Seasonal Vegetarian Recipes - Easy Cheesy Vegetarian https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/category/season/ Simple vegetarian recipes Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:45:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.5 https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/easycheesyvegetarian_logo.vFINAL-icon-96x96.png Seasonal Vegetarian Recipes - Easy Cheesy Vegetarian https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/category/season/ 32 32 Easy Nut Roast (just mix + bake!) https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/easy-nut-roast/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/easy-nut-roast/#comments Tue, 10 Dec 2024 14:45:54 +0000 https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/?p=84578 This easy nut roast is the perfect vegetarian main course for Christmas or Thanksgiving! Just mix and bake - no pre-cooking required!

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When it comes to vegetarian dishes for Christmas, it’s hard to beat a traditional British nut roast. It’s such a classic vegetarian dish here in the UK – in fact, it’s probably considered pretty retro these days. But there’s a reason the nut roast has stood the test of time. It makes a perfect vegetarian main course for a holiday feast or a cosy Sunday dinner, sliced up and served with a few side dishes.

A vegetarian nut roast on a board with a slice cut off.

My easy nut roast is made with so many tasty ingredients, which all bring different flavours and textures to the loaf – each slice is packed with a little bit of everything (including a little bit of festive flair from the dried cranberries!).

And best of all, this recipe couldn’t be simpler to make. There’s absolutely no pre-cooking required – just mix all the raw ingredients together in a big bowl, then press it into a loaf tin, and let the oven do the rest. I do love a no fuss meal!

πŸ₯œ What is Nut Roast?

If you’re unaware, a nut roast is a hearty loaf made from nuts, vegetables, and whatever other tasty ingredients you like, mixed together and baked to golden perfection. It’s a British recipe, and here in the UK, it’s been a vegetarian favourite for decades, and sometimes it’s probably unfairly considered to be a bit old-fashioned. But I say it’s time to bring back this old favourite!

It’s really hard to beat a nut roast that contains so many wonderful textures and flavours – a soft crunch from the nuts, aromatic herbs, plenty of vegetables, and little pops of festive sweetness from the dried cranberries. It’s wonderful.

A slice of nut roast on a plate with broccoli and potatoes.

🍽 What Makes this Nut Roast so Easy to Make?

Many nut roast recipes call for a long list of (in my opinion) unnecessary steps: pre-cooking vegetables, boiling lentils, blitzing up breadcrumbs…

My version, on the other hand, is all about simplicity. There’s absolutely no pre-cooking required, so no hassle… just deliciousness. It’s such an easy recipe – if you can mix ingredients, you can make this easy nut roast.

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πŸ₯— Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for an easy vegetarian nut roast laid out with text overlay.
  • nuts – I used cashew nuts and peanuts (which happened to be red peanuts, but any type will do!). Nuts can be quite expensive, so honestly, I would just choose whatever nuts make sense to you. If you can find another kind of nut more cheaply, that’s totally fine.
  • vegetables – I used carrot, mushrooms, and red onion. Make sure you chop your veggies nice and finely (or grate them, if appropriate), so that the nut roast holds together nicely.
  • tinned lentils – using a can is so much easier than boiling dried lentils (but you can do that instead, if you prefer).
  • rolled oats – a quicker, and more nutritious, alternative to breadcrumbs.
  • grated cheddar – use a nice mature cheese for extra flavour.
  • eggs – to help hold everything together.
  • fresh sage – brings a Christmassy flavour. Use dried sage if you prefer, though I do like having the whole leaves to garnish the nut roast.
  • dried oregano (or any other dried herb you like)
  • garlic – I used minced garlic from a jar because it’s quick and easy, and I hate chopping fresh garlic.
  • dried cranberries – you can skip these if you’re not a fan, but they really do bring a nice touch of sweetness to the nut roast.

This recipe is quite versatile, so you could swap out some of the ingredients, if you’d like to. For example:

  • Most other kinds of nuts will also work just fine – use whatever you like. Walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, etc. will all be great. You don’t have to only choose two. I used plain, unroasted and unsalted nuts, but roasted nuts will also work. If yours are pre-salted, don’t add any additional salt to the nut roast.
  • You can swap out the vegetables I chose (mushrooms, carrots and red onion) if you like – just make sure you chop everything quite finely, as big chunks of vegetable may stop the loaf from holding together strongly. Grated parsnip, chopped bell peppers, or finely chopped broccoli should all work okay. I’d avoid anything too wet, like tomatoes or zucchini (courgette), or you might end up with a soggy loaf.
  • The herbs can be swapped for any other herbs (fresh or dried) you have on hand. Nut roast is a great opportunity to use woody herbs, like thyme or rosemary, but fresher herbs like parsley will also work well.

Becca’s Top Tip

If you’re using woody herbs like sage, thyme or rosemary, make sure you remove any tough stalks before chopping.


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

πŸ”ͺ Equipment

To make this easy nut roast, all I used was a large mixing bowl, and a metal loaf tin.

If you have one of those fancy vegetable choppers (like these ones on Amazon US / Amazon UK), that would speed you up, but it certainly isn’t a necessity.

A vegetarian nut roast on a board with a slice cut off.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

A vegetarian nut roast with a slice cut off.
Print

Easy Nut Roast

This easy nut roast is the perfect vegetarian main course for Christmas or Thanksgiving! Just mix and bake – no pre-cooking required!
Course Main Course
Cuisine British, English
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 480kcal

Ingredients

  • 170 g (~ 6 oz) carrot (1 large or 2 small)
  • 185 g (~ 6 1/2 oz) mushrooms
  • 1 red onion
  • 120 g (~ 1 cup) cashew nuts
  • 120 g (~ 3/4 cup) peanuts
  • 50 g (~ 1/3 cup) dried cranberries (optional)
  • 2 sprigs fresh sage
  • 100 g (~ 1 cup) rolled oats
  • 100 g mature cheddar cheese, grated (~ 1 cup when grated)
  • 400 g tin lentils, drained (265g, or ~ 1 cup, when drained)
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 3 eggs

Instructions

  • First, grate the carrots (I didn’t bother peeling mine), and finely chop the mushrooms and the red onion.
    Finely chopped mushrooms, red onion and carrot on a cutting board.
  • Roughly chop the nuts. You don’t need to be precise about it – it’s actually quite nice to have a bit of variety in size (and therefore texture). You could even leave a few of the smaller nuts whole.
    Chopped peanuts and cashew nuts on a cutting board.
  • Chop the dried cranberries into smaller pieces. Remove any woody stems from the sage, and finely chop.
    Chopped sage and dried cranberries on a cutting board.
  • Heat the oven to 180Β°C (Gas Mark 4 / 350Β°F). Line a loaf tin (mine measured 9 x 5 inches) with non-stick baking paper, and lightly spray it with oil.
    A lined, oiled loaf tin.
  • Add all of the previous ingredients to a large mixing bowl, along with the rolled oats, grated cheese, drained tin of lentils, garlic, dried herbs, and salt and pepper.
    Raw ingredients for nut roast in a large bowl.
  • Mix everything together very thoroughly. It’s worth taking a bit of time over this – spend a few minutes mixing to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. Then add the eggs, and continue to mash everything together very thoroughly. You may even find it easier to use (clean!) hands to get everything well mixed.
    Raw nut roast mixture combined in a large bowl.
  • Scoop the mixture into the prepared loaf tin, pressing down firmly in between scoops to ensure everything is well compacted. You can use a smaller spoon to press down right to the edges and corners of the pan. Try to make the top of the loaf as level as possible (not heaped), as this will end up being the base of your nut roast.
    Uncooked nut roast in a loaf tin.
  • Place in the centre of the oven, and roast for up to an hour. Ovens do differ, so keep an eye on it – it’s ready when it is firm and golden brown.
    A crispy nut roast in a loaf tin.
  • Carefully turn the nut roast out of the tin (loosen the edges with a knife, if needed). Slice to serve.
    A slice of nut roast served with broccoli and potatoes.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1thick slice | Calories: 480kcal | Carbohydrates: 40.4g | Protein: 21.3g | Fat: 28.7g | Saturated Fat: 7.7g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 552mg | Potassium: 623mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 10.8g | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 5mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

How to serve nut roast?

I love to serve nut roast with some sort of sauce, like a dollop of cranberry sauce or a vegetarian gravy. However, it’s not a necessity.

How should I reheat any leftovers?

I like to reheat slices of leftover nut roast in the microwave (thin slices are amazing in a post-Christmas sandwich!). You can also reheat in the oven, or even pan fry individual slices on the stovetop.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes – ideally, you’d assemble the whole nut roast the day before, then store it in the fridge, and bake it just before serving. Bear in mind that if it’s cold from the fridge, it may take a little longer to cook.

Can I freeze my nut roast?

