Welcome back after the first 4 installments of the Week of Meatless Meals Even a 4 Year Old Will Eat.
Part 5 is going to be a gourmet meal complete with meticulously cut out fruits and veggies in the shapes of Van Gogh’s Starry Night ………. just kidding!
I am done right now. Done with a capital D. I am touched out and teetering on the edge tonight. Tonight is not the night for intricate and beautiful recipes with precious photos of my angel (muttered through gritted teeth) eating said recipe.
Tonight, we dance with the frozen food aisle. Tonight we find FROZEN FOOD FREEDOM!!!! (Did anyone else picture themselves as Mel Gibson in the movie Braveheart as he runs into battle? No? Just me?)
Here are 5 favorite frozen vegetarian dinner options that save my butt and feed our faces.
Vegetable Yakisoba by Ajinomoto
Found at the mother ship, or as others know it – Costco, these yummy noodles taste just like you ordered take-out from your favorite Asian restaurant. But, instead of waiting the obligatory 30-45 minutes for delivery, these are ready in 3 minutes in the microwave, 10 minutes on the stove. Last summer, my 4 year old ate these every day for a week straight. He asks for them constantly!
Quorn Chik’n Nuggets
What kid doesn’t like nuggets? And, for that matter, what adult doesn’t like nuggets? When you venture into meatless territory, you may think that nuggets are off the table, but they’re not! The trick is to find a nugget variety that satisfies both taste and texture. We are partial to the Quorn brand because of its soy free recipe and the fact that it’s made with non-GMO ingredients They can be found at any area grocery store. And, they’re super yummy and quick – only taking 15 minutes in the oven or 7 minutes in the microwave. Slap some oven baked French fries on the plate next to the nuggets and make yourself a hero!
Indian Madras Lentils by Tasty Bite
Also from that great oasis known as Costco, these Indian Madras lentils in the microwavable pouch are absolutely delish. This has been a staple in my house for the past year and has been the only thing I’ve been permitted to send for lunch since Thanksgiving. These are also non-GMO and only take 1 minute in the microwave and 5 minutes on the stove. Cook your rice in the Instant Pot and voila! Immediate Indian food!
Miniature Corn Dogs by Field Roast Grain Meat Company
I adore this brand of plant based meats. The flavor is rich and the texture is right on. We are particularly big fans of their hot dogs and mini corn dogs. In Lafayette, these can be found at Whole Foods and Drug Emporium, though this brand is gaining in popularity and will soon be at all stores! We pair these with a side of ketchup, and then a little salad (I cannot keep olives, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes stocked around here!)
Edamame by Imperial Garden
I am not ashamed to say that sometimes Kael eats his dinner while zoned out in front of the TV. I work all day and sometimes when I get home and am totally exhausted, I just wave the white flag and say,”sure kid, eat whatever you want.” A great option that Kael frequently goes for during these time are the frozen, individually packaged edamame. They can be found at, you guessed it, Costco! 2 minutes in the microwave or 3 minutes on the stove, sprinkle a little salt and we’re in business. These are a great side, snack or meal! I’ve even been known to pair these with macaroni and cheese … you know, to make a full meal!
Check back with me soon for the last 2 installments of Meatless Meals Even a 4 Year Old Will Eat! We will get back to cooking soon enough. For now, I’m just basking in the glow of the microwave as it heats our frozen dinner (actually the stove – I set my microwave on fire … but that’s another story for another day.)
In the meantime, check out the last 4 installments of this Meatless Meals series:
A Week of Meatless Meals Even a 4 Year Old Will Eat :: Part 1 of 7 {Pizza Party}
A Week of Meatless Meals Even a 4 Year Old Will Eat: Part 2 of 7 {Rainbow Skewers}
A Week of Meatless Meals Even a 4 Year Old Will Eat :: Part 4 of 7 {Black Bean Pinwheels}
