At some placements it is accepted that the outgoing carer will have a meal ready for the client and the incoming carer. While quiche and cottage pie may suffice, you may find yourself planning a meal for a vegetarian.

There are several reasons, other than moral ones why a person may opt for a vegetarian meal, namely they are trying to eat less meat, they want to include more veggies and grains into their diet, or that they simply enjoy meatless meals.

If you check through old recipe books you will most likely find that most vegetarian meals consisted of macaroni cheese, lentil rissoles and bean soup – not much of a choice!

 

Once you know that you will be preparing a vegetarian meal you should find out if there is anything that the other person does not eat. This will give you an idea of what ingredients you have to work with.

Try to add more fiber and whole grains to the meal. Add nuts if they are acceptable, and beans which are an excellent source of fiber as well as tasty.

Unless you buy beans, which are canned or bottled remember that they will need to be soaked overnight and then cooked – and canned beans are just as good as those, just make sure to rinse them well before using.

 

• Vegetarian curries are quick and easy to make and can be served on lemon or coconut rice instead of plain rice.
• Stuffed vegetables are easy to make using lentils, beans and even tofu, topped with cheese and baked until brown.
• Pasta can be more interesting using roasted vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower with a simple pesto sauce.
• Stir fry can be made using any number of fresh veggies and beansprouts, with soy sauce and ginger slices.

 

Final thoughts

There is no need to get into a panic if the incoming carer is a vegetarian. Simply removing meat from the meal leaves the window of opportunity wide open for many more interesting ingredients, and a very tasty meal for all of you.

 

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