Daughter has been vegetarian for last 4-5 months and i am struggling with ideas. If she had her way it would be just a few vegies on her plate once a day and nothing else. I have done things like quiche, and things with chickpeas lentils and nuts but am struggling with ideas so she is still getting the nutrients she needs. She only drinks soya/almond milk. Any ideas much appreciated.

tania007 - 2016-01-07 23:03:00

Just bumped a thread for you.

suzannelg - 2016-01-07 23:35:00

Great veg recipes on Easy & Tasty veg recipe thread bumped up for you.

frances1266 - 2016-01-08 06:47:00

My kids love the risotto loaf, which is basically a tomato sauce stirred through cooked risotto rice, cheese added, then layered into a loaf tin with grilled courgettes in the centre, which is then baked.
Spinach and cheese anything, lasagne, cannelloni using pasta sheets or eggplant instead of the pasta rolls, bakes and spanikopta.
Veg chilli is really yum and so are veg curries.
Roasted veggies can be added to salads, mix with feta and add to filo pies or stirred through couscous.
Falafel are handy add to salad or make wrap kebabs with hummus and tzatziki and salad Or use as burgers.
Pumpkin gnocchi is easy to make and tasty serve with s sauce with added veggies if liked.

ruby19 - 2016-01-08 08:24:00

Great ideas, thanks everyone.

tania007 - 2016-01-08 13:08:00

Alison and Simon Holst have great vegetarian cookbooks.

ruby2shoes - 2016-01-08 15:27:00

Is she eating vegetarian cheese, tofu and other TVP products?

sarahb5 - 2016-01-08 17:02:00

no she isnt. We only have one supermarket and they dont have a lot of vegetarian stuff. We have tried the marinated tofu as that was all they had. Will have look next time in town as i didnt realise there was vegetarian cheese. Thank u for your help.

tania007 - 2016-01-08 20:19:00

tania007 wrote:

no she isnt. We only have one supermarket and they dont have a lot of vegetarian stuff. We have tried the marinated tofu as that was all they had. Will have look next time in town as i didnt realise there was vegetarian cheese. Thank u for your help.

With cheese, you want to get one which has non animal rennet (aka. microbial rennet). Dairyworks, Meadowfresh, some mainland cheeses, and rolling meadows are some brands I use.

suzannelg - 2016-01-08 21:33:00

I've had great success with my newly vegetarian daughter with spinach cannelloni. Also vege lasagne. Spinach and mushroom pizza.
Mushroom pate. Provencal tomatoes. Mushroom stroganoff and rice.

I'm still hunting for other interesting ideas - as per my other thread.

gaspodetwd - 2016-01-08 21:54:00

ok great thanks. Some yummy dishes ideas people have come up with. Do u freeze the other portions or just make fresh stuff each night for eg when do vegie lasagne and spinach cannelloni. Does anybody have a recipe for a pumpkin and feta lasagne she had a piece of that i brought at new world and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks.

tania007 - 2016-01-08 22:51:00

Just watch when you go vegetarian that you don't increase your carb consumption and processed food consumption. That makes the diet unhealthy. I note that a lot of the food in this thread mentions pasta, pizza, rice, vegetarian/vegan cheese, soy products all of which are not great for a nutrient dense diet. Vegetables are great and provide the body with good medicine but carbs, especially highly processed carbs are not good for our bodies. Look on the packets of food you buy and check the ingredient lists. If there are strange words there that don't sound like food or have numbers after them then don't buy it. If the packets have a huge list of ingredients also put it back on the shelf. You want to be eating food not chemicals.

vmax2 - 2016-01-09 11:46:00

tania007 wrote:

ok great thanks. Some yummy dishes ideas people have come up with. Do u freeze the other portions or just make fresh stuff each night for eg when do vegie lasagne and spinach cannelloni. Does anybody have a recipe for a pumpkin and feta lasagne she had a piece of that i brought at new world and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks.

Have a look at the healthy food guide website - they have lots of vegetarian recipes. If I was making a vegetarian lasagne though I would probably give it to the whole family although lasagne does freeze well. Maybe that's an option - find 5 or 6 dishes that she likes, make them all and freeze in individual portions.

sarahb5 - 2016-01-09 12:37:00

gaspodetwd wrote:

I've had great success with my newly vegetarian daughter with spinach cannelloni. Also vege lasagne. Spinach and mushroom pizza.
Mushroom pate. Provencal tomatoes. Mushroom stroganoff and rice.

I'm still hunting for other interesting ideas - as per my other thread.

