Welcome to World Vegetarian Day! While my family and I consume meat, I respect others choices. On occasion I do try to prepare a meatless meal with surprisingly no complaints from the kids.
Just as there are different reasons for adopting this way of eating, there are different categories of vegetarian:
- Vegetarian – Describes anyone who abstains from consuming meat (red meat, poultry & seafood).
- Lacto-vegetarian – Someone who eats dairy products such as cheese and milk.
- Ovo-vegetarian – Someone who eats eggs but not other meat sources.
- Vegan – Someone who does not consume meat, eggs or dairy. They also try not to use products, such as shoes or clothing that have been created from animals.
Whatever your reason for adhering to a vegetarian lifestyle, not eating meat doesn’t mean boring or complicated meals. There are ways that you can prepare quick vegetarian meals.
- First, plan ahead. Make sure that your pantry is stocked with all the staples that you need to make different meals for the entire week.
- Second, prep food ahead of time. This can include chopping vegetables, making pizza crusts or tortillas, slicing fruit, cooking beans or rice.
Here is an easy vegetarian casseroles perfect for Fall.
A casserole does not have to contain meat to be hearty and warming. If you’re looking for something yummy, warm and filling, try the following recipe that utilizes winter squash.
Butternut squash is a lovely winter vegetable that is very versatile. This casserole is very warming and satisfying. For a vegan version, leave out the Parmesan cheese and replace the butter with vegan buttery spread.
Ingredients
- 1 large butternut squash
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup butter *
- 1 small onion, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (if you're making your own, use about 4 slices bread)
- 1/2 teaspoon sage or thyme
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese *
Instructions
- Cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds (save them to roast!).
- Lay the squash in an oiled baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour.
- Once it's cooled, scoop out the flesh and roughly mash in a bowl.
- Add the minced garlic and salt, and spoon into a casserole dish.
- To make the topping, melt the butter in a skillet and sauté the onion until golden.
- Stir in the breadcrumbs and get them coated and with the butter and somewhat toasted.
- Stir in the sage or thyme.
- Top the casserole with this mixture, then sprinkle on the Parmesan.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes.
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