a fruit or a vegetable, but in a similar way you could argue that beef and chicken can be said to be manufactured as the animals are fed specific foods and then processed. Anyway, so you have a lethal combination of a husband who doesn't like vegetables (except peas) and a vegetarian who doesn't like Quorn. I'm not sure which one I'd find a bigger pain in the arse. And I know it's a trial run for your friend but I think he's going to struggle...or be very bored. Alternative taco fillings are beans such as Black Beans, Pinto Beans or even Butterbeans. You can also make a mean bean casserole with Caniloni beans, red and green peppers, chilli and paprika, onions, sherry, tin of tomatoes (and quorn sausages but obviously not in this case). Goats cheese is often popular, either in a salad, or grilled on it's own or in a tart. As with all cheese though not all are strictly vegetarian thanks to Rennet so you'll need to check the labels (you will also need to do this with wine is you partake). If you are going to serve pasta then frankly there are loads of recipes, no problems there. As your husband likes rice, peas and mushrooms then an obvious dish would be a risotto. They don't all have to be ones where you transfer stock in spoon by spoon by spoon over three hours. Search online for Jamie Oliver recipes, his are often quick and easy where you just chuck in the liquid up front. I would heartily recommend his spicy butternut squash risotto is you think you can sneak a squash past your husband. It's filling and spicy. Soup is another option, which might not sound like a meal but you can make ones that contain potatoes, pasta and a poached egge that's very filling. Alternatively spicy corn chowder will hide the sweetcorn from your husband by being blitzed up and contain chilli for your guest. ![]() I have to say Quorn does not sound very appetising, but then again, meat is disgusting to a vegetarian. I have thought of pastas, soups or stews, but I didn’t want to cop out with something like that. Most vegetarians I've seen on TV or read in forums complain that is usually what they get served when they dine with meat eaters. I think one each over the 2 weeks would be okay though. I didn’t think of using beans for the tacos. Good idea! The butternut squash risotto sounds interesting. Thank you so much for taking the time to help!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#21 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Andalucia, Spain
Posts: 4,073
|
I had a veggie friend stay with me for a couple of weeks last year and I enjoyed the challenge of thinking of things to cook - at the end of the visit my husband and I realised how much we'd enjoyed the food and now eat veggie food more than meat based dishes
![]() A couple of things I made which were hits were aubergine and tomato bake topped with a cheesy sauce and a tart filled with roasted Mediterranean veggies and rounds of goat's cheese and then baked in a hot oven. I also made veggie burgers with pulses, carrots and potatoes - I spiced them up with chilli flakes and served them with a spicy sauce |
|
|
|
|
|
#22 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,230
|
If I were you, I would cook something fairly simple and straightforward that fits the bill in terms of vegetarian for your guest and whatever for your husband. Pasta comes to mind, how hard is it to go wrong with pasta, vegetarian cheese, and pesto.
And if either of them complain, lead them to the kitchen, show them the cooker, and tell them to get on with it. |
|
|
|
|
|
#23 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 4,096
|
Quote:
Cheese was one of my hopes! lolA lot of cheese varieties are suitable for veggies though so you won't be short of options. This is a really nice shepherd's pie: http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/4...et-potato-mash |
|
|
|
|
|
#24 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Up North
Posts: 58,791
|
Quote:
Aubergine parmigiana. This is a recipe by Jamia Oliver: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/v...lla-parmigiana
I don't use parmesan cheese in it, just mozarella and maybe some cheddar or other cheese if I have it. Also, for a meat lover you can fry off some pepperoni/salami/pancetta/bacon to put on top. My other fave veggie meal is a thai green curry. Aubergine works well but it's not essential. You cann use peppers, onions, mushrooms, even potato, sweet potato, butternut squash etc. Obviously leave out the fish sauce ![]() Again, for the meat eater you can add shredded chicken or pieces of chicken/pork. |
|
|
|
|
|
#25 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Scotland
Posts: 5,947
|
Veg lasagne is good for using up the random couple of mushrooms, half a pepper, handful of spinach etc.
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 17:55.






Cheese was one of my hopes! lol
