What shall I make for these guests?

[Agirlworthfightingfor]

I've got people coming for lunch next week who aren't keen on meat that looks like meat. So bolognese fine but a roast not I think.

Have fairly unfussy DC but they are still young so not up for spicy curries or Ottolenghi type stuff which is what I'd go for if they weren't going to be there.

It can't be cheesy or creamy.

A roast but with sausages? Or cauliflower cheese even.

Why not spag Bol if that’s a safe bet?

Fish?

Lasagne or bolognaise with salad and garlic bread?

Per OP can't be creamy or cheesy

Could do Bol but just a bit boring and wouldn't mind something more fun and interesting.

Fish is a good idea, but what?

I have a friend like this and he can cope with roast chicken if it's carved away from the table. With a good selection of sides it won't matter if they don't have much meat.

Alternatively I would go Nigella's chilli baked with a cornbread topping and homemade salsa and guacamole. Can tone down the chilli for the kids and the cornbread makes it special enough for guests.

Or Jamie has a fish traybake type meal in his 30min meal book I think.

what about tuna polpette for a fish based dish?

What about a slow cooked meat dish, like
Lamb tagine? It doesn't necessarily look like meat and has a soft texture. Could serve with couscous with pomegranate seeds and preserved lemons/olives and fresh parsley for a bit of interest.

What about pulled pork? Or fajitas? My DCs love these!

Guardian today has got 20 vegan recipes if that helps, op - nice ones! Cheaper than a cookbook and you can refer to them easily

I think I’d dodge the meat entirely and go with a veggie dish. Red onion tart tatin with green veg and garlic roasted baby potatoes.

I'd probably go for something like cock au Vin or Boeuf Bourguignon.

Can be made in advance and "holds" well if people are late.

Otherwise maybe a nice fish pie for example.

Another vote for fish pie, or what about a hearty fish and sweetcorn soup with garlic bread.
Mushroom and or asparagus risotto would work too, serve with grated cheese so that it can be avoided by those who don't like it.
Or a roasted vegetable flan with puff pastry, served with new potatoes.

fish pie.
shepherd pie.try hot pot style sliced potatos on the top to make it look more special.
chicken pie.
stew and dumplings.you could do this with mince.
baked fish with garlic and lemon butter sauce.or mini foil parcels of fish with cherry toms,spring onion,some dill, potatos green beans all baked in their little parcels