It is National Vegetarian Week again. As keen supporters of Meat Free Monday and Meatless Monday we always like to support Meat Free Monday, Meat Free Week and National Vegetarian Week. Sometimes it can be difficult to think of what to eat for National Vegetarian Week, which is why at Smart Restaurants we like to put together a number of meal ideas which you can use to successfully have a Meat Free Week. As the weekend approaches you may be tempted into having meat as a takeaway, however there are many vegetarian takeaway options out there such as vegetarian pizzas or vegetarian burgers which you can have with chips.
Burgers
A burger in a bap with fries and salad on the side can be the perfect meat free meal. It is a healthy, tasty and filling meal and is a simple vegetarian meal. There are so many different vegetarian burgers which you can choose from so that you could have always have this meal more than once during National Vegetarian Week. Different burgers include vegetable burgers which are often packed full of different vegeatbles, bean burgers which are often spicey and soya burgers which you will find in most supermarkets. Soya burgers have a very meaty substance which is good for if you want that meat-like texture for your meal. Portobello mushrooms can also make nice meat free burgers and are also very low in calories.
Eggs
Eggs are perfect for National Vegetarian Week as there are so many meals that you make using eggs. We love egg and soldiers at Smart Restaurants as it is such as easy meal to make. For perfectly runny eggs, heat your water so that it reaches boiling point. Once your water has started to boil you can add your desired amount of eggs by carefully placing them into the water with a spoon. Let them boil for 4 minutes and you should have perfectly runny eggs. Other meals you can make with eggs are omelettes, fried eggs, scrambled eggs and poached eggs on toast. Eggs are also very good for you as they contain both protein and iron.
Mushrooms
For those that want a meat free meal which still has a slight meaty texture to it then mushrooms are the perfect ingredient for you. Mushrooms can be used for many different meals. You can make burgers using large portobello mushrooms. The perfect pasta meal can be made with a creamy mushroom sauce. You can add mushrooms to an omelette for that extra taste and filling. Mushrooms can also be added to a margherita pizza. At Smart Restaurants we enjoy stuffed mushrooms. Stuffed mushrooms are a great meat free meal as you can add many different fillings such as different vegetables, cheese and breadcrumbs. Serve with a jacket potato and salad for the perfect vegetarian meal.
Pasta
There are so many different vegetarian pasta meals which can be made using different vegetarian ingredients. As there are so many different types of pasta there are numerous amounts of options. Spinach and ricotta cannelloni is a popular vegetarian choice and to make it that little but different try adding some sliced mushrooms on top. There are also meals such as vegetable lasagne with a tomato sauce mixed in with various different vegetables. This same sauce can be used for a vegetable pasta make. If you don’t fancy a tomato sauce then you can always have a creamy mushroom pasta which can be very tasteful. Serve with some garlic bread and enjoy your meat free meal.
Pizza
As you can choose any topping you like with your pizza, you can make up so many different vegetarian pizzas. The best thing to do is either start from scratch by making the base, the tomato purée and then adding your cheese and chosen ingredients. To be quick and easy you can purchase a margherita pizza from your local supermarket and add your favourite vegetarian toppings such as peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, onion and sweetcorn. Some may like just a couple of toppings such as mushrooms and onions whereas others may like lots of toppings where you can add all the vegetables that you want. You can also choose just to have a simple plain margherita pizza which can also be very tasteful, especially with added cheese.
Risotto
There are many different vegetarian risotto meals you can make for National Vegetarian Week. You can choose a mixed vegetable risotto with your favourite vegetables such as mushrooms, a variety of peppers, peas and sweetcorn. You can also have a creamy mushroom risotto which is very tasty and can be quite filling.
Flatbread
Flatbread can make the perfect meal for National Vegetarian Week. They are easy to prepare and cook within 10 minutes which can make a quick and easy meat free meal. You can buy various flavour flatbreads such as plain, cheese and tomato and also garlic and herb which you can add your favourite toppings. At Smart Restaurants we enjoy the garlic and herb flatbread with sliced mushrooms, goats cheese and pesto. Once cooked, serve with a handful of salad and enjoy.
