Stuck in a vegetarian rut...

[HensMum]

I go through this every once in a while where we just seem to eat the same things day in, day out. DS is now 15 months and having a really good eating phase so I want to make the most of it but we always end up giving him same-ish things - Quorn bolog/shepherds pie, ratatouille, bean stew type things.

What does your vegetarian family like eating? I'd like to use Quorn less, partly to save money and partly that I don't think it's great for DS. I'd really like some ideas for quick, easy and interesting pasta sauces.

Not pasta sauce but what about risotto? Mushroom or I like courgette with lemon juice added just before serving.

Or bean burgers?

I make hugs soups with loads of veggies and lentils and freeze them in toddler size portions. DD is 21mo and loves any type of soup she can get her paws on.

You can buy thin sliced milk bread at most supermarkets and it's great for tiny sandwiches. My dd likes home made mushroom pate or honey for a treat.

As for pasta sauces, have you made your own pesto, it's really easy.

Or falafel, pita and humus.

I also make big batches of cheese sauce then I can pour it over macaroni, beans, mixed veggies or potato cakes.

DD also loves eggs in any form. Oh and sweetcorn, sweetcorn cakes are a big hit with my dd too.

Tomato & basil sauce
Macaroni cheese

You could make your own cheese & leek sauages (aka Glamorgan sauages), serve with mash and veg.

I use soya mince to make cottage pie or curry.

sausages

Hugs soup sounds lovely!

I did make some soup for DS ages ago and he loved it, don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. DP is a big soup fan too.

Use lentils, I used puy yesterday to make shepherds pie, Rose Elliott recipe from good old Bean book

I think it's easy to get in a rut at this time of year. Why not make a Chestnut and mushroom pie for a treat with veggies, roast pots and gravy?

My stand by for real cold wintery days is just Veggie stew with dumplings

Potatoes, Carrots, Swede, Parsnips, Onions, Leeks. Marigold Bouillion

Saute Onions & Leeks in little oil. Add root veggies and cook for few minutes then add lots of water and stock, cook til veggies are tender.

Dumplings
For the herb dumplings
225g self-raising flour
110g vegetable suet
2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves or parsley

I always make this when I have a cold it's real comfort food

I've got a similar thread going at the moment: will try and do a link.

In the meantime - I do two really, really easy pasta meals:

1. Roast vege and garlic in olive oil for about 30 minutes. I tend to do red onions and peppers then add a tin of sweetcorn for the last five minutes, as this is what the dds like best. Meanwhile, cook pasta. Stir the roasted vege plus a jar of red pesto into the cooked pasta with a dollop of creamy cheese or marscapone and just warm through on a gentle heat. We like chilli flakes in it too.

2. Fry onions gently. Add a tub of garlic and herb Boursin or Philly and a splash of milk and cook until it's all melty. You can add cooked vege to this, eg fried mushrooms but the dd2 quite likes it with microwaved frozen peas or soya beans.

hugs soup, thats about right though as it does give you a wintery hug.

Hi,
i was just looking at another thread in the food section , about recipes with qiunoa.you might like to have a look.

Apparently it is v.rich in protein.

steamed veg (I get the pre-cut pre-packet frozen steam pouches) (carrots,sweet corn, brocoli) with cheease sauce ala cauliflower cheese. I make a non cheese versiion for ds as he is dairy sensitive and cheese doesn't agree with him but is ok with milk.

Wraps with roast veggies, a little messy.

Dips- bread stick with humous, salsa and gwacomoli (sp)

home made pizza with veggies (carrot) blended into the tomato base and cheese on top. mushrooms are a good topping because they don't get too crispy.

Savoury pancakes? Leek and mushroom go down well here