Vegans...I could really use your recipe help

[Frozen Canuck]

We have recently become friends with a family (2 adults, 2 children) that is predominantly vegetarian, but that has one member who is gluten-free and dairy free for health reasons (essentially vegan as I'm not even sure about eggs). With these parameters in mind, on their first visit, when I invited them for lunch, I essentially exhausted my one recipe that would work in this situation {Zesty Quinoa Salad along with grilled veggies (red pepper, onion, zucchini, summer squash, and mushrooms)}. They have invited us over for dinner at some point in the future, but I would like to be proactive and try to have a few more recipes kitchen-tested before I invite them back again. While I have a number of vegetarian recipes, most include things like whole wheat pasta (I haven't tried cooking with other grain pastas yet) and cheese.

I know I can fire "vegan meals" into a search engine and see what filters out the other side, but I am really looking for your tried-and-true go-to recipes that are enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Anybody willing to share some favourite main-dish vegan dishes with me? They could even be just vegetarian ones, as long as the meal is something where the cheese can be served on the side, but not affect the overall taste too much.

Not sure if it matters or not, but I consider myself fairly adept in the kitchen, so recipes do not have to be too simplistic. However, I am also not looking to spend more time than I need to preparing a meal when I would just like to be visiting.

Bonus question (10 extra marks): What is original that I can serve for dessert? I made a gluten-free apple crisp on their first visit.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

We have recently become friends with a family (2 adults, 2 children) that is predominantly vegetarian, but that has one member who is gluten-free and dairy free for health reasons (essentially vegan as I'm not even sure about eggs). With these parameters in mind, on their first visit, when I invited them for lunch, I essentially exhausted my one recipe that would work in this situation {Zesty Quinoa Salad along with grilled veggies (red pepper, onion, zucchini, summer squash, and mushrooms)}. They have invited us over for dinner at some point in the future, but I would like to be proactive and try to have a few more recipes kitchen-tested before I invite them back again. While I have a number of vegetarian recipes, most include things like whole wheat pasta (I haven't tried cooking with other grain pastas yet) and cheese.

I know I can fire "vegan meals" into a search engine and see what filters out the other side, but I am really looking for your tried-and-true go-to recipes that are enjoyed by adults and kids alike. Anybody willing to share some favourite main-dish vegan dishes with me? They could even be just vegetarian ones, as long as the meal is something where the cheese can be served on the side, but not affect the overall taste too much.

Not sure if it matters or not, but I consider myself fairly adept in the kitchen, so recipes do not have to be too simplistic. However, I am also not looking to spend more time than I need to preparing a meal when I would just like to be visiting.

Bonus question (10 extra marks): What is original that I can serve for dessert? I made a gluten-free apple crisp on their first visit.

I don't have any recipes to send your way, but why don't you reach out to the family in question. Tell them you'd like to increase your recipe collection and ask they what they like to have on their next visit.

 

[Bec3b1g]

Try taking a look at the recipes on the blue apron website. They have a vegetarian option each week for both the family and couple plan. And then you can substitute for gluten & dairy. You can print out the recipe and use it rather than sign up for the delivery service.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

I don't have any recipes to send your way, but why don't you reach out to the family in question. Tell them you'd like to increase your recipe collection and ask they what they like to have on their next visit.

Princess Shmoo: I do appreciate the suggestion. We have actually already swapped some recipes between our two families, but I am also looking for other recipes to try. I'm hoping that somebody on the boards will have some recipe ideas that might entice both families to experience something new.

Try taking a look at the recipes on the blue apron website. They have a vegetarian option each week for both the family and couple plan. And then you can substitute for gluten & dairy. You can print out the recipe and use it rather than sign up for the delivery service.

Bec3b1g: That is a very good idea. I actually already scope out Blue Apron weekly for recipe ideas for my own family and have a binder filled with print-outs from their site...I have just never thought to go there and view their meals through vegan eyes and usually seek out recipes that I know our family specifically will enjoy. Perhaps I already have some ideas in my binder that would work. I love that if I wait a week for everybody to actually make the meals that they get delivered, that they oftentimes will post very helpful suggestions and changes in the comments section.

Thank you both for your suggestions.

