Vegetarian meals for non vegetarians?

[Nishu]

I'm looking to cut back on the amount of meat we eat but I'm kind of drawing a blank. I can't even bring myself to purchase ground beef any more. I'm not sure how my family is going to take the adjustment though, so I'm hoping to find some things that they'll be into.

Thanks in advance!

[Libby]

My advice, phase it out slowly - keep buying it though you cringe but start using less then your used to in your recipes and add in something else to give it the same bulk/texture - diced veggies, beans, rice etc. Eventually you'll have phased it out and no one noticed. What about using other ground meats, pork, chicken, turkey etc?

Vegetable lasagna with a bechemel sauce vs traditional tomato sauce? I had this but the cream sauce was sooo good, I didn't notice there wasn't any meat.

I was skeptical about the portabello burgers but I must admit if seasoned and cooked right, they're might tasty and beefy.

You can also finely dice, sautee with other veggies and add to a tomato sauce to make a chunky 'meaty' one. I think my friend added liquid smoke to give it that pseudo meat essence?

Lastly you can slice them and sautee with garlic and add to noodles with crushed tomatoes. Yum.

What about tuna/salmon cakes? You use 1 can of your preference, drain, flake it up into a bowl, add very finely diced herbs and onion and breadcrumbs. Take small handfuls and shape into patties, pan fry until heated through and lightly golden. You can eat it like Salisbury steak with sides, on top of salad or treat it like a burger and bun it. This can be done with mashed/pureed chickpeas too if you're adventurous.

[dinah]

i would start with vegetarian options you know they like. minestrone soup, spaghetti with cream sauce/mushrooms, vegetrian pizza, etc.

maybe try a new dish once a week. maybe get the family to pick?

i've made mushroom lasagne before and you can't even tell that there is no meat.

[Contrary Housewife]

I just discovered that DH likes falafel/pita sandwiches. I wasn't sure how he'd take it. He asked "what kind of meat is this" after he tasted it, and I told him. And after dinner he said "You can make that again". It was $2.59 for a package of two envelopes, which made 4 servings each.

[ladykemma2]

i recommend the book-- diet for a small planet by francis moore lappe. it's an easy transition into meatless meals.

[sunshine]

grilled cheese sandwiches
egg salad
fried rice ( add more eggs in place of meat)
baked potato bar - top with various veggies, cheese, etc.

[moasmom]

This all depends on your family's likes and dislikes, of course, but I personally enjoy exploring international cuisines that are already heavily vegetarian (Indian, many different Mediterranen styles, regional Mexican, Vietnamese, etc.) because that way nothing seems missing. You just get interesting and varied flavors and textures and recipes that were created without trying to pretend there's meat.

And if you have any Asian or Hispanic markets near you, this can all be done very frugally.

Have fun experimenting. This is the perfect time to get some new cookbooks from the library.

Kara

[sunshine]

MEAT SUBSTITUTE

1 cup rolled oats (long cooking oatmeal)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sage
2 eggs- beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 beef bouilloncube.

Mix the oats, salt, sage and eggs; form into four flat patties. Fry inthe butter
until browned on both sides. In a kettle or saucepan, boil 1 qt.water and add
bouillon cube. Pour mixture over patties; simmer, covered for 30
minute.

Doubles or triples easily. I've froze them and they freeze just finetoo! The
first time I fixed them for my kids they enjoyed them and did not suspect
anything.

[pollypurebred39]

How about

Fannie Farmer's Classic Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe - Food.com - 135350

Spinach and Three Cheese Calzone Recipe : Tyler Florence : Food Network

Tarte aux Moutarde (French Tomato and Mustard Pie) Recipe - Allrecipes.com

Garlic Angel Hair Pasta Recipe - Allrecipes.com

Potato and Bean Enchiladas Recipe - Allrecipes.com

[ladykemma2]

oh, and the moosewood cookbooks

[pollypurebred39]

They are AWESOME!

[Nishu]

MEAT SUBSTITUTE

1 cup rolled oats (long cooking oatmeal)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon sage
2 eggs- beaten
2 tablespoons butter
1 beef bouilloncube.

Mix the oats, salt, sage and eggs; form into four flat patties. Fry inthe butter
until browned on both sides. In a kettle or saucepan, boil 1 qt.water and add
bouillon cube. Pour mixture over patties; simmer, covered for 30
minute.

Doubles or triples easily. I've froze them and they freeze just finetoo! The
first time I fixed them for my kids they enjoyed them and did not suspect
anything.

Did you use this as a burger, or can you throw it into other things?

[sunshine]

Did you use this as a burger, or can you throw it into other things?

I use it as a burger on a bun. I've not tried it in other things, as I'm worried it might just get soggy and fall apart.

[Nishu]

Thanks everyone! I can't wait to try out these ideas.

[Palooka]

You won't get bored searching here.

VegWeb.com - Vegan Recipes and Cooking Tips