Delicious Vegetarian Recipes for Your Weekly Family Meal

Interested in adding a weekly family vegetarian recipe to your village climate action website newsletter? Look no further! Whether you're a culinary enthusiast or a beginner, here are two easy and flavorful vegetarian recipes that are perfect for the family to enjoy:

1. Easy Polenta Recipe

Polenta is a classic and comforting dish that is both versatile and easy to prepare. Here’s a simple recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment beyond a bowl and a spoon.

Ingredients:

4 cups vegetable broth 1 cup cornmeal 1 cup corn kernels (optional) Grated cheese (optional, omit for vegan)

Instructions:

Bring 4 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a medium saucepan. Slowly add the cornmeal while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens. Stir in the corn kernels (if using) and cook for a few more minutes. Pour the polenta into a bowl, cover it with a lid or a damp towel, and let it cool completely.

2. Traditional Pasta e Ceci Soup

This hearty and nutritious soup is a perfect meat substitute for vegetarians and vegans alike. It’s rich in legumes and packed with flavor, making it a filling and satisfying meal for the entire family.

Ingredients:

500 grams dried beans or chickpeas (soaked overnight) 1 small onion 1 small carrot 1 celery stalk 1 garlic clove 1 medium potato 1-2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil 1-2 sprigs of rosemary, thyme, or sage (or any combination) 1 tablespoon tomato paste or 2 tablespoons of crushed tomatoes 1 cup pasta of your choice (ditalini or conchigliette recommended) Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Soak the beans or chickpeas overnight in water. Discard any stones or beans with visible holes or critters. Place a pot of water over high heat and bring to a boil. Add the drained beans or chickpeas and blanch for 5-10 minutes. Dice the carrot, celery, and onion. Crush the garlic. Mince the herbs finely or leave whole if desired. Heat the olive oil in a large pot and add the diced vegetables and aromatics. Soften over a low heat until golden. Add the beans or chickpeas and enough water to cover. Simmer until the beans soften. Add the diced potato and cook for an additional 30 minutes. Add the pasta of your choice. Simmer until the pasta is al dente, adjusting the water content if necessary. Serve hot with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a dusting of grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional).

Variations:

For a creamier soup, blend half of the cooked beans or chickpeas with a stick blender. Make the soup in advance and reheat just before serving with cooked pasta. Make the soup gluten-free by substituting pasta with polenta meal.

Conclusion

These recipes not only fit well into a climate-conscious lifestyle but also add variety and nutrition to your family's diet. Whether you're cooking for the environment or simply to enjoy a healthy, hearty meal, these vegetarian recipes are sure to become a favorite in your household.