 

[sonnyjane]

Not a recipe per se, but one thing I'm big into right now are portobello steaks as a main entree. Marinate and grill them up just like you would meat (only need a short bit to marinate, it's not like meat) but then serve with regular sides like Rosemary potatoes, asparagus, etc.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

Not a recipe per se, but one thing I'm big into right now are portobello steaks as a main entree. Marinate and grill them up just like you would meat (only need a short bit to marinate, it's not like meat) but then serve with regular sides like Rosemary potatoes, asparagus, etc.

Now see??? This is why I posted here. I actually have an excellent grilled portabella mushroom recipe that I use to make "hamburgers," but I disregarded it simply because I was thinking, "No bread for buns." I never thought to just serve it as the hearty, "meaty" part alongside my other sides. (I have a great roasted rosemary potato recipe as well...perfect!)

 

[LisaR]

I like to have some kind of taco/burrito bar. It allows you to cover all the different diets because everyone makes their own. For the non-vegans you can have cheese, sour cream, and taco meat if you want. For the gluten free you can have corn chips and corn tortillas and regular tortillas for those who eat wheat. Also, those who don't want any carbs can just make a taco salad. Guac, sauteed veggies, corn salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, and a variety of salsas can be added or left out at ones own discretion.

 

[Tiffylv]

.

 

[sonnyjane]

Now see??? This is why I posted here. I actually have an excellent grilled portabella mushroom recipe that I use to make "hamburgers," but I disregarded it simply because I was thinking, "No bread for buns." I never thought to just serve it as the hearty, "meaty" part alongside my other sides. (I have a great roasted rosemary potato recipe as well...perfect!)

I only stopped eating meat two years ago, but sometimes I get surprised at just how "meaty" those caps taste! It's a great alternative.

 

[WDWBarb]

Yummy vegan food ... one of my favorite topics These recipes all use pretty normal food. The only "odd" thing is nutritional yeast, which is a vegan staple, and very good for vegans (it's a source of B12). The mac n' cheese and the taco casserole both need it as it makes a good cheese flavor.

I'm so obsessed with this "salad" - I had it for dinner again tonight. Love, love love.

http://www.thegardengrazer.com/2014/04/quinoa-avocado-spinach-power-salad.html

For something a little heartier and certainly a comfort food, this mac n' "cheese" is great (using cashews for a cheese substitute - genius!). It's also got a little "kick" to it with the chilies. Nom nom!

http://minimalistbaker.com/vegan-green-chili-mac-n-cheese/#_a5y_p=1429153

I haven't made this one yet, but it's on the menu for this weekend. Looks awesome.

http://www.blueridgebabe.com/vegan-taco-casserole/

Another one I haven't made yet, but it's on my menu for Thanksgiving week:

http://minimalistbaker.com/sun-dried-tomato-and-basil-pinwheels/

And if you do decide to make a vegan chili, try this cornbread recipe with it. My DH (carnivore) said it was some of the best cornbread he'd ever had. My soon to be son-in-law (also vegan) begs me to make it

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/151174/vegan-corn-bread/

 

[Pea-n-Me]

What about a vegetable stew? I use chicken, but you could easily adapt it to meatless and use vegetable stock instead of chicken.

The other thing we make is quinoa stuffed peppers - just stuff peppers with cooked quinoa and bake till peppers are done. We add cheese to the top - not sure if there is a dairy free alternative, but if so, give it a try. (This is sort of like your original recipe but a little different. Serve it with something other than the ingredients you usually serve - maybe a baked acorn squash with a little olive oil and cinnamon sugar? Yum.)

 

[mombrontrent]

I like the mexican idea above where everyone can create a meal to their taste and dietary preferences, I have actually done that in the past. Another idea that I have also done is Chinese/Asian food. Veggie fried rice, spring rolls, chow mien, asian coleslaw, sesame broccoli are just a few examples but there is so many great vegan asian dishes.

 

[scrapquitler]

Baked potato bar? You could make a meatless chili to go with it, veggie toppings and include the cheese and sour cream for those that want it.

 

[etoiles]

I second the taco bar idea. It's my idea for our extended family get together for Christmas which includes a gluten free and dairy free vegetarian member.

I also like this red lentil curry. Serve with rice. I made it last year for the holiday meal. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/16641/red-lentil-curry/?internalSource=search result&referringContentType=search results

The gluten free quinoa pasta at Trader Joes is awesome by the way. I use it regularly and I'm not gluten free.

