From carrot dogs and sloppy joes to a warming vegetable korma over rice brought in a thermos, eating vegetarian can be something your kids look forward to. Once you have served them a few vegetarian lunches they will definitely find a few favorites.
Marinated Carrot Dogs
From Busy Vegan
soy-free and gluten-free (served on gluten-free buns)
Makes 4 but can be easily doubled or even tripled.
- 4 carrots
- 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar and a dash of salt)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos or low salt soy sacue
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1/2 clove garlic minced)
- a dash or two liquid smoke
- pepper to taste
Fill a pot about half-way full of water, heat it on high until it boils. Turn down to medium heat and add the carrots. Cook until you can just pierce it through with a fork. You want it to still have a snap when you eat it. Run cold water over them to stop them from cooking more.
Combine the other ingredients to make the marinade. Use a container that has a tight lid so you can easily shake it without spraying it all over your kitchen. Put the carrots in the container and marinade for a few hours to up to a few days. If you marinate them longer they take on more of the vinegar flavor. If the carrots are very skinny I would not marinade them for more than 1 1/2 days so they don't taste too sour.
To serve heat the carrots in a 350 degree oven or on in a grill pan on a hot grill until heated through. It should take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Serve in a toasted hot dog bun with your favorite toppings. After you cook them, you can also serve them at room temperature which makes it perfect for a school lunch!
More vegetarian school lunch ideas:
- Mexican Quinoa
- Vegan Sloppy Joes (put the filling in a thermos and the bread on the side)
- Vegetable Korma
- Raw Carrot & Walnut Pesto Sandwich
- Tempting Tempeh Sandwich with Vegan Garlic Aioli
