Meat-Free Family Lunches For Chilly Winter Days

An increasing number of British families are warming up to the idea of vegan food. So whether you and your family are reducing your consumption of animal products for health, ethics or environmental reasons, the following meat-free recipes are sure to be a hit at lunchtime. 

By: Sandra Hood

Method: Cooking, Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering

Difficulty: Beginner 

This Lentil Soup is a warming winter classic that will fuel you and your family for the rest of the day. Make this lunch extra luxurious and comforting by serving it with a big chunk of warm buttery bread. Recipe here.

By: The Vegan Kind

Method: Frying, Cooking

Difficulty: Beginner

Tofu makes the perfect alternative to halloumi. It can be served warm or cold and goes well in Greek salads, sandwiches, pittas, wraps, and mezze platters. Recipe here.

By: The Vegan Kind

Method: Blending, Boiling, Cooking

Difficulty: Intermediate

Macaroni and Cheese is a much-loved family favourite, and this Butternut Squash and Sage Macaroni is here to challenge that title. You’ll be surprised at how cheesy and tasty the sauce is. Oh, and it’s much healthier than the conventional version! Recipe here.

By: The Vegan Kind

Method: Baking, Blending

Difficulty: Intermediate 

Omelettes make the best brunch or lunch; you can whip them up within half an hour, and they’re full of flavour and texture. This Spanish omelette is best served with a crunchy, nourishing salad or some herby roasted vegetables. Recipe here.

By: The Vegan Kind

Method: Frying

Difficulty: Beginner

If scrambled egg is one of your family’s favourite meals, you must try out this nutritious, golden scrambled tofu for brunch or lunch! You can serve this recipe with toast, a fry up, or vegan sausages. Also, add a sprinkling of Black Salt (Kala Namak) for a more realistic ‘eggy’ flavour. Recipe here.

By: The Coconut Collaborative

Method: Frying

Difficulty: Intermediate Potato Pancakes are the perfect idea for when you have leftover mashed potatoes. Recipe here.

By: Hazelsveganeats

Method: Simmering

Difficulty: Beginner

This soup is not only easy to make, but it’s full of immune-boosting health benefits, too. Coupling turmeric and black pepper enhances the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and disease-fighting qualities. Perfect for fighting off winter colds! Recipe here.

By: Plant Based Health Online

Method: Cooking

Difficulty: Beginner

When tasting this rice bowl, you’ll never believe how simple it is to make. It’s full of nourishing ingredients like turmeric and butternut squash and can be whipped up in a cinch. Recipe here.

By: LEON

Method: Frying, Cooking, Sautéing

Difficulty: Intermediate

Treat your family to these vegan arancini balls using the LEON Harissa Aioli. They’re crispy, gooey and deliciously moreish. Recipe here.

By: The Vegan Kind

Method: Baking

Difficulty: Beginner

Whoever says that they don’t like tofu has never tried this recipe! This Breaded Tofu is incredibly easy to make and goes well served with Katsu sauce and rice, salad, or on its own with a tasty dipping sauce. Recipe here.