 

[Domo]

Is a mushroom risotto with a side salad be out of the question?

 

[disneyktee]

I'm actually gluten intolerant (found out 2 years ago) and vegetarian (6 years) but I make a lot of vegan food too. I have plenty of recipes on my new blog freshfitfoodie.com (there's a vegan page) or on my old site piecesinprogress.com so maybe some of those will help! One of my favorite recipes is this Enchilada Quinoa, just serve the cheese on the side. You can also put out other toppings like sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, etc.

For dessert if you want to get more impressive, panna cotta is my absolute favorite gluten free dessert but I also have a great recipe for gluten free black bean brownies here (they're actually brownie parfaits with fresh fruit and cool whip). For something vegan and gluten free, these Reeses Rice Krispies are awesome.

One thing that could be really fun to do together is a DIY sushi night. Sushi is actually really easy to make at home and you can get so creative with the toppings. For the gluten intolerant person you can get gluten free tamari (soy sauce). There's basic veggie toppings like carrots, cucumber, plenty of avocado, bell peppers, etc, but you can also get more creative. You can cut butternut squash into sticks and roast it, mash up tofu with a vegan mayo and sriracha for spicy tofu rolls, add kale or other greens, the possibilities are really endless. They also make gluten free panko for crunch.

 

[cabanafrau]

A lentil filling might work nice for your taco bar.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

WDW Barb: Thanks so much for the links! I actually found a few recipes that I want to try on our menu rotation soon. The salad you posted looks amazing. The pinwheels would be great as an appetizer this Christmas, but I could also see serving those for a light lunch. I have also bookmarked the cornbread, but it uses all-purpose flour. I do have gluten-free flour on hand, but I'm not sure if it would be a direct substitution in a recipe like this or not.

I love all of the taco/baked potato bar ideas. I already make a fairly involved version of a chicken burrito bar for my family when we have large numbers of people over. I like the idea to expand that by adding bean and grilled veggie options for on top. I never would have reached the "lentil filling" idea as a topping on my own. Thanks for that suggestion cabanafrau. I have honestly never cooked with lentils before (but I do have a package in my pantry because I was looking to try them!)

etoiles: I especially appreciate the recommendation for the Trader Joe's Quinoa pasta. There are always so many different brands/options to try and having someone point to an item they have enjoyed is very helpful.

Domo: I also like the suggestion for a mushroom risotto. I have made risotto before, but always used chicken broth. I'm sure that I could substitute veg. broth, but I'm wondering about the Parmesan cheese, which I think plays an important part in the creaminess and flavour of risotto. However, your suggestion did lead me to peruse recipes and I found one from Tyler Florence that I want to try out. I figured I will make it for my family and taste it prior to adding the cheese to see if it is still good. Even if the recipe works well only for my family, you have definitely helped me in my own meal planning.

disneyktee: I will definitely be checking out your blog when I get a few minutes. You also get the bonus 10 points on your assignment for providing me with dessert options! I'm hoping you live local to me so that you can come on over and demonstrate the sushi options for us! I think it sounds awesome, but I have never tried making sushi before. I have a friend who does though...if only she hadn't up and moved to Jersey!

Thanks so much everyone! I get in ruts and sometimes have blinders on until someone comes along and opens my eyes to the possibilities.

 

[smiths02]

I know these aren't tried and true, but I did just read an article about all the crazy things you can make with avocado. One that stood out was chocolate mousse. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-avocado-mousse-recipe.html

Or some of the banana ice creams that are so popular?

I make this chili and like it, but when I was a vegetarian, I would just sub the ground vegetarian "meat." (I'm not sure which brands of that are also gluten free and vegan, but I'm sure there is some) http://walking.about.com/od/crockpotrecipes/r/wendyschili.htm
I have made this with every kind of ground meat (venison, turkey, chicken, beef) and at least one ground meat alternative and it always tastes good

 

[Frozen Canuck]

I know these aren't tried and true, but I did just read an article about all the crazy things you can make with avocado. One that stood out was chocolate mousse. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/chocolate-avocado-mousse-recipe.html

Okay, that avocado chocolate mousse looks absolutely decadent! I have got to try that someday soon and it would be perfect for having people over, as it can be made ahead. Thanks so much! 10 bonus points for you as well!