Yes. Once it’s cooked and cooled, store it in a freezer-safe container, and freeze. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven. Cover it with foil or a lid to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

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Slow Cooker Corn Casserole https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/slow-cooker-sweetcorn-casserole/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/slow-cooker-sweetcorn-casserole/#comments Wed, 13 Nov 2024 12:32:30 +0000 http://www.amuse-your-bouche.com/2012/10/16/slow-cooker-sweetcorn-casserole/ This slow cooker corn casserole is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! It couldn't be easier to make.

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I’ve always remembered a corn casserole recipe that an American family friend once cooked for us. It was a long time ago now, but it was so delicious that I still dream about it (not literally, unfortunately). So this is my version, which I think does a pretty good job of paying homage to the original. The flavours are incredible – it’s slightly sweet, slightly salty, with just a touch of heat.

A bowl of slow cooker corn casserole with a spoon.

This recipe seems so American to me (a non-American), perhaps because of the slight sweetness, which seems to be a quite a common thing in American food. It actually works so well, and the wonderful puddingy mixture holds it all together beautifully.

🌽 How to Serve Corn Casserole

This sweetcorn casserole is intended to be a side dish – perhaps as part of a Thanksgiving or Christmas feast. A scoop of this would be amazing on a plate with a vegetarian main course, some roast potatoes, and a couple of other vegetable dishes (roasted green beans are a good option!).

Since this corn casserole is quite a rich dish, with plenty of flavour, it’s a good idea to serve it alongside some more simple dishes (like simply boiled or roasted veggies), so they’re not competing for attention on the plate!

A large spoon taking a scoop of corn casserole from a slow cooker.

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πŸ₯— Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for slow cooker corn casserole laid out with text overlay.
  • canned sweetcorn
  • eggs
  • plain flour
  • milk
  • butter
  • cheddar cheese
  • sugar (optional, but it gives a lovely hint of sweetness)
  • pickled red jalapeΓ±os (again, optional, but they bring so much flavour)

Becca’s Top Tip

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you might like to try an oven-baked version of this dish instead – like my cheesy sweetcorn pudding.


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

πŸ”ͺ Equipment

This corn casserole recipe requires a slow cooker. I use a digital Crock-Pot with a 4.7 litre (~ 5 quart) capacity. If your slow cooker is a significantly different size to mine, you may need to adjust the cooking time of this recipe slightly (and possibly double it up, if you have a particularly large pot!).

I’ve had my slow cooker since 2014 (!), and it’s never failed me. I would highly recommend it. You can get it on Amazon UK, or here’s a similar one from the same brand on Amazon US:

Crock-Pot Slow Cooker
If you're in the UK or Canada, click the link to see a local product.
Overhead shot of slow cooker corn casserole in a bowl.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

A bowl of slow cooker corn casserole with a spoon.
Print

Slow Cooker Corn Casserole

This slow cooker corn casserole is the perfect side dish for your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner! It couldn't be easier to make.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 40 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 231kcal

Ingredients

  • 15 g (~ 1 Tbsp) butter
  • 2 Tbsp plain flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 150 ml (~ 1/2 cup) milk
  • 2 tsp white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 520 g (~ 3 cups) drained canned sweetcorn
  • 1 Tbsp pickled red jalapeno slices, chopped (optional)
  • 100 g mature cheddar cheese, grated (~ 1 cup when grated)

Instructions

  • Melt the butter in the microwave, and add it to the slow cooker pot, along with the flour, eggs and milk. Whisk well to combine.
    Milk, flour and eggs in a slow cooker.
  • Add the remaining ingredients, and mix thoroughly.
    Uncooked ingredients for slow cooker corn casserole in a pot.
  • Cook on high for approximately 3 1/2 hours, or until the eggs have fully set and the mixture has just started to crisp up. I garnished mine with a little dried parsley.
    Fully cooked slow cooker corn casserole in a Crock-Pot.
  • Scoop into a bowl to serve.
    A bowl of slow cooker corn casserole with a spoon.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 26.5g | Protein: 10.8g | Fat: 10.9g | Saturated Fat: 5.8g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 363mg | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 6.4g | Calcium: 159mg | Iron: 4mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can this corn casserole be reheated?

Yes – if needed, it can be reheated in the microwave. Make sure it’s piping hot before serving, but don’t overdo it, or the corn can become a bit too chewy.

Can you freeze corn casserole?

This corn casserole is best eaten fresh, but if needed, it can be frozen in an air-tight tub for up to 3 months.

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Extra Special Tabbouleh Salad with Halloumi https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/quick-tabbouleh-salad-grilled-halloumi/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/quick-tabbouleh-salad-grilled-halloumi/#comments Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:48:55 +0000 http://www.amuse-your-bouche.com/2013/03/22/quick-tabbouleh-salad-with-grilled-halloumi/ An extra special version of tabbouleh with halloumi cheese, chickpeas, olives, and much more! A tasty, healthy vegetarian salad.

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Have you ever had tabbouleh? It’s the perfect fresh and tasty summer salad.

Well, this isn’t your usual tabbouleh salad – it’s made extra special with the addition of some of my all-time favourite ingredients: crispy halloumi, hearty chickpeas, salty olives, and lots more. Every bite has a different mixture of tasty ingredients – it’s pretty healthy, but totally irresistible at the same time (and that’s not always an easy combination to achieve!).

Tabbouleh salad in a bowl with extra cucumber and halloumi cheese.

This tabbouleh is a total game-changer for this warm weather. I cooked up a big batch and it kept us going for a few days, served alongside something different each time – it’s so nice to have something tasty in the fridge that I can grab whenever I need a nice, quick side dish.

Because of the variety of ingredients in this tabbouleh, it can be served as a standalone meal, or as a side dish alongside something else. Check below for some serving ideas!

πŸ₯— What Is Tabbouleh?

Tabbouleh is a salad that originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, that’s usually made from bulgur wheat, parsley, mint and tomatoes. It’s super simple, but with heaps of flavour.

The traditional tabbouleh recipe is undoubtedly delicious, but I decided to make this version even more tasty by adding a few additional ingredients, like chickpeas, olives, cucumber, and halloumi cheese. They make the salad more hearty too, so it can function as a whole meal on its own.

🌾 What is Bulgur Wheat?

If you’ve never had bulgur wheat before, you’re missing out! It’s similar to couscous, in that it’s tiny pieces of wheat-based grain, almost like tiny pieces of pasta. It’s mild and nutty, and just like other grains, it can take on any flavour profile you want it to.

Bulgur wheat is a whole grain, so it’s really good for you too.

A portion of tabbouleh on a plate with hummus and pitta bread.

🍚 What to Serve with Tabbouleh

A big batch of this extra special tabbouleh will probably last you a couple of days in the fridge (depending on how many people you’re serving!), so it’s perfect to cook in bulk. I like to have a few different things ready to serve alongside it. Here are a few ideas:

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πŸ₯— Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for extra special tabbouleh salad laid out with text overlay.
  • bulgur wheat. If you have the choice, go for a fine bulgur rather than a coarse one. Quinoa or couscous would also work, if that’s what you have on hand; check the cooking instructions on the packet if you’re using an alternative grain.
  • canned chickpeas
  • olives. I used a mixture of whole green olives and sliced black olives, which gave a nice variety of texture and flavour.
  • halloumi cheese. The halloumi will be served cold in this salad, and can become a little ‘squeaky’. I personally love this, but if you’re not a fan of cold halloumi, you could easily swap this for crumbled feta or any other cheese.
  • pine nuts (or an alternative nut or seed)
  • lemon juice (I used fresh)
  • fresh parsley and mint
  • tomatoes. Use good quality tomatoes with lots of flavour – the ones that smell like a greenhouse!
  • cucumber
  • vegetable stock. I used a stock cube, which I crumbled into hot water. You can use liquid stock if that’s what you have – just heat it up before adding to the bulgur.

Since I’ve already added lots of different ingredients to the traditional tabbouleh recipe, there’s no reason you couldn’t change up the recipe again with your own choices. The more you change, the further away from a ‘proper’ tabbouleh you will get, but it will always end up delicious, and I don’t believe in having too many rules when it comes to food!

Here are a few ideas for other no-cook ingredients you could add (but don’t use all of them at once!):

  • pumpkin seeds
  • tinned sweetcorn
  • soft goat cheese
  • crumbled feta cheese
  • sliced spring onions
  • diced red onion
  • balsamic vinegar
  • black beans
  • chopped cilantro (fresh coriander)
  • chopped basil
  • sun-dried tomatoes
  • cooked baby potatoes (or tinned potatoes)

Becca’s Top Tip

When I made my tabbouleh, I toasted the halloumi cheese and pine nuts in a pan to give them extra flavour. If you’re in a rush, you can easily add them raw instead, or swap them for an alternative ingredient.


