I get a LOT of email from readers requesting vegan and vegetarian recipes. For instance, Bethany wrote: “Do you think there could be a spot for something besides meats and sweets in the Cook’n newsletter? Vegan and vegetarian recipes, specifically? I’m trying so hard to eat a healthier diet and drop some weight. And while I know there are loads of vegan and vegetarian cookbooks around, I’d love to see some recipes that have passed the Cook’n taste test! How about it?”

So, in honor of Bethany’s request, and so many more that have come to me over these past few months, here’s an article dedicated to that topic.

By the way, many healthy-recipe seekers also mention they’re living with die-hard meat-eaters, so they want not only some tasty vegetable-strong recipes, they also want to know how to peacefully coexist with their beloved meat-eaters. The question I consistently get is: “How do I cook my way and feed my meat-eater, too—without having to cook two separate meals? Is this possible?”

I have the same issue, so let’s talk about that first. I found a wonderful website that addresses this in very creative ways. KITCHEN TREATY: Co-Exist Deliciously (www.kitchentreaty.com), was created by Karen, a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. She’s married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and her mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time.

Her recipes are almost always on the healthier side and as uncomplicated as possible. She likes to create two different kinds of recipes:

Accessible, eating-style-neutral recipes. These are recipes that are vegetarian, vegan and/or gluten-free, but still appeal to most everyone.

And Adaptable, flexible recipes with options. This includes recipes with optional meat, dairy substitutions, or vegan alternatives, or even a few with picky-kid-friendly options as well.

Karen says that no matter which category her recipes fall into, they’re always delicious! At least, her multi-vore family thinks so, and thousands of 5-star reviews can’t be wrong either! I’ve tried many of her recipes and do agree—she knows what she’s doing!

If you’re looking for tips on coexisting in a multi-vore relationship or family, she has great ideas for everyday life. Or what if you’re a meat-eater prepping for a big holiday meal, and a vegetarian is joining you? Karen has that covered, too.

My favorite part of her site is her “One Dish, Two Ways” content. These are recipes that start out vegetarian (or even sometimes vegan), but at some point, hit a fork in the road. At that point, meat is added to the carnivores’ portions. Her Two-Way Club Sandwich (pictured above) is a good example; just add the deli slices for all meat-eaters in the crowd.

And then there’s her section, “Vegetarian & Vegan Recipes that Everyone Will Love.” Karen says, “I take pride in creating meatless recipes that even hardcore meat-and-potatoes carnivores will adore. I’m not an agenda-pusher, but I must admit that there’s a certain level of satisfaction when I can show meat-eaters just how satisfying vegetarian and vegan meals can be. And who knows – maybe that means they’ll be that much more likely to opt for a vegetarian meal in the future!”

I’ll finish with one of Karen’s very delicious stew recipes. Of the wide assortment of recipes from which to choose, I chose this one because always having a healthy soup or stew in the fridge is one of the key methods to managing hunger pangs and those notorious munchies. It’s a favorite weight-loss technique.

Also, this stew freezes well, so any leftovers can be put up in smaller portions to take to work or relied on when you need a fast meal. With three types of beans and a generous dose of rosemary and garlic, this is a seriously satisfying vegan stew!



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    Alice Osborne
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2006
    Email the author! alice@dvo.com