Mushroom stroganoff is really yum with gnocchi pasta. Also, try adding in walnuts for something a bit different.
The blog Amuse Your Bouche often has good recipe ideas. All vegetarian too.

suzannelg - 2016-01-09 13:37:00

tania007 wrote:

ok great thanks. Some yummy dishes ideas people have come up with. Do u freeze the other portions or just make fresh stuff each night for eg when do vegie lasagne and spinach cannelloni. Does anybody have a recipe for a pumpkin and feta lasagne she had a piece of that i brought at new world and thoroughly enjoyed it. Thanks.

With Cannelloni what I do is fill the cannelloni tubes and freeze them. Then i prepare what I need when i want it (3 tubes is more than enough for 1 serve).
I don't have a pumpkin lasagne recipe, but I do have a pumpkin cannelloni recipe which I can share later.

Edited by suzannelg at 1:40 pm, Sat 9 Jan

suzannelg - 2016-01-09 13:39:00

suzannelg wrote:

With Cannelloni what I do is fill the cannelloni tubes and freeze them. Then i prepare what I need when i want it (3 tubes is more than enough for 1 serve).
I don't have a pumpkin lasagne recipe, but I do have a pumpkin cannelloni recipe which I can share later.

I make cannelloni using fresh lasagne sheets - it's so much easier to just roll the filling up rather than trying to fill the tube

sarahb5 - 2016-01-09 14:39:00

sarahb5 wrote:

I make cannelloni using fresh lasagne sheets - it's so much easier to just roll the filling up rather than trying to fill the tube

Definitely a good option. I fill them up with either a 1 use piping bag or a snaplock bag with the corner snipped, which is waaay easier than using a teaspoon which is what I did when I first used cannelloni.

suzannelg - 2016-01-09 15:45:00

sarahb5 wrote:

I make cannelloni using fresh lasagne sheets - it's so much easier to just roll the filling up rather than trying to fill the tube

So do I ...makes life a lot easier, doesn't it?

samanya - 2016-01-09 16:06:00

Suss out the Revive cafe cookbooks. Thats all i use with Alison And Simon Holst

pollypoo - 2016-01-10 03:01:00

Awesome ideas thanks. Have switched from the cheaper breads to Freyas etc which seems to have lower GI. Am going to do a list of half dozen vegie meals and have a day in the kitchen and then freeze in portions. Going to do her falafels tonight so will make some extra and freeze. Have started big vegie garden this summer so we have quite few vegies on hand to use up.Have a surplus of silverbeet and cabbages will have to find some different recipes for,thank you.

tania007 - 2016-01-10 12:43:00

Get your daughter to plan her own meals and help cook them. You are not doing her any favours by doing it all yourself.

On the plus side, a plate a vegetables is probably much more healthy than all the pasta, pizza and rice dishes that have been mentioned. If she wants just vegetables maybe look at getting some rice paper wraps.

You daughter can go to town finely slicing any vegetable she wants to put into them. Put some dipping sauces out. Follow the instructions for how to use the rice paper wrappers and let her fill her own wraps, dip and eat.

There are plenty of ideas here:

https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=rice+paper+wraps&ie=ut
f-8&oe=utf-8&gws_rd=cr&ei=uJ-RVtSCC4G8mQXn4IOwDg

buzzy110 - 2016-01-10 13:03:00

Other good ideas are to make hummus, babaganoush or yoghurt dips to put over her vegetables. She could learn how to make these and become involved by getting recipes off the net.

If she eats seafood then mussels steamed open with hot pasta tomato sauce added (if you can't make your own sauce) or salsa of some description, provide good amounts of iron, iodine and other nutritional 'stuff' that will all add to her overall good health.

Don't forget that fermented soy is not like eating soy. The Japanese favourite - miso, is a great base for stocks or soups. Miso soup is eaten year round in Japan, even on the hottest days. Don't be afraid to have it for breakfast with some garlic chives and finely slice vegetables added near the end.

buzzy110 - 2016-01-10 13:10:00

tania007 wrote:

Awesome ideas thanks. Have switched from the cheaper breads to Freyas etc which seems to have lower GI. Am going to do a list of half dozen vegie meals and have a day in the kitchen and then freeze in portions. Going to do her falafels tonight so will make some extra and freeze. Have started big vegie garden this summer so we have quite few vegies on hand to use up.Have a surplus of silverbeet and cabbages will have to find some different recipes for,thank you.

The veggies are actually the easy bit if you're vegetarian - as you said, it's making sure she gets enough protein, calcium and other essential nutrients that's the more difficult part. I would try and incorporate at least one vegetarian meal each week that the whole family will enjoy so you're not having to cook two separate meals every day.

sarahb5 - 2016-01-10 13:27:00

Roast some walnuts, hazel nuts, pecans, macadamias, brazil nuts for about 6 - 10 minutes for 10 minutes (keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn). When cool coarsely chop, add some 85% dark chocolate grated, some cinnamon and nutmeg, and some shredded coconut. A glorious brekky food (a couple of tablespoons is all you need) fantastic eaten with some fruit and yoggy (I eat it with coconut yoggy).