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

A mixing bowl full of tabbouleh salad with tomatoes and halloumi cheese.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

Extra special tabbouleh salad with halloumi and olives.
Print

Extra Special Tabbouleh with Halloumi Cheese

An extra special version of tabbouleh with halloumi cheese, chickpeas, olives, and much more! A tasty, healthy vegetarian salad.
Course Appetiser, Light lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine Middle Eastern
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 572kcal

Ingredients

  • 200 g (~ 1 cup) bulgur wheat
  • 400 g tin chickpeas, drained (240g, or ~ 1 1/4 cups, when drained)
  • 350 ml (~ 1 1/3 cups) vegetable stock (I use low salt)
  • 6 inch piece cucumber
  • 250 g (~ 9 oz) good quality tomatoes
  • Small bunch fresh parsley
  • Small bunch fresh mint
  • 75 g (~ 2 1/2 oz) olives (black, green, or both)
  • 3 Tbsp lemon juice (I used fresh)
  • 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 225 g (~ 8 oz) halloumi cheese
  • 2 Tbsp pine nuts

Instructions

  • Place the bulgur wheat and the drained chickpeas in a mixing bowl, and add the hot vegetable stock. I used a stock cube, so I crumbled that into the bowl and added boiling water straight from the kettle. If you’re using liquid vegetable stock instead, bring it to the boil in a saucepan, and then add it to the bulgur. Mix to combine, cover the bowl with a plate or lid, and set aside. Give it a stir every 5 minutes or so.
    Chickpeas and bulgur wheat soaking in stock in a bowl.
  • While the bulgur is soaking, cut up the cucumber and tomatoes into small dice. Add it to a large mixing bowl (not the same bowl as the bulgur).
    Chopped cucumber and tomatoes in a mixing bowl.
  • Sort through the mint and parsley, removing any particularly tough stems. Chop the leaves thoroughly.
    Chopped parsley and mint on a chopping board.
  • Check on the bulgur mixture, giving it a good stir. It should have absorbed any excess liquid from the bowl. If the bulgur still tastes a little hard, add a splash more hot water, replace the lid, and leave to sit for a little longer. Once the bulgur is softened up to your liking, uncover the bowl, and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes.
    Cooked bulgur wheat and chickpeas in a mixing bowl.
  • Add the (mostly) cooled bulgur mixture to the tomatoes, along with the chopped herbs, olives, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine, and place in the fridge to chill fully.
    A simple tabbouleh salad with chickpeas and olives in a bowl.
  • Cut the halloumi cheese into 1cm dice, and add it to a dry frying pan over a medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or so, stirring regularly, until the cheese has released its liquid. Add the pine nuts to the pan, and cook for a few more minutes, until both the cheese and the nuts are golden brown. They can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.
    Diced halloumi and pine nuts toasting in a frying pan.
  • Add the cheese and nuts to the salad. You can serve it immediately, while the cheese is still warm, or chill again to serve later.
    A large bowlful of tabbouleh salad with halloumi cheese and olives.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 572kcal | Carbohydrates: 56.1g | Protein: 22.6g | Fat: 31.5g | Saturated Fat: 11.6g | Cholesterol: 39mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 586mg | Fiber: 14.8g | Sugar: 4.9g | Calcium: 475mg | Iron: 5mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare this tabbouleh in advance?

Tabbouleh is the perfect salad to prepare in advance, and keep in the fridge to last you a couple of days. The only part you might prefer to cook fresh is the halloumi cheese. It goes a little squeaky as it cools, which I really enjoy, but if you prefer, you can cook and add the cheese just before serving.

How to serve leftover tabbouleh?

You don’t need to do anything special to leftover tabbouleh – it’s perfect served straight out of the fridge. If you don’t want to eat the exact same meal multiple days in a row, there are a few ideas for serving suggestions in the blog post above.

Is tabbouleh gluten-free?

No, as bulgur wheat contains gluten. If you need to make your tabbouleh gluten-free, you can swap the bulgur for a gluten-free grain instead, like quinoa or rice.

Can I make this tabbouleh vegan?

Absolutely – just skip the halloumi cheese, or swap it for your favourite vegan cheese, and you’ll have a delicious vegan salad.

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Peach and Mozzarella Salad with Rocket https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/peach-mozzarella-rocket-salad-balsamic-homemade-croutons/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/peach-mozzarella-rocket-salad-balsamic-homemade-croutons/#comments Tue, 23 Jul 2024 09:55:12 +0000 http://www.amuse-your-bouche.com/2012/08/28/peach-and-mozzarella-rocket-salad-with-balsamic-and-homemade-croutons/ This peach and mozzarella salad is bursting with fresh summer flavour, including sweet peach, creamy cheese, and crunchy homemade croutons!

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A plate with peach and mozzarella salad and homemade croutons.

I always used to think I wasn’t a salad lover, but it turns out I just don’t like boring salads. And this peach and mozzarella salad is far from boring! Every ingredient in this salad brings something a bit different to the party:

  • fresh peaches and tomatoes bring a sweet juiciness
  • pumpkin seeds and homemade croutons bring a nice crunch
  • rocket leaves bring a peppery flavour
  • fresh mozzarella cheese brings a rich creaminess
  • and the balsamic dressing ties it all together and adds a nice tang

The combination is just *chef’s kiss*.

As with most of my recipes, you can switch up the ingredients of this peach salad however you like. I’ve added some ideas below!

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πŸ₯— Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for peach and mozzarella salad laid out with text overlay.
  • salad leaves – I love to include rocket (arugula) in my salads, because it has a wonderful, peppery flavour. It can be a little intense on its own, so I like to use a mixture of different leaves – this time I used a bagged salad that included rocket, spinach, baby red leaf, and mizuna leaves.
  • fresh mozzarella
  • fresh peach (make sure it’s a nice ripe one)
  • bread – to make homemade croutons. One large slice, or two small slices, is plenty, and it’s totally fine to use slightly stale bread.
  • cherry tomatoes (or plum tomatoes, or similar)
  • pumpkin seeds
  • balsamic vinegar

If you’d like to use different ingredients, try to swap like for like, so you retain the balance of crunchy, sweet, tangy, etc. For example:

  • pumpkin seeds could be swapped for pine nuts, chopped walnuts, or cashews.
  • fresh mozzarella could be swapped for crumbled feta, cubes of marinated tofu, or halloumi cheese.
  • fresh peaches could be swapped for diced plums, apples, strawberries, or a similar juicy fruit.

Becca’s Top Tip

If you’re planning to prepare this recipe in advance, wait to add the dressing until just before serving, to avoid soggy leaves. I’d also recommend storing the croutons separately until you’re ready to serve, so the juicier ingredients don’t make them soft.


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

Mozzarella and peach salad with homemade croutons and tomatoes.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

Peach and mozzarella salad with homemade croutons, tomatoes and pumpkin seeds.
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Peach and Mozzarella Salad with Rocket

This peach and mozzarella salad is bursting with fresh summer flavour, including sweet peach, creamy cheese, and crunchy homemade croutons!
Course Appetiser, Light lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 573kcal

Ingredients

For the croutons:

  • 1 slice bread (or 2 small slices) – stale bread is fine
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the dressing:

  • 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

To assemble:

  • 90 g (~ 3 oz) salad greens, including rocket (arugula)
  • 125 g (~ 4 1/2 oz) fresh mozzarella cheese
  • 1 ripe peach
  • ~ 8 cherry tomatoes
  • 2 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

Instructions

  • Cut the bread into bitesized pieces, and add to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and add plenty of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well coated in the oil. Cook the croutons until golden brown and crispy. I cooked mine for 5 minutes in the air fryer at 200Β°C (400Β°F), but you could also bake in the oven for 5-10 minutes. However you cook them, keep an eye on them, as they can burn quite quickly. Set aside to cool.
    Cubes of crusty bread with olive oil and pepper in a bowl.
  • To make the balsamic dressing, simply combine the balsamic vinegar and the extra virgin olive oil. The easiest way is to put them in a small jar with a lid, and shake hard. Alternatively, you can use a small whisk, or even a mini food processor. Keep mixing until the two ingredients have emulsified to give a cohesive dressing.
    A hand holding a small jar with balsamic dressing.
  • Cut the mozzarella, peach and tomatoes into bitesized pieces. When you're ready to eat, combine all of the salad ingredients in a bowl, including the cooled croutons and the dressing. Mix well.
    A mixing bowl with peaches, mozzarella and homemade croutons.
  • Serve immediately after adding the dressing. If you'd like to prepare the recipe in advance, wait until serving to add the croutons and dressing to the other ingredients.
    A plate with a portion of peach and mozzarella salad.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 573kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.2g | Protein: 18.4g | Fat: 37.2g | Saturated Fat: 3.6g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 992mg | Potassium: 592mg | Fiber: 4.3g | Sugar: 12.3g | Calcium: 288mg | Iron: 3mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

The recipe is so easy to make that ideally, you’ll prepare everything fresh, just before eating. However, if you want to get a headstart, you can chop the ingredients and get them ready before assembling. Store the cut ingredients in sealed tubs in the fridge. I would recommend combining the ingredients, especially the croutons and dressing, just before serving to avoid soggy croutons.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight tub for up to 3 days. However, leftovers may become a little soggy, so this salad is best eaten fresh if possible.

