Veggie needs help with meat meals

[CraftyGirly90]

Hi guys,
I'm vegatarian but my OH eats meat, now he's happy eating the veggie stuff with me but I'd like to start doing some meat meals for him. My problem is this: I'm a rather rubbish cook and haven't eaten meat since I was 16 (I'm 28 in November) so I need easy recipe ideas to begin with and I have no idea how to tell when meat is actually cooked properly. I know you lovely lot will be able to help me. Any ideas will be greatly appriciated.
TIA guys xx

[TooMinty]

Why can't he just cook meat himself when he fancies it? I wouldn't expect a veggie friend or partner to cook meat for me.

[Ishouldntbesolucky]

Well I'm probably not the right person as I'm in a similar position! I'm also veggie but cook meat for the dc/dh. For me it has to be something I don't have to handle as I can't stand dealing with meat.

Those chickens that come ready to roast in a bag are v easy and popular in our house.
Otherwise I do sausages (can't really go wrong) or beef stew in the slow cooker. That's pretty easy too as you basically put all the ingredients in and leave it! (I do get dh to brown the meat for me first)

[Neolara]

I've been veggie for nearly 30 years and had never eaten meat as an adult. My kids, (despite my best efforts), love meat and aren't at all keen on beans or lentils, so I've had to learn how to cook a few meat recipes. Jamie Oliver's book "Ministry of Food" has been a godsend. Completely reliable, easy and (apparently) very tasty recipes. Also, lots of recipies can be made without me having to touch the meat - just open packet and turn out into saucepan.

[kateandme]

try the goodfood site.and then search for main meals.it will give you no end of ideas.also lovefood.com.and happiefoodies.com is a site where cookbook recipes are tried and tested.
ask him what meat he wants then go and look them up and go from there.
most meals need total cooking time beyond the time meat needs to cook so don't be scared.
maybe start with some on pots or stew as these are on for long time the meat will be cooked through.
could you cook together.
do you see goodfood mag on the shelves in shops near u.that always has good idea.
do you mind touching the meat.mien was veggie but wasn't on the flip side when it came to contamination.so she use t cook pies and have half veggie and half meat.thre was often an overlap in middle(which he had)but it felt cosier she said lol because they got to share pastries.pies.crumbles etc.
what about recipes you yourself want to master.thatl help.you can still be veggies ethical but want to leanr how to cook meat or otherwise.so look for ones you would get a kick out of cooking

[WorkWonders]

Hi OP!
DP is a veggie so I'm trying to think from his perspective. I think kateandme has a lovely idea of cooking together! That's what me and DP do with his veggie stuff and he's seen me cook meat a couple of times now.
I would honestly start off super simple to build your confidence. Sausages & mash (or hotdogs with the sunny weather!) could be a good starter.

Another simple thing is chicken breast in the Maggi So Tender papers. Not exactly fancy or made from scratch, but the instructions are there and the meat is amazing as it absorbs all the flavour and is really tender. If you follow the Maggi instructions you will be good to go, all you'd have to do to check the meat is cut the breast in half and see if it's white in the middle with no pink bits. Honestly, even though I eat meat I hate cooking chicken but this is easy for me or DP to do :)

[PalePinkSwan]

Chicken breasts are really easy - just marinade them, then pan fry until they are white all the way through with no pink. Can use different marinades to go with different meals, obv.

Mince is also really easy, just an fry till it’s all brown. Then can use it for shepherds pie, bolognese etc.

[CraftyGirly90]

Thanks everyone! All some great ideas and may try a few when I get the chance. As I've been veggie for so long I've never actually cooked any meat myself so didn't know where to start, but got sone basics now so will let you know how it goes. Please do keep the suggestions coming though. The more the better xx

[kikashi]

I have vegans, veggies and meat eaters in my house. I don't do seperate meals - the meat tends to get served on the side (and cheese etc added on serving). I often mix a spoon of yoghurt and a spice blend with a chicken breast and marinate for a bit then bake the chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes. It always comes out juicy and works brilliantly with tikka spice to serve alongside veggie curries, and with fajita spice or cajun spice with mexican veg rice avocado buddha bowls, ras el hanout to serve with couscous, quinoa or farro vegetable dishes etc. The vegan dish is still the main event for the rest of the family and DP gets his meat.

I often roast of fry a pork chop or lamb steak with rosemary and oil and lemon to go alongside greek or italian dishes (briam, orxo with veg and feta etc)