I need ideas for church lunches

We live in a farming community.We are vegan but everyone else loves meat and dairy at church.We cant bring anything with soy because people at church have allergies and oppisitions to it.Im sort of tired of bringing chilie and soup.We have lunch almost every sunday and Im stumped.I need things I could bring in a crock to keep hot.Thanks so much for the help

[mamaKristin]

I'm not vegan, and I struggle with the quantity of meat in some of the dishes in our church potluck things in our rural area. I keep waiting for a jello salad with meat in it.

I've brought bean burritos that have gone over really, really well. Mashed beans, spices, green pepper, in tortilla shells, topped with salsa. I brought sour cream for those who wanted it to put on the side, which wasn't even really needed. I made them in a pan, and tossed into the church oven, covered with foil, when I got there, and they were nice and hot by lunch.

Jello salad with meat in it I can completely relate.Thanks for the ideas

[expatmom]

Originally Posted by mamaKristin

I keep waiting for a jello salad with meat in it.

Your prairie posts make me chuckle.


Geegee, I was going to suggest pasta, but I'm not sure about noodles in a crock pot. Does it have to be in a crock pot? How about a middle eastern dish with chickpeas, tomatoes & other veggies & some curry seasoning? Would they let you label your dish "contains soy"? Or maybe Sunday lunch would be a cold meal for you: sandwiches or salad?

[mamaKristin]

I have a recipe for a crockpot Cauliflower Dhal that is really nice. With spice though, so may not be a great sharing dish, but let me know if you want it.

[freshwaterfish]

I was going to suggest a curry chickpea stew...

What about salads? I have made a yummy cous cous or rotini salad with artichoke hearts, sundried tomatoes, red onion, and a vinaigrette dressing... A pasta salad or three bean salad maybe? Oh... a yummy greek salad... you could hold some out without the feta for yourself... Rice and peas (jamaican style?)... There's lots of east indian dishes that are vegetarian... pita and hummus is always a hit... or chips and salsa and hummus...

[Katiebug]

Originally Posted by mamaKristin

I have a recipe for a crockpot Cauliflower Dhal that is really nice. With spice though, so may not be a great sharing dish, but let me know if you want it.

[mamaKristin]

cauliflower dhal

about 4 cups cauliflower, cut into florets
2 cups chopped, peeled potato
1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed
1 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
combine in slow cooker

3 cups veg. broth
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp red curry paste
1/4 tsp turmeric
1/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp ground nutmed
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
mix in bowl and pour over cauliflower. stir and cook for 4 to 4.5 hours on high, closer to 8 or 9 hours on low.

I really liked this, and thought it would be really good as part of an Indian meal, with lots of yummy choices.

[Katiebug]

Thanks! I have everything for this (not split peas, but I'll use lentils instead ) and will make it tommorow!

Recipes,Recipes recipes.Could I have all the recipes to try?Please?

[greenjellysnakes]

That cauliflower dhal sounds delicious! That's going on my menu for tomorrow night's dinner

[Katiebug]

I made your recipe, Kristin, and my WHOLE family ate it . Added another tsp. curry paste because I was using a mild one and I needed to kick it up a notch.