So you want to try Veganuary but you're not sure your partner, or the kids will buy into your plan? 

There are tons of compelling reasons to go vegan for a month (or even longer) but even if you switch to one vegan day a week it can improve your health, reduce your carbon footprint AND save you money.

I’m a busy photographer, I spend long days working from my home studio in Milton Keynes and although I do enjoy cooking, sometimes you just need meals to be quick and easy. So for me, introducing some vegan meals into our weekly menu needs to be simple.  I don’t want to have to source special ingredients or master new cooking skills.  I know that so many of my clients feel the same!

The following vegan meals are all crowd pleasers and are easy for toddlers to enjoy.

Jacket Potatoes And Beans

This is such an easy vegan meal that everyone enjoys.  You can also use cans of mixed beans in tomato sauce for added protein or switch to a sweet potato for some variety.  I like to wrap my pricked spuds in foil and throw them all in the slow cooker before I start work and when I get home they’re ready!  I finish them off in the air fryer and I promise you won’t taste a better jacket potato than a slow cooker one!

Veggie Curry

A veggie curry is another familiar favourite in our house and again the slow cooker saves me time in the evening. For ease, we use frozen veg like butternut squash, peppers, and mushrooms, add a chopped onion and some curry powder and either tinned tomatoes or a tin of coconut milk.  Be careful of curry pastes, sometimes they contain fish!  Add tinned beans or chickpeas and finish off with some spinach.  Microwave rice is super convenient for serving!

Veggie Chilli

We once came across a vegetarian chilli recipe in a Sainsbury’s magazine of all places and we fell in love. It can be done in the slow cooker and can easily be adjusted to be vegan by leaving out the yoghurt. Don’t be afraid to substitute the ingredients if you don’t like them. We’re not celery fans in this house so we always leave that out!
This recipe is also easily halved if the portions are too much or the leftovers make a really easy lunch the next day. You can add any hot spices at the end depending on everyone’s different tastes.
You can find the recipe Here.

Falafels

Falafels take a bit more effort but they are worth it.  If you make a batch you can store them in the fridge for up to three days and they make great finger food for toddlers.

All you need is a food processor or blender:

Add 1 tin chickpeas, half an onion, 2 garlic cloves, ½ tbsp ground coriander to your food processor and blend to a paste.  Use a spoon to scoop out a tablespoon sized ball and flatten slightly with the back of your spoon.  Shallow fry them in olive oil on a medium heat until lightly browned all over.  They’re great served with rice or salad or inside a wrap.

If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous in the kitchen or want to explore more vegan recipes, there’s a fab collection of vegan recipes for toddlers here https://thegreenloot.com/vegan-toddler-recipes/

If you’re already vegan or have allergies in your family, that doesn't mean you have to miss out when you visit my studio. 
You’re welcome to bring any drinks or snacks for you or your little one and I provide water while you’re here.

If you’re coming for a Cake Smash and the birthday boy or girl is vegan or has allergies such as gluten or dairy, I’m more than happy for you to bring a suitable cake for them to enjoy. I have a lot of parents who make a cake themselves or source one from a local baker. Or, if you’d prefer, we can do something like a ‘fruit smash’ instead. It’s still just as messy and as fun!

I hope you have the tastiest Veganuary and enjoy trying something new!