What to make for my omnivore family?
I've recently just moved back home with my parents, grandmother, and older brother. We all take turns cooking each night, and when I cooked last night it did not go over well. While my parents are great and open to anything I make, but my brother and grandmother are fussier then toddlers when it comes to eating. I made a broccoli salad and my crowd pleasing spicy peanut sweet potato stew, and while they did try it and put on brave faces I could tell it wasn't a hit with either of them. What I don't understand is I use ingredients that they like, but just because it's vegan or vegetarian (I'm willing to cook with eggs and cheese) they freak out and act like it's inedible. I'm looking for any suggestions in hopes that I can make something all of us will enjoy. Thanks :)
(note: they will not try any fake meat or tofu product)
Try sticking with things that are easy to customize such as pizza and mexican foods. You can do a taco casserole or enchilladas. Maybe even a pasta dish with veggies and beans or with some kind of sauce.
I agree with the mexican foods idea - chili is a good one that isn't too veg*n.
How about Indian curries? That's also a food that doesn't miss the meat.
If you're not vegan, then maybe a veggie lasagna (I wouldn't try noochy sauces if they're not keen on veg*n foods, hence saying to use cheese in this).
Also, can I have the recipe for your spicy peanut sweet potato stew - sounds delish!
Thanks for the all suggestions! ;)b
As for the spicy peanut sweet potato stew, I'm still working out measurements (because I never measure anything when cooking) but as soon as I do I'll post it to the VegWeb recipes!
I love to make vegan shakes for my friends.
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup soymilk
1 vegan
ice as needed
Pour all ingredients in a blender. Set to liquify and blend until smooth. Serve cold, topped with vegan whipped cream and a cherry!
How about tacos made with lentils and all the regular fixin's.
I agree with the chili, it's a familiar food for most omnivorous folk.
Shepherds pie made with lentils or mushrooms and mixed beans is delicious and satisfying.
I am not understanding why it is not a problem on the nights they cook for you. Do you just suffer in silence? Or do you make some of your own food to add to the offerings? And if you do that, then couldn't they do the same?
The arrangement you have sounds very unworkable, especially because your brother and grandmother are reluctant participants. I would suggest that while the actual cooking could be assigned to one person, the menu planning for the week should be a collaborative effort. I would also shift more of the burden onto them to come up with meatless dishes they would be willing to eat. They might also be more receptive to veg recipes that come from omni cookbooks and magazines. Why don't you take out ten cookbooks from the library and dump them on the table and tell them to find something vegetarian for you to cook for dinner?
Spaghetti with sauce full of mushrooms, peppers etc. instead of meat.
Soups---everybody loves good soup. Served up with crusty bread and a good fresh salad with lots of fixings.
Eggplant Parmesan...there are several recipes on VW for this.
My boys are not vegetarian and I find that in addition to Mexican food and pastas, a favorite of theirs is Morningstar Farms Chick patties with marinara sauce and cheese (chick parmesan). Also, soyrizo and egg burritos are faves of theirs. If you are vegan, I can suggest a mac-n-cheez recipe that will fool any omni. It is in the cookbook by Alicia Simpson called Vegan Comfort Food. It is phenominal and all of my meat-eating relatives that have tried it have liked it.
;)b My mom recently went Veg (YEAH MOM!) and she is having trouble getting out of the meat-centered meal mentality. My step-dad still eats meat, so she runs into the same challenges I have cooking for my boys. I love the suggestion of collaborative menu planning. That way, everyone's needs and wants are addressed and met.
Happy cooking!
A homemade veggie burger using rice or beans or quinoa. Or maybe just a grilled portabellow with a slice of onion inside a hamburger bun with a slice of cheese. A mushroom alfredo type recipe would be good too.
Not to sound sacrelig, but learn how to cook meat dishes.
I always make a salad or soup for myself and anyone willing to eat some veggies.
I have found out that my bean meatballs are a hard sell for my meat-loving boys.
Serve dessert for supper, it usually goes well with omnis... Or you could make waffles and fruit salad.