What should I serve with this peach and mozzarella salad?

This salad is great served on its own as a light lunch, or in a smaller portion as an appetiser. Alternatively, you could serve it as a side dish. It has plenty of flavour on its own, so serve it with something simple – perhaps some baked tofu, roasted chickpeas, or even just some fresh bread and butter.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Sure – just swap the mozzarella for your favourite vegan cheese, or even cubes of tofu.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes – just use your favourite gluten-free bread for the croutons, or use a shop-bought gluten-free crouton. Alternatively, you could swap the croutons for an alternative crunchy ingredient, like some more seeds or nuts (walnuts would be tasty!).

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Mediterranean Vegetable Flatbreads with Goat Cheese https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/mediterranean-vegetable-flatbread/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/mediterranean-vegetable-flatbread/#comments Mon, 24 Jun 2024 10:51:42 +0000 http://www.amuse-your-bouche.com/?p=753 Mediterranean vegetable flatbreads, piled up with sweet and jammy veggies, creamy dressing, soft goat cheese and fresh basil.

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Vegetable lovers, this one’s for you! These Mediterranean vegetable flatbreads really highlight the incredible flavours of juicy, caramelised veggies, heaping them all up on a fluffy flatbread, drizzling with a creamy, herby sauce, and sprinkling with soft, tangy goat cheese.

If that hasn’t convinced you to cook this recipe, I don’t know what will.

A soft chapatti topped with vegetables and goat cheese.

This is such a versatile recipe, as you can really swap the toppings depending on what you have on hand (it’s a great fridge clearer!), or just what you feel like eating on any given day. Try it with different vegetables, different cheese, different herbs… the possibilities are endless.

The key to making the vegetables so good is to cook them long and slow. I’d recommend keeping the splash of balsamic vinegar – it really helps the veggies to caramelise and go nice and jammy!

πŸ«“ What Type of Flatbreads Can I Use?

There are so many different kinds of flatbreads in the world – pretty much every country has their own version. Almost all of them will work for this recipe, so choose your favourite!

A few examples:

The ones I used this time were actually chapattis – the sort of thing I would usually serve to scoop up big mouthfuls of homemade dal. But bread is bread, and there’s no reason you can’t use it to make these tasty vegetable-topped flatbreads instead!

πŸ₯— Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for Mediterranean vegetable flatbreads laid out with text overlay.
  • flatbreads (see above!)
  • vegetables – I used red onion, bell pepper, mushrooms and tomatoes. You can use different vegetables if you like, but make sure you use veggies that improve with a long cooking time, rather than becoming mushy (I wouldn’t use broccoli, for example). Other Mediterranean-style vegetables would be great, e.g. zucchini (courgette), eggplant (aubergine), or sweetcorn.
  • sour cream
  • fresh basil – or a dollop of basil pesto instead, if you prefer.
  • soft goat’s cheese – if you don’t like goat’s cheese, you could use pretty much any other cheese you like, e.g. pieces of brie, grated cheddar, grilled halloumi, or crumbled feta.
  • balsamic vinegar

Becca’s Top Tip

If you want to make these flatbreads even more hearty and filling, try adding some roasted chickpeas or roasted black beans too!


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

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A flatbread partially wrapped around Mediterranean vegetables and goat cheese.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

A Mediterranean vegetable flatbread on a plate.
Print

Mediterranean Vegetable Flatbreads with Goat Cheese

Mediterranean vegetable flatbreads, piled up with sweet and jammy veggies, creamy dressing, soft goat cheese and fresh basil.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 3 people
Calories 449kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp oil (I used olive oil)
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 250 g (~ 9 oz) mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (I used orange), sliced or diced
  • 225 g (~ 8 oz) cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • Few sprigs fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 Tbsp sour cream
  • 3 flatbreads (I used chapattis)
  • 125 g (~ 4 1/2 oz) soft goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  • Heat a little oil in a large frying pan, and add the chopped red onion, mushrooms, pepper and tomatoes. Cook over a medium heat for around 20-30 minutes, until they are very soft and juicy.
    Uncooked Mediterranean vegetables in a frying pan.
  • Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan, and cook for 5 more minutes. If you like, you can turn up the heat just a little, to help the vegetables caramelise in the vinegar. Stir regularly to make sure they don’t burn.
    Mediterranean vegetables cooking in a frying pan.
  • While the vegetables are cooking, combine the chopped basil and the sour cream in a small bowl. Mix well.
    Basil and sour cream mixed in a small bowl.
  • If you like, you can warm up the flatbreads – either for a few seconds in the microwave, or in a dry frying pan over a medium heat for a minute or so each side. This is especially helpful if you're planning to wrap up your flatbreads, as it makes them more pliable.
    A chapatti warming through in a frying pan.
  • Top each flatbread with some of the Mediterranean vegetables, a few dollops of the herby sour cream, and some crumbled goat cheese. Serve immediately.
    A flatbread topped with vegetables and sour cream.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1flatbread | Calories: 449kcal | Carbohydrates: 46.2g | Protein: 19.6g | Fat: 21.9g | Saturated Fat: 10.6g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 740mg | Potassium: 621mg | Fiber: 4.5g | Sugar: 10g | Calcium: 225mg | Iron: 6mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You could certainly pre-cook the vegetables in advance (especially since they take a little while to caramelise), then reheat them and assemble the flatbreads when you’re ready to serve.

How should I store any leftovers?

If you have any cooked vegetables left over, allow them to cool, then store them in an air-tight tub in the fridge for up to 3 days. They’re best reheated in the microwave, or in a frying pan. Ideally, you’ll store any other leftover ingredients (flatbreads, cheese, etc.) separately, to avoid soggy bread.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely – just use a vegan sour cream and your favourite vegan cheese. Or, swap the cheese for a good smear of hummus instead.

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Creamy Zigzag Tortilla Bake https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/creamy-zigzag-tortilla-bake/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/creamy-zigzag-tortilla-bake/#comments Wed, 15 May 2024 13:18:37 +0000 https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/?p=83443 Folding tortillas into zigzags makes the BEST creamy tortilla bake! I'm going to use this method again and again.

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Not to be dramatic… but I think this zigzag tortilla bake might just be my favourite recipe of the year so far.

On top, it’s got plenty of melted cheese, with nice crispy bits on all the edges of tortilla.

And underneath, it’s gooey and creamy, with tasty vegetables and tomato sauce.

I’ve never tried the ‘zigzag’ method before… but it’s definitely one I will be trying again and again!

A baking dish with creamy zigzag tortilla bake topped with cheese.

The zigzag method I used in this tortilla bake was inspired by this Instagram post I stumbled upon, from a Turkish recipe creator called Sema Cenik. It looked like such a fun way of making a tasty bake that I had to give it a try myself! And I’m glad I did – it was such a success.

Apart from the zigzag tortillas, the rest of this recipe is totally different to the one I saw on Instagram, but that’s the nice thing about it – you can change the ingredients around to suit your own preferences! I knew my version would have to contain plenty of cheese, of course.

πŸ€” What’s all this about Zigzag Tortillas?

You may be wondering what I mean with all this talk of ‘zigzag tortillas’.

Basically, rather than simply layering the tortillas (like in Mexican lasagne), or rolling them (like in enchiladas), they’re folded into a zigzag shape, like this, and then stacked vertically alongside each other:

A tortilla wrap folded into zigzags.

This method makes lots of edges of tortilla stick upwards, which makes a lovely rough surface for the top of the bake.

  • lots of crevices to hold melty cheese
  • lots of edges to get beautifully crispy
  • and it’s pretty fun to make!

And if you think it looks complicated or fiddly, please remember – I don’t do complicated. Ever. Even if you fold your tortillas into the most scruffy, uneven zigzags ever, it’s really no problem. It will all end up tasting great!

πŸ₯— Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for creamy zigzag tortilla bake with text overlay.
  • flour tortillas – I used nice large ones that were the same length as my baking dish. Corn tortillas could also work.
  • cream cheese – this is what’s going to add that sense of luxury to your tortilla bake.
  • tomato sauce – passata will work nicely, or your favourite pasta or pizza sauce. You could even use salsa or enchilada sauce, if that’s what you have on hand. Not ketchup!
  • red onion – not white onion, as the flavour is too intense for this dish. It’s only in the oven for about 25 minutes, so you need the milder flavour of a red onion.
  • black olives – my favourite! Skip them or swap them if you’re not an olive fan.
  • fresh basil – parsley or cilantro (coriander) would also be great.
  • grated cheese – for the gooey topping. I used cheddar, but mozzarella or similar would also work well.