Edited by awoftam at 6:35 pm, Mon 11 Jan

awoftam - 2016-01-11 18:35:00

If she's a teenager then let her work it out for herself otherwise you will be continually have to be adapting to her whims. As for vegetarianism she will more than likely grow out of it.

beaker59 - 2016-01-12 13:43:00

What is the best way to cook cabbage in order to caramelise it?
Do you have a separate sauce or what's the secret

Lizzie

westown123 - 2016-01-12 14:10:00

What is the best way to cook cabbage/ I would like to caramalise it IS this a separate sauce?
Lizzie

westown123 - 2016-01-12 14:11:00

westown123 wrote:

What is the best way to cook cabbage/ I would like to caramalise it IS this a separate sauce?
Lizzie

I like to slice thinly then start off in a saucepan with just some butter in the bottom cook it slowly stirring as you go you will get a little caramelisation but be careful as too much and it gets bitter and burnt flavoured. definitely the best way to cook cabbage if you don't want the colour then do the same but start slower until a few juices form to steam the cabbage.

beaker59 - 2016-01-12 14:24:00

How about some fish.....

Vegetarians do eat fish.

valentino - 2016-01-12 14:34:00

valentino wrote:

How about some fish.....

Vegetarians do eat fish.

I don't. Pescatarians eat fish.

suzannelg - 2016-01-12 15:14:00

westown123 wrote:

What is the best way to cook cabbage/ I would like to caramalise it IS this a separate sauce?
Lizzie

I like to cut mine in wedges (red, white, crinkle, a mix), drizzle with oil, season then into oven to roast last 15-20 mins with other veggies. Or if doing a platter of roast cabbage, baking paper with wedges all on a roasting pan separated...turn over halfway through. Pile high and squeeze with lemon juice or mayo type dressing. Sometimes mixing lettuce wedges seared in a hot pan or BarbyQ. Add chopped boiled egg, bacon, or a curry/ peanut/ sesame dressing/ sauce

rexavier - 2016-01-12 15:50:00

Maybe consider an occasional purchase of the vegetarian My Food Bag. Pricey to buy every week but they do let you stop and start. Recipes are easy to follow and meals are balanced.

artemis - 2016-01-12 17:08:00

valentino wrote:

How about some fish.....

Vegetarians do eat fish.

Huh?!?!?

brycer - 2016-01-12 17:26:00

I like to use Revive recipe books.

mica3 - 2016-01-12 18:33:00

mica3 wrote:

I like to use Revive recipe books.

Yes! Great books and very reasonably priced. He also posts a lot of recipes online.

awoftam - 2016-01-12 18:36:00

suzannelg wrote:

I don't. Pescatarians eat fish.

Yes, was thinking of that word, thank you.

valentino - 2016-01-12 19:57:00

If she enjoyed feta and pumpkin lasagna she might not a pumpkin and feta frittata. Spinach goes well with this combination too.

greerg - 2016-01-14 18:54:00

tania007 wrote:

Daughter has been vegetarian for last 4-5 months and i am struggling with ideas. If she had her way it would be just a few vegies on her plate once a day and nothing else. I have done things like quiche, and things with chickpeas lentils and nuts but am struggling with ideas so she is still getting the nutrients she needs. She only drinks soya/almond milk. Any ideas much appreciated.

expensive? Rest of the family missing out? Daughter should do her own cooking etc and contribute to the cost? Mums are not meant to be slaves to whimsical children. When in Rome do as the Romans do when you leave home do what you like?

gabbysnana - 2016-01-14 20:19:00

gabbysnana wrote:

expensive? Rest of the family missing out? Daughter should do her own cooking etc and contribute to the cost? Mums are not meant to be slaves to whimsical children. When in Rome do as the Romans do when you leave home do what you like?

IMO it is relatively easy nowadays for meat and non meat eaters to live easily alongside each other in a household. The range of vegetables, nuts, lentils seeds and grains we have access to is huge and in my case led me to eating far healthier all round. And it doesn't need to be expensive at all. The books mentioned in this thread have tons of fabulous ideas and are very reasonably priced. The internet gives us unlimited ideas to suit every range and budget. Throw a chop or steak on the meat eater's plate and all should be happy.

awoftam - 2016-01-14 20:49:00

awoftam wrote:

IMO it is relatively easy nowadays for meat and non meat eaters to live easily alongside each other in a household. The range of vegetables, nuts, lentils seeds and grains we have access to is huge and in my case led me to eating far healthier all round. And it doesn't need to be expensive at all. The books mentioned in this thread have tons of fabulous ideas and are very reasonably priced. The internet gives us unlimited ideas to suit every range and budget. Throw a chop or steak on the meat eater's plate and all should be happy.

