It snowed here in Raleigh this week. Snow! More snow than I've seen since we've moved here! Even though I didn't get a snow day out of it, I was still a little bit giddy when I woke up to see the ground covered in white. The cold weather has been making me crave filling, creamy soups and I've got a tasty one on the menu this week, along with a few more simple, delicious vegetarian recipes.
Here's this week's meatless meal plan:
Monday
Philly-Style Broccoli Raab, Provolone, and Portabella Sandwiches from Vegetarian Times // Broccoli raab (also called broccoli rabe or rapini) is one of those love-it-or-hate-it kinds of veggies. Like many greens, it has a little bit of bitterness to it, so when I make it, I like it in things rather than just having it on its own. If you haven't had broccoli raab before, these sandwiches are a delicious way to give it a try!
Tuesday
Thai Cashew Quinoa with Ginger Peanut Sauce from Alaska From Scratch // This is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, so feel free to assemble it on Monday night and then you'll have dinner ready to go for Tuesday. I could eat the gingery peanut dressing with a spoon!
Wednesday
Creamy Vegan Broccoli Potato Soup from Edible Perspective // You will be amazed how flavorful this simple vegan soup is! Although it's perfectly creamy on its own, the cashew cream adds some richness to the soup too.
Thursday
Penne with Butternut Squash & Kale from Rikki Snyder // The last two recipes of the week both use roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions. Make them tonight, then save half for Friday's dinner. Adding roasted butternut squash, kale, and caramelized onions makes this simple pasta dish super filling!
Friday
Butternut Squash & Caramelized Onion Flatbread from Oh My Veggies // This flatbread is one of my favorite recipes. On Friday nights, I'm usually in weekend mode and I don't want to cook an elaborate dinner, which makes this recipe perfect for ending the week. You've already got the roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions done, so you just have to throw them onto the pizza crust with the remaining ingredients and in a few minutes, dinner is done.
Tips for This Week's Plan
- Save a little money by crossing the provolone slices off the list and using the shredded Italian-blend cheese on the sandwiches instead.
- Imported Parmesan cheese isn't vegetarian; if you're a strict vegetarian, make sure the block you buy is made without rennet. If you can't find a block of vegetarian Parmesan, use shredded instead. Organic Valley and Whole Foods 365 are both rennet-free.
- Not sure about broccoli raab? Try these Portabella Mushroom Cheesesteaks instead.
- The sandwiches are pretty filling, so we just had a handful of chips on the side. If your cabbage is bigger than what you'll need for the Thai Cashew Quinoa, you can throw together a quick slaw with the seasoned rice vinegar.
Click here for a printable version of this week's meatless meal plan and shopping list, then click on the links above to print out each recipe. Now you're set for the week!
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
I want that soup...stat! (Not sure why I spoke like I was on ER)
Have a great weekend sassy pants!
Kiersten Frase says
I hope you have a good weekend too!
Abby @ The Frosted Vegan says
I have everything for that amazing broccoli soup, so that's happening tonight fo sho!
Kiersten Frase says
It's sooooo good! Especially with the cashew cream. 🙂
Emma says
I've put the Thai Cashew Quinoa on my menu for next week! I've got a barely dented red cabbage in my fridge to eat up. What is it about cabbage which makes them seem to grow when you cut them?!
Thanks for the recipe 🙂
Kiersten Frase says
I know! And my husband doesn't like cabbage, so it's all up to me to finish it off. 🙂 I've just discovered that it's especially delicious when you slice it into thick rounds and roast them in the oven.
Emma says
I like that idea! I'm a fan of the cauliflower "steak" and the cabbage "steak" could be the new thing!
dishing up the dirt says
that Thai Cashew Quinoa is calling my name!
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
Ohhhh those sandwiches look amazing!
Meg van der Kruik says
Excuse me little lady, but I'm going to need to take that quinoa off of your hands! Geez, that stuff looks delicious.
Kiersten Frase says
You definitely need to make that recipe! I was glad I had a lot of leftovers for lunch the next day. 🙂
mandy says
Holy Cow is it Christmas? I just came across your website and OMG!!!!! Just printed out your shopping list and now I'm going to share your website on my FB page because you are AMAZING!
THANK YOU!
Kiersten Frase says
Thank you for sharing! 😀
Martina @ snapshotsandwhatnots says
It snowed here in Columbia too and can you believe it we managed to get 2 snow days out of it! the first one was because the snow as predicted so I spent tuesday on the couch waiting for snow that didn't arrive until that night and then the next day hanging out in the snow with Boomer - great fun!
Kiersten Frase says
Yes, that's what happened here too! Well, I work from home, so I didn't get any snow days (boo!), but the schools and businesses in town closed the first day because snow was predicted that afternoon (it didn't end up coming until the evening though) and the second day because we got a whopping 2 inches of snow overnight.
Anna says
I agree, that Thai Cashew Quinoa looks fantastic! I love your meal plans with the shopping list, such a great way to help people like myself.
Kiersten Frase says
I'm glad you like them! When I switched from What I Ate This Week to meal plans, I was worried that people wouldn't really use them, but the response has been positive.
Lily (A Rhubarb Rhapsody) says
Oooh! That Thai Cashew Quinoa with Ginger Peanut Sauce looks gorgeous! Just the refreshing and light meal I need in this ridiculously hot weather.
Kiersten Frase says
We're in the middle of winter here, but you're right, that's definitely a nice, light meal for summertime! 🙂
LillyPad says
Don't know what to make first! Mmmmmmmmm
Jennifer says
Thank you for this. I love it!
Kiersten Frase says
I'm so glad people are finding it useful! 🙂
Joanne says
The caramelized onion/butternut squash combo is pretty heavenly...so I need both of those recipes ASAP!