You could easily swap the onion and olives for something else, if you want to use up what you already have. Choose ingredients that cook quickly, as it doesn’t need long to bake. Here are a few ideas:

  • canned sweetcorn
  • spring onions
  • canned black beans
  • finely chopped mushrooms
  • finely chopped bell peppers
  • chopped garlic

Becca’s Top Tip

Because of the cheese and tomato sauce, this tortilla bake ends up having a bit of an Italian-inspired pizza vibe – so if you can’t decide what to put inside, take some inspiration from your favourite vegetarian pizza toppings!


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

πŸ”ͺ Equipment

All you’ll need for this recipe is a ceramic baking dish. If you have one that’s about the same length as the diameter of your tortillas, that’s ideal!

Here’s an example of a perfect dish on Amazon, with great reviews:

Ceramic Baking Dishes
I use a ceramic dish very similar to this one!
If you're in the UK or Australia, click 'Buy on Amazon' to view a local product.

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A portion of creamy zigzag tortilla bake on a plate with salad.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

Overhead view of creamy zigzag tortilla bake in a dish.
Print

Creamy Zigzag Tortilla Bake

Folding tortillas into zigzags makes the BEST creamy tortilla bake! I'm going to use this method again and again.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 3 people
Calories 526kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 small red onion, finely diced
  • 2 Tbsp sliced black olives
  • Few sprigs fresh basil, chopped (remove any tough stems)
  • 200 g (~ 7 oz) cream cheese
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 200 g (~ 7 oz) tomato sauce (e.g. pasta sauce or passata)
  • 4 large flour tortillas
  • 100 g (~ 1 cup) grated cheddar cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 190Β°C (Gas Mark 5 / 375Β°F). If you'd like to, practise folding the tortillas into zigzag shapes – it's easier to practise this technique before you spread them with the creamy filling! You don't have to pre-fold the tortillas if you don't want to.
    A tortilla wrap folded into zigzags.
  • Add the diced red onion to a mixing bowl, along with the sliced olives, chopped basil, cream cheese, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
    Cream cheese, red onion and olives mixed together in a bowl.
  • Spread a spoonful or two of tomato sauce around the bottom of a baking dish (mine measured approx. 10 x 7 inches) – just a thin layer, to prevent the tortillas from sticking.
    A thin layer of tomato sauce spread around the bottom of a baking dish.
  • Spread about a quarter of the cream cheese mixture across one of the tortillas. Fold in a zig-zag shape like you practised before (watch the recipe video to see my technique if you need help!).
    A tortilla wrap spread with cream cheese, red onion and olives.
  • Lay the folded tortilla cheese-side-up in the baking tray. Repeat with the other 3 tortillas and the rest of the cheese mixture, placing the folded tortillas side by side in the dish.
    Zigzag folded tortillas stuffed with cream cheese in a baking dish.
  • Pour the remaining tomato sauce evenly across the tortillas in the dish.
    Unbaked creamy zigzag tortilla bake topped with tomato sauce.
  • Top with grated cheese.
    Unbaked creamy zigzag tortilla bake topped with grated cheese.
  • Bake for around 20-25 minutes, until crispy on top and piping hot throughout. If the cheese is crisping up before the rest of the bake is piping hot, cover it with foil and cook a little longer.
    Cooked creamy zigzag tortilla bake.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1portion | Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 42.2g | Protein: 18.1g | Fat: 31.2g | Saturated Fat: 17.4g | Cholesterol: 83mg | Sodium: 935mg | Potassium: 340mg | Fiber: 3.7g | Sugar: 6.6g | Calcium: 296mg | Iron: 1mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can I prep this tortilla bake in advance?

Yes! If you want to prepare this recipe in advance, I would fully assemble the dish without baking it, then leave it in the fridge for up to a day or so, until you’re ready to bake and serve. If the uncooked bake is cold from the fridge, it will take longer to cook fully, so you might need to cover the dish with foil to ensure the cheese doesn’t burn.

Can I freeze this bake?

I haven’t tried freezing this recipe, but similar cheesy bakes usually freeze nicely, so I definitely say it’s worth a try.

How should I reheat any leftovers?

Personally I would reheat any leftovers for a few minutes in the microwave. You could also reheat in a low oven, but this might cause the dish to dry out and become overly crispy.

What to serve with tortilla bake?

This bake is pretty rich and creamy, so a light salad on the side is perfect!

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Feta and Roasted Vegetable Crustless Quiche https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/roasted-vegetable-crustless-quiche/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/roasted-vegetable-crustless-quiche/#comments Fri, 10 May 2024 14:47:16 +0000 https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/?p=83263 This tasty vegetarian crustless quiche is packed with roasted vegetables and chunks of feta cheese - so much flavour, and no pastry!

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Do you love quiche, but hate working with pastry? If so, you’re not alone! I’m a good cook, but I’m not a particularly good pΓ’tissiΓ¨re (I can barely spell the word).

Luckily, I’ve got the answer for you: crustless quiche! It’s quiche, without the crust.

This is an advertisement. Thank you to Barefoot Wine for sponsoring this post. Find out more here.

And I know what you’re probably thinking: What’s the point of eating quiche if you don’t get a flaky pastry crust?

Well, the point is:

  • colourful roasted vegetables, full of sweetness
  • chunks of creamy, salty feta cheese
  • a fluffy egg mixture infused with the bright flavour of herby pesto

This crustless quiche is absolutely delightful – and, you don’t have to faff about with pastry. Win win!

πŸ₯š Is Crustless Quiche the same as Frittata?

Crustless quiche and frittata are very similar, and in some cases, the terms could probably be used interchangeably.

However, in this crustless quiche recipe, I added a small amount of flour to the egg mixture, which helps to make it a bit of a sturdier texture – as opposed to a light and fluffy frittata. If you need your quiche to be gluten-free, you can skip the flour altogether, but be aware that the end result might be a little more delicate.

Barefoot wine laid on a table with crustless quiche.

🍷 How to Serve Crustless Quiche

For me, this veggie-packed quiche is the perfect light meal to share with friends in the sunshine – one of those days where wine is justifiable at any hour, whether it’s brunch, lunch, or dinner… Can you imagine sitting outdoors, munching on this colourful meal, and sipping a glass of red wine in the sunshine…? Absolute heaven!

I decided to serve my vegetable quiche with some herby new potatoes, fresh salad, and a glass of Zinfandel from Barefoot Wine. If you’re serving your quiche as more of a brunch dish, try it with fresh fruit, and crusty bread and butter. I can feel the sunshine on my face already.

I tend to lean towards white wine rather than red, but this was actually a really good combination, and the Barefoot Zinfandel was perfectly smooth to drink – went down a treat. I’m no wine expert, so here’s a quote from someone who knows a lot more about the stuff than I do:

5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
5 star rating
“The robust and fruity character ofΒ BarefootΒ California Zinfandel makes it an ideal companion for cheese-centric dishes like a Vegetarian Quiche. Zinfandel’s bold berry notes and subtle spice perfectly complement the creamy richness of the cheese. This pairing highlights Zinfandel’s versatility, demonstrating its prowess in elevating the diverse flavours of vegetarian cuisine while showcasing its affinity for cheese.”
Jennifer Wall
Winemaker, Barefoot Wine

Would you try a glass of Zinfandel with your vegetable quiche? Or would you go for a white or rose wine instead?

A glass of Barefoot Zinfandel red wine.

πŸ₯— Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for feta and roasted vegetable crustless quiche laid out with text overlay.
  • eggs
  • cream – different countries seem to offer different kinds of milk and cream, with different names. The cream I used, single cream, is 19% fat, so try to find an option that has a similar amount of fat, or a little less. You could even just use milk, if you can’t get the right cream.
  • self-raising flour – as mentioned, this helps to make the mixture sturdy enough to work as a quiche, rather than a frittata. If you can’t get self-raising flour, use plain flour plus a teaspoon of baking powder.
  • pesto – I used green pesto. This brings a lovely flavour to the egg mixture.
  • feta cheese – crumble the cheese up when you add it to the egg mixture, but don’t crumble it too small! It’s nice to get chunky pieces of feta in the quiche. You could use a little grated cheddar too, if you like.
  • vegetables – I used peppers, zucchini (courgette), mushrooms, and red onion.

If you’re not keen on any of the vegetables I’ve chosen, you can swap them for any other veggie that roasts up nicely. Here are a few ideas:

  • broccoli
  • eggplant (aubergine)
  • asparagus
  • sweetcorn (no need to roast)
  • green beans (see instructions for how to roast green beans)

Becca’s Top Tip

The veggies do take quite a while to roast, so if you’re pushed for time, you can sautΓ© them in a frying pan instead. They won’t be quite as tasty, but you’ll save about half an hour.


πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

πŸ”ͺ Equipment

I like to use a loose bottomed springform cake tin when I make homemade quiche. I know – it’s not your traditional quiche dish, but I find it works so much better than a flat pie tin, because:

  • The clip on the side and the loose bottom make it so easy to remove the quiche from the tin.
  • It gives a nice thick quiche, rather than a flat one – I think it looks so much better.
  • The metal heats up nicely and helps to prevent the egg from being too moist and soggy round the edges.