Yup let the Vege cook her own food and she will soon grow out of that silly fad well said :)

beaker59 - 2016-01-14 21:56:00

beaker59 wrote:

Yup let the Vege cook her own food and she will soon grow out of that silly fad well said :)

An interesting interpretation of my post.

awoftam - 2016-01-14 22:20:00

had a fab satay tofu noodles tonight for dinner...with a meat eater who thought the tofu was chicken..lololol. Free range organic I told him

rexavier - 2016-01-14 22:50:00

beaker59 wrote:

Yup let the Vege cook her own food and she will soon grow out of that silly fad well said :)

There are three possibilities here:

1. The child goes on to become an accomplished cook and creator of fabulous vegetarian meals. Her pickiness vanishes and she develops a healthy appetite.

2. The child makes a limited range of food and eventually starts to suffer from boredom, at which point she will get over herself, or she goes on to suffer from malnutrition issues.

3. The child is a perfectionist and likes to achieve. Perhaps, at this point, she is on the slippery slope to anorexia. I don't know many children who would be happy with just a few vegetables once a day. If I was her mother I would be very, very concerned especially if she is as 'picky' as suggested. Maybe an intervention now would save 9 later.

Of course there is also a 4th possibility. She eats all sorts of crap at school so can garner attention from her mother by refusing to eat at home.

Of course none of these things could be correct and she is just going through a fad.

buzzy110 - 2016-01-15 12:08:00

buzzy110 wrote:

There are three possibilities here:

1. The child goes on to become an accomplished cook and creator of fabulous vegetarian meals. Her pickiness vanishes and she develops a healthy appetite.

2. The child makes a limited range of food and eventually starts to suffer from boredom, at which point she will get over herself, or she goes on to suffer from malnutrition issues.

3. The child is a perfectionist and likes to achieve. Perhaps, at this point, she is on the slippery slope to anorexia. I don't know many children who would be happy with just a few vegetables once a day. If I was her mother I would be very, very concerned especially if she is as 'picky' as suggested. Maybe an intervention now would save 9 later.

Of course there is also a 4th possibility. She eats all sorts of crap at school so can garner attention from her mother by refusing to eat at home.

Of course none of these things could be correct and she is just going through a fad.

My totally tongue-in-cheek response to that would be to cook big juicy steaks for the whole family and 2 minute noodles for the veggie ...

sarahb5 - 2016-01-15 13:01:00

This message was deleted.

books4122 - 2016-01-15 13:31:00

Being a vegetarian from about the same age, and now having a fully grown family who eat meat and veg dishes, is it such a big deal. I personally feel from my families point of view they have been lucky to have had a varied diet all their lives, Meat in this house hold was used as a side dish not the star of the show. I have children who eat all food groups and are extremely fit and healthy, and are quite content with both meat and meat free meals. Variety after all is the spice of life........

ruby19 - 2016-01-15 18:39:00

ruby19 wrote:

Being a vegetarian from about the same age, and now having a fully grown family who eat meat and veg dishes, is it such a big deal. I personally feel from my families point of view they have been lucky to have had a varied diet all their lives, Meat in this house hold was used as a side dish not the star of the show. I have children who eat all food groups and are extremely fit and healthy, and are quite content with both meat and meat free meals. Variety after all is the spice of life........

I admire you ruby19 ...you made your choices & yet are not imposing them on your family. a big thumbs up to you.
I have a vegetarian niece [she now eats eggs], cooking for her has actually enlarged my cooking repertoire heaps & I love what, because of her choice has made me suss out & I love what I have learned.

samanya - 2016-01-15 19:51:00

sarahb5 wrote:

My totally tongue-in-cheek response to that would be to cook big juicy steaks for the whole family and 2 minute noodles for the veggie ...

Yes! (High 5's)

marte - 2016-01-16 04:47:00

The smell of bacon cooking has turned many a vegan/ vegetarian into a meat eater again. Keep tormenting her with yummy meat.

vmax2 - 2016-01-16 11:29:00

vmax2 wrote:

The smell of bacon cooking has turned many a vegan/ vegetarian into a meat eater again. Keep tormenting her with yummy meat.

Why? I was only joking about the steak but there's no reason why she shouldn't be perfectly healthy eating a vegetarian diet - just have to get the balance right and find meals she enjoys or that the whole family can enjoy

sarahb5 - 2016-01-16 16:35:00