Plant-based roast dinner - three courses perfect for schools

It’s National School Meals Week, so what better way to celebrate than with more delicious, low-cost recipes that are good for children and our planet?

This year, the event is urging schools to include more plant-based options on menus to reduce emissions and improve children’s health - something we very much support here at ProVeg UK. Through our School Plates programme, we help thousands of schools across the UK to increase the uptake of plant-based meals for the very same reasons, and our recipes tend to be a huge hit with the kids.?

With winter just around the corner and budgets tighter than ever, we thought we’d share our recipes for a budget-friendly, 3-course roast dinner - perfect for schools and taste-tested by kids. Nutritious, cheap and packed full of flavour, these recipes make for plant-powered festive dinner that everyone can enjoy.

Read more about National School Meals Week on the LACA website, or scroll down to view our recipes.

Starter - Golden Lentil & Tomato Soup (ve)

A delightful and nutrient-rich soup, the Golden Lentil and Tomato Soup is a perfect starter for children. Packed with the goodness of lentils and tomatoes, this soup is not only delicious, but also incredibly wholesome. Lentils provide a wonderful source of protein and fibre, supporting the growth and development of children, while tomatoes offer a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. Get the recipe.

Main - Toad-in-the-hole (ve)

A classic British dish with a plant-based twist, our Toad-in-the-Hole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for children. Traditionally made with sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding, our version swaps out regular sausages for flavourful plant-based ones. Get the recipe.

Sides - Carrot mash (ve)

Our Carrot Mash is a vibrant, sweet and tasty side-dish perfect for children. This easy-to-make recipe takes the humble carrot and transforms it into a fluffy and colourful mash. Rich in beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, this dish supports good eye health and boosts the immune system. Its natural sweetness makes it a hit with young ones, encouraging them to eat their veggies and enjoy every bite. Get the recipe.

Side - Oven-roasted veggies (ve)

Our Oven-Roasted Veggies bring together broccoli, leek, and carrot for a delightful side dish that children will love. Roasting these colourful vegetables enhances their natural sweetness while the addition of herbs brings a fragrant note to the dish. It's a simple, fuss-free way to make vegetables the star of the meal. Get the recipe.

Side - Red onion gravy (ve)

This gravy is a perfect accompaniment to plant-based roasts, pies, or mashed vegetables, making meals even more enjoyable for children. It's a wonderful way to introduce them to the complex flavours plant-based cooking can offer. Get the recipe.

Dessert - Fruity fool with toasted coconut (ve)

This is a delightful dessert that combines the natural sweetness of fresh fruits with the creaminess of dairy-free yoghurt to create a lusciously smooth fool. A vibrant and tasty way to encourage kids to enjoy their fruits, this fruity fool can be topped with toasted coconut to add that extra bit of crunch. Get the recipe.

The perfect plant-based roast dinner

This entire roast-dinner is as delicious as it is nutritious, with 15g of protein, 11g of fibre, 1.4g of zinc and 2.7g of iron in the main dish alone! These colourful recipes are sure to grab children’s attention and taste buds with their tantalising flavours. And, this entire 3-course-meal costs just ￡1.26 per portion. Budget-friendly, kid-friendly, and planet-friendly - what more could you ask for?