I’ll never go back to a ceramic pie dish!

Here’s a similar one on Amazon, with great reviews:

8-inch Springform Cake Tin
I use a springform cake tin just like this for any homemade quiche or pie (and occasionally for cake!).

If you're in the UK or Australia, click 'Buy on Amazon' to view a local product.

Sign up to get recipes by email, and get a FREE e-cookbook!

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Vegetable and feta quiche with a slice removed.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

A slice of vegetable crustless quiche on a plate with potatoes and salad.
Print

Feta and Roasted Vegetable Crustless Quiche

This tasty vegetarian crustless quiche is packed with roasted vegetables and chunks of feta cheese – so much flavour, and no pastry!
Course Light lunch
Cuisine French
Diet Vegetarian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 317kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 red onion
  • 1 medium zucchini (courgette)
  • 2 bell peppers (I used red and orange)
  • ~ 6 medium mushrooms
  • 2 Tablespoons oil
  • 6 eggs
  • 200 ml (~ 3/4 cup) single cream (see notes)
  • 1 Tablespoon basil pesto
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 70 g (~ 1/2 cup) self-raising flour
  • 200 g (~ 7 oz) feta cheese, roughly crumbled
  • 1 teaspoon butter or oil

Instructions

  • Cut the vegetables (red onion through mushrooms) into bitesized pieces (~ 2cm dice), and spread them on a baking tray.
    A tray full of colourful chopped vegetables.
  • Toss with a little oil, and roast at 180Β°C (Gas Mark 4 / 350Β°F) for around 45 minutes, stirring once or twice as they cook. They should end up quite well roasted, so there’s not too much excess moisture going into the quiche.
    Colourful roasted vegetables on a baking tray.
  • While the vegetables are roasting, crack the eggs into a mixing bowl, and beat them with a fork or whisk. Add the cream and pesto, and mix again. I also added plenty of black pepper.
    Beaten eggs in a jug with a dollop of pesto.
  • Next, add the flour, and beat thoroughly until the mixture is fairly smooth. You can sift the flour through a fine sieve first if you have one – otherwise, just make sure you press any lumps of flour with the back of the fork to mix them in thoroughly.
    Crustless quiche mixture in a measuring jug.
  • When the vegetables are well roasted, add them to the egg mixture, along with the roughly crumbled feta cheese (keep the chunks fairly big). Mix to combine – quite gently so you don’t break up the cheese.
    Beaten eggs with vegetables and feta mixed in.
  • Thoroughly grease an 8-inch springform cake tin – I find it easiest to use a pinch of butter and my fingertips. Spray oil also works well. Pour the egg mixture into the tin, and make sure the vegetables are spread evenly around the tin.
    Uncooked crustless vegetable quiche in a springform cake tin.
  • Bake for around 45 minutes, or until the quiche is golden brown on top, and no longer jiggly in the middle. If the eggs are browning before they’re fully set, cover the tin with foil and return to the oven (I didn’t need to do this, but it depends on how intense your oven is).
    Vegetarian crustless quiche in a springform cake tin.
  • Serve warm or cold.
    A slice of vegetable crustless quiche on a plate with baby potatoes and salad.

Video

Notes

Different countries seem to offer different kinds of milk and cream, with different names. The cream I used, single cream, is 19% fat, so try to find an option that has a similar amount of fat, or a little less.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 317kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.3g | Protein: 14.7g | Fat: 21.5g | Saturated Fat: 9.7g | Cholesterol: 206mg | Sodium: 617mg | Potassium: 371mg | Fiber: 1.7g | Sugar: 4.9g | Calcium: 292mg | Iron: 3mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can I eat this crustless quiche cold?

Absolutely – I love this quiche served cold in a lunchbox, or served warm for dinner. Just store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, and slice as needed.

How should I reheat leftover quiche?

If you’d prefer not to eat your quiche cold, it’s best reheated in the microwave. Since there’s no crust, you don’t need to worry about it getting soggy! Timings will depend on how cold the quiche is, and how big your slice is, but a couple of minutes is a good starting point.

Can I make the quiche gluten-free?

If you’re experienced with gluten-free flour, feel free to try using your favourite in this quiche. Alternatively, you can skip the flour altogether, but be aware that the end result will be less sturdy.

Can I serve crustless quiche for breakfast?

To me, quiche is more of a dinner food – hence the wine! But lots of people also serve quiche for breakfast or brunch, especially since it’s crustless. Cook it up the day before, and slice as much as you need in the morning.

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Seriously Easy Red Lentil Soup https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/easy-red-lentil-soup/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/easy-red-lentil-soup/#comments Fri, 19 Apr 2024 10:15:07 +0000 https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/?p=82977 A seriously easy red lentil soup recipe that can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge to make a delicious, smooth, creamy soup.

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I make this easy red lentil soup recipe at least once a week for my family – if you follow my stories on Instagram, you’re probably sick of my weekly soup night, sorry. I just can’t resist it – it’s so easy to make (only 5 ingredients!!). It’s also a great fridge clearer, as you can throw in whatever vegetables you have in the fridge, and it always turns out beautifully. So rich and creamy!

Creamy red lentil soup in a bowl with a swirl of Greek yogurt.

This red lentil soup is a really budget-friendly meal – plus, it’s an easy way to serve my kids vegetables that they wouldn’t eat in their non-blended form (i.e. most vegetables). When it’s all blended up together, the soup is smooth, creamy, and really tasty. We love it served with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top, and some garlic bread on the side for dipping!

πŸ₯— Ingredients and Substitutions

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for easy red lentil soup with text overlay.
  • red lentils – You need to use the red ones. Brown and green lentils won’t work as well in this soup, as they don’t become as soft and creamy as red.
  • vegetables – I used a couple of carrots and a bell pepper. I often add different veggies, depending on what I have in the fridge. I try to use fairly cheap vegetables for soup, like broccoli, carrots, or tomatoes – it seems a waste to blend up anything too expensive (unless it’s in dire need of being used!).
  • vegetable stock – I use a stock cube, crumbled into the soup with some water. If you prefer to use liquid stock, you can use that instead of the equivalent amount of water (for example, the recipe calls for 6 cups of water, so if you have 4 cups of liquid vegetable broth, use that, plus an additional 2 cups of water).
  • red pesto – This is my favourite way to add tons of flavour to my lentil soup! You could easily switch this for a dollop of curry paste, tomato sauce, or some dried herbs or spices (perhaps cumin or paprika) to give the soup a different vibe.

Optional garnishes:

  • a dollop of Greek yogurt (I always add this for my kids, as it helps to cool the soup down!)
  • grated cheese
  • more red pesto (which looks so pretty)
  • fresh herbs (fresh parsley, chives or basil would be tasty)

Becca’s Top Tip

I usually pre-boil the water in my electric kettle before pouring it into my saucepan, just to speed things along a bit. If you don’t have an electric kettle, you can just use cold water, but the soup will take a little longer to come to a simmer.

πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

πŸ”ͺ Equipment

Soup is always easiest to blend with a hand blender (immersion blender) – it means you don’t need to worry about transferring a hot pan of soup into a tabletop blender, which can be pretty terrifying. An immersion blender just goes straight into the saucepan, which is quicker, easier, and much safer.

My hand blender is nothing fancy, but it does the job perfectly. I’ve never found the expensive ones to be any better than a standard, cheap model. This one on Amazon US / Amazon UK (affiliate links) looks perfect, comes at a great price, and has really impressive reviews.

A hand blender on a white background.

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Easy red lentil soup topped with a swirl of yogurt and red pesto.

πŸ–¨ Printable Instructions

Easy red lentil soup topped with Greek yogurt and red pesto.
Print

Seriously Easy Red Lentil Soup

A seriously easy red lentil soup recipe that can use whatever vegetables you have in the fridge to make a delicious, smooth, creamy soup.
Course Light lunch
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5 people
Calories 339kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 bell pepper (I used orange)
  • 2 medium carrots
  • 400 g (~ 2 cups) dried red lentils
  • 1 vegetable stock cube (I used low salt)
  • 1 1/2 litres (~ 6 cups) water
  • 1 Tbsp red pesto

Instructions

  • Remove the stalk and seeds from the pepper, and the ends from the carrots (I don’t bother peeling mine). Chop both vegetables into chunks.
    Chopped carrots and peppers on a cutting board.
  • Place the vegetables in a large saucepan, along with the red lentils.
    Uncooked red lentils and vegetables in a saucepan.
  • Add the crumbled vegetable stock cube and water (or use liquid stock instead, if you prefer). Stir thoroughly to loosen the lentils, and bring to a simmer over a medium heat.
    Vegetables and stock in a saucepan.
  • Stirring occasionally, cook until the vegetables are completely soft and the lentils are mushy – probably around 20 minutes (don’t worry if the lentils foam up a little bit as they cook, that’s totally normal! But if you find you sometimes get stomach pains after eating lentils, try skimming off the foam to help reduce gas). Add the red pesto.
    Unblended red lentil soup with a dollop of red pesto.
  • Use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed (I don't usually bother).
    Smooth and creamy red lentil soup in a saucepan.
  • Serve warm. I like it with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
    A bowl of creamy red lentil soup topped with red pesto.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowl | Calories: 339kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 21.8g | Fat: 3.7g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 76mg | Potassium: 893mg | Fiber: 25.8g | Sugar: 4.8g | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 6mg

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can this red lentil soup be made vegan?

Absolutely! The only ingredient that might not be vegan is the red pesto, but if you use a dairy-free pesto, it’s totally vegan.

What should I serve with red lentil soup?

We love this soup served with garlic bread for dipping. If you don’t fancy garlic bread, I also sometimes use crunchy croutons, strips of flatbread, or even just toast!

How should I store leftover soup?

Any leftovers can be cooled and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, and reheated thoroughly before serving.

How should I reheat leftover soup?

Leftover soup can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, make sure the soup is in a microwaveable tub or bowl, with a loosened lid. Microwave thoroughly until piping hot, stirring once or twice to ensure it heats evenly. If using the stovetop, transfer the soup to a pan, and heat gently over a low heat, until piping hot. You may need to add an extra splash of water if the soup has thickened up a lot.

How can I use up leftover soup?

If I have a portion of soup left over, which isn’t enough to make another whole meal, I’ll usually use it as pasta sauce! Just stir it through your favourite pasta shape (I love mafalde or farfalle), add some veggies, and you’ve made a whole new meal – lentil soup becomes lentil pasta.

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Easy Cheesy Potatoes Anna https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/cheesy-herbed-potatoes-anna/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/cheesy-herbed-potatoes-anna/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2024 15:26:45 +0000 http://www.amuse-your-bouche.com/?p=1486 These Cheesy Potatoes Anna are an easy potato side dish that's perfect for a special occasion like Christmas or Easter!

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I adore a good potato side dish, but even I get a little bored of roast potatoes after the first thirty-five or so. Enter: Potatoes Anna! These little stacks of thinly sliced potatoes, slathered in butter, are special enough to impress your guests (but still seriously easy to make).

A spatula taking a stack of Easy Cheesy Potatoes Anna from a baking tray.

Of course, I added a little grated parmesan between the layers of my Potatoes Anna (I have a cheese problem), but you can easily make them without the cheese, if you prefer. With some fresh chives and plenty of black pepper, they’re far more tasty than simple sliced potatoes have any right to be – especially considering there are only about 4 main ingredients!

❓ What Are Potatoes Anna?

Potatoes Anna (or Anna Potatoes, if you like to live dangerously) are a French dish consisting of very thinly sliced potatoes which, in the words of Wikipedia, are ‘cooked in a very large amount of melted butter’. If you’re anything like me, that alone will be enough to convince you to make them. They’re unbelievably delicious – a bit like a less creamy (but equally luxurious) version of dauphinois potatoes.

The French name for Potatoes Anna is Pommes Anna, which has always confused me a bit, since ‘pommes‘ means ‘apples’. ‘Pommes de terre‘ (literally ‘apples of the earth’) actually means ‘potatoes’. If any French people would like to explain, please do!

A metal spatula taking a stack of Potatoes Anna from a baking sheet.

πŸ”ͺ Do I Need a Mandoline?

To make Potatoes Anna, the potatoes need to be sliced very, very thinly – pretty much as thinly as you can. If you have a mandoline, this is the perfect recipe to use it for, as it will give you perfectly thin, evenly sliced potatoes. Mine is a very simple handheld one a bit like this (Amazon UK* / Amazon US*), and it works wonderfully.

However, you certainly don’t need to rush out and buy a mandoline just for this recipe – mine sits in the drawer and only gets used a few times a year, so unless you regularly make potato gratin or similar, you probably won’t use it particularly often. A large, sharp knife and a bit of time and care will also give you beautifully sliced potatoes.

πŸ₯— Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe – there are only 4 main ingredients! You’ll also need some black pepper from the store cupboard. See the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredient quantities.

Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Potatoes Anna laid out with text overlay.
  • potatoes
  • butter – I used salted butter, but you could also use unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt.
  • parmesan cheese (make sure you choose a vegetarian version!)
  • fresh chives – or another finely chopped herb, like parsley or thyme. Dried herbs would work just fine too!

πŸ₯” What Type of Potato Do I Need?

Potatoes Anna needs a semi-waxy potato, rather than a super fluffy one, so the slices hold their shape and stick together nicely. If in doubt, anything labelled as an ‘all-rounder’ or ‘all purpose’ will work perfectly.

Whatever potatoes you go for, the most important thing is that you don’t rinse the potatoes once you’ve sliced them. The starch that leaks out of the potatoes as you cut them will help to stick the slices of potato together beautifully.

πŸ§€ Why Add Cheese to Potatoes Anna?

Of course, you don’t have to add cheese to your Potatoes Anna if you don’t want to – I’m aware that not everybody is as obsessed with the stuff as I am.

However, even just a small amount of grated parmesan really brings something extra special to this dish. Not only does it help to stick the potatoes together into neat little rounds, it also brings a wonderful savoury saltiness that permeates through every single layer of potato. Since potatoes really love to soak up flavours from around them, I’d recommend giving it a go!

πŸ“Ή Recipe Video

πŸ“‹ Step-By-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make these incredible buttery potatoes – see below for the printable recipe with detailed ingredients and instructions.

πŸ”€ Variations on the Recipe

I made these little individual rounds of Potatoes Anna, because they cook quicker, and they make super cute little discs that are easy to serve up in neat little portions.

If you prefer, you can make one huge mega-Anna, with all of the potatoes cooked together in a large cake, which you then slice into triangles to serve. You’ll need a pie dish or large cake tin if that’s what you choose to do, and the potatoes will take a little longer to cook.

πŸ’­ Recipe FAQs

Can Potatoes Anna be made in advance?

If you need to, you can prepare and cook your Potatoes Anna a day in advance, and reheat before serving. You can reheat them in the microwave, or heat them through in the oven to retain their crispiness. Just don’t bake them for longer than they need, or they will become over-crispy.

How should I serve Potatoes Anna?

Potatoes Anna makes a great simple side dish for all sorts of meals – basically any meal that you might otherwise serve with roast potatoes. I’d serve the potatoes with a couple of vegetable side dishes, plus a ‘main’ dish, like a lentil loaf or vegetarian casserole.

Small stacks of Easy Cheesy Potatoes Anna on a baking sheet.

πŸ–¨ Printable Recipe

Square image of Easy Cheesy Potatoes Anna on a baking sheet.
Print

Easy Cheesy Potatoes Anna

These Cheesy Potatoes Anna are an easy potato side dish that's perfect for a special occasion like Christmas or Easter!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine French
Diet Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings 6 stacks
Calories 178kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 680 g (~ 1 1/2 lb) potatoes
  • 60 g (~ 2 oz) room temperature butter (I used salted)
  • 50 g (~ 1 2/3 oz) vegetarian parmesan-style cheese, finely grated (~ 1/2 cup when grated)
  • Small bunch fresh chives, finely chopped
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  • Thoroughly grease a non-stick baking tray with room temperature butter, and set it aside.
  • Wash the potatoes thoroughly and remove any eyes or sprouts. I left the skins on my potatoes, but you can peel them if you prefer.
  • Slice the potatoes very thinly. A mandoline is the perfect tool for this (always use the finger guard!) – or, if you don’t have a mandoline, you can use a sharp knife. Avoid rinsing the potato slices because the starch helps them stick together during cooking.
  • Preheat the oven to 180Β°C (Gas Mark 4 / 350Β°F).
  • On the greased baking tray, form a circle with overlapping potato slices, measuring about 4 inches across. Dot the potato circle with pinches of butter, and sprinkle with finely grated parmesan, chopped chives, and a small pinch of pepper.
  • Repeat these layers (potato, butter, cheese, chives, pepper) on top, two more times, to create a stack of Potatoes Anna.
  • Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create a total of 6 stacks.
  • Bake in the oven for around 30 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the edges are crispy and browned. Serve with additional fresh chives, if desired.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1stack | Calories: 178kcal | Carbohydrates: 18.4g | Protein: 4.8g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6.4g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 142mg | Potassium: 473mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 1.3g | Calcium: 90mg | Iron: 1mg

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9 Perfect Gifts for Vegetarians https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/gift-ideas-for-vegetarians/?adt_ei={$email} https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/gift-ideas-for-vegetarians/#comments Wed, 13 Dec 2023 13:50:28 +0000 https://www.easycheesyvegetarian.com/?p=14191 Need a present for the vegetarian in your life? Here are 9 perfect gifts for vegetarians, to suit all budgets!

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I am useless at buying presents for people, and I struggle so much to think of good gift ideas. If you’re the same as me, and you’re looking to buy a gift for the vegetarian in your life, here are some ideas for you – 9 perfect gifts for vegetarians! These ideas are straight from the horse’s mouth – the horse being me, a vegetarian of 25(ish) years. These are all presents that I would love to receive (if I didn’t already have them).

Collage showing perfect gift ideas for vegetarians with text overlay.

This list of gift ideas contains all sorts of inspiration for you – from smaller stocking fillers, to more significant (more expensive!) presents. Whether your vegetarian friend or family member is an expert cook, or a bit of a newbie in the kitchen, you’re sure to find something here that they’ll love to receive.

❀ Why You’ll Love These Gift Ideas

  • Whatever your budget this year, there will be something on this list to suit you – whether it’s just spending a few dollars for a work colleague, or a lot more for a close family member.
  • I’ve chosen these gifts to suit various kinds of people – whether they’re a vegetarian who cooks from scratch every night, or someone who doesn’t actually enjoy cooking all that much!

🎁 Perfect Gifts for Vegetarians

No more chit-chat – here you go. 9 perfect presents for the vegetarian in your life!

1. Tofu Press

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $20

I’ll admit, I don’t always bother pressing my tofu, because I’m lazy and usually in a rush (quick meals ftw). However, if the vegetarian you’re buying for likes to be a bit more precise with their cooking, a tofu press is a good way to get the best out of tofu. It essentially squeezes out any excess liquid from the tofu, helping it to become extra firm and crispy.

Which one to buy?

There are various designs of tofu press available, but this one from Tofuture has great reviews, and is a decent price. Find it on Amazon UK / Amazon US.

Tofuture tofu press.

A tofu press can be used for these recipes:
Pizza baked tofu
Cheesy tofu meatballs
Sticky teriyaki tofu

2. Cheese Grater (with a tub)

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $10

If your vegetarian is a cheese-lover like me, they probably spend half their life grating the stuff. Weirdly, it’s one of my least favourite kitchen jobs ever, so I try to avoid it whenever I can! This cheese grater with a built-in tub means the cheese can be grated in bulk, and kept fresh for a few days in the fridge, cutting down on how often it needs to be done. They can also be used to grate vegetables like carrots, zucchini and potatoes.

Which one to buy?

There are many similar products available, but this one on Amazon UK or this one on Amazon US both look great, and have good reviews.

Cheese grater with a tub.

A grater can be used for these recipes:
Smoked cheese and broccoli tart
Vegan lentil loaf
Garlic mushroom mac and cheese

3. Vegetable Chopper

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $20

Chopping vegetables for a veg-heavy recipe can be a bit tedious, but a vegetable chopper can drastically reduce prep time! Just place your vegetable on the top, press down firmly, and it’ll pop out into the tub underneath, chopped to your liking. A lot of these choppers comes with various attachments, so you can slice or dice your vegetable to the perfect size. I don’t have one of these myself, but every time I see them mentioned, people are raving about them.

Which one to buy?

This chopper on Amazon UK has incredible 5-star reviews, with lots of different chopper attachments to choose from. This one on Amazon US also looks like a great option.

Vegetable chopper with different attachments.

A vegetable chopper can be used for these recipes:
Mediterranean scrambled eggs
Creamy cowboy caviar with avocado dressing
Creamy Mediterranean tortellini bake

4. Air Fryer

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: Huge variation, but anywhere from $50-$200

If you’re buying for someone who you’re happy to spend a little more money on, an air fryer is a great option. It’s one of the most used appliances in my kitchen – I use mine almost daily. Pretty much anything you can cook in an oven can be made even better in an air fryer (and in much less time!).

Which one to buy?

I use the Ninja Foodie Dual air fryer (find it on Amazon UK / Amazon US), and I love that it has two separate compartments. I would highly recommend this model – it’s ideal for cooking a full family meal. However, I admit that it’s not the cheapest option.

Before I upgraded, I used to own a much more budget-friendly option – this Tower one on Amazon UK (here’s a similar one on Amazon US). I loved this one too, and even though it’s a little smaller than the one I use now, it’s a great air fryer to buy for someone who’s new to air frying.

Ninja Dual air fryer.

An air fryer can be used for these recipes:
Air fryer vegetarian fajitas
10 minute air fryer quesadillas
Air fryer stuffed peppers

5. Vegetarian Cookbook

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $20

There are obviously hundreds of vegetarian cookbooks out there, and even though I rarely actually cook from recipes (I’m too slapdash for that), I absolutely love browsing through a good vegetarian cookbook – especially one with big, bright photos of each recipe.

Which one to buy?

One of my favourite vegetarian cookbooks from the last few years is Veg by Jamie Oliver. It’s full of just my kind of food – hearty, simple recipes that looks seriously tasty and easy to make, with full page images. You can find it on Amazon UK, and there’s even a version that’s been adapted with American measurements on Amazon US.

Jamie Oliver Veg cookbook.

6. Mini Food Processor

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $20

If your vegetarian friend likes to cook from scratch, a mini food processor is a must for their kitchen. I use mine for making breadcrumbs, blitzing up homemade pesto, quickly chopping nuts, cutting fresh herbs, and any number of other things. It definitely speeds up prep time for all sorts of recipes.

Which one to buy?

I have owned this Kenwood Mini Chopper (Amazon UK) for years and years, and it’s never failed me. I’d highly recommend it. This one on Amazon US looks quite similar, and has great reviews.

Kenwood mini chopper.

A mini chopper can be used for these recipes:
Peanut and sesame noodles
Chickpea pasta salad with pesto
Nutty tofu lettuce wraps

7. Fun Spice Mixes or Sauces

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: Whatever you want to spend

I love trying new spices and seasonings, and I’m always happy when someone cleverer than me has done all the hard work blending together the right combinations. If your vegetarian friend or family member loves trying new cuisines, why not send them a selection of spice mixes or tasty sauces to bring a bit of variety to their kitchen!

Which one to buy?

There are literally hundreds of different spice mixes and tasty sauces available, so just see what’s on offer in your local shop. I love the look of this selection on Amazon UK, because it contains such a wide variety of flavours, from Thai to Mediterranean, Chinese and Moroccan! The spice pots do mention that they might be good used on meat or fish, but the spice mixes themselves are vegetarian, and there are plenty of veggie-friendly ways to use them too!

Two stacks of tubs containing different spice mixes.

Spice mixes can be used for these recipes:
Easy baked mushroom tikka
Blackened tofu steaks
Sheet pan halloumi fajitas

8. Hand Blender (Immersion Blender)

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $15

I make soup about once a week, and I always use my hand blender to make it nice and smooth. It’s so much easier to just stick the blender straight into the pot and blitz it all up, rather than having to somehow pour a pot of hot soup into a countertop blender (which I am 100% certain would not end well, given I once broke my arm trying to sit on my own bed – no lie). Immersion blenders can also be used to make smoothies, sauces, and anything else that needs smoothening.

Which one to buy?

Most stick blenders look much the same, so just go for one with good reviews that fits your budget. This Russell Hobbs one on Amazon UK looks great, as does this one on Amazon US.

A white hand blender.

A hand blender can be used for these recipes:
Ultra creamy roasted broccoli soup
Slow cooker tomato sauce
Vegan vegetable gravy

9. Reusable Produce Bags

πŸ’΅ Approximate cost: $10

Chances are, the vegetarian in your life buys a lot of vegetables – I know some people that live on beige food (hello, teenage me), but most veggies love veggies.

These reusable produce bags are great for all kinds of reasons:

  • You can take them to the supermarket to fill with loose fruits and veg, meaning you can avoid using the plastic bags provided (much better for the environment!)
  • They help keep your fridge organised by storing like products together
  • They keep your produce fresh for longer
  • You can store loose items like dried beans without the risk of the packet splitting

It’s a win-win (-win-win…)!

Which one to buy?

There are tons of similar products available. This set on Amazon UK is a great price, with really good reviews, and here’s a similar set on Amazon US.

Reusable produce bags.

There you have it – 9 perfect gifts for vegetarians. Which one do you have your eye on?

🧾 Top Tips for Buying a Gift for a Vegetarian

  • If you’re buying them candy / sweets, or any other edible item, make sure you check that it’s vegetarian first. A lot of gummy sweets, for example, are made with gelatine, which isn’t vegetarian.
  • Think about how much cooking the person actually does before you choose your gift. If they rarely cook from scratch, for example, they might not get much use from a mini chopper – but they might love an air fryer to crisp up their favourite oven fries and vegetarian nuggets!
  • If you’re not sure what they already have in their kitchen, choose a gift that won’t matter if you double up. They probably won’t want to end up with two tofu presses, for example, but it won’t matter if they end up with some extra spice mixes, even if they already have some.

πŸ“‹ Other Helpful Vegetarian Resources

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