My fav soup to make is a white bean and potato soup flavored with olive oil, sage, and parmesan cheese. since parmesan has lots of salt, just use a little in place of the salt. my carnivorous friends LOVE this soup and is great served with a quick salad or sauteed veggies.

That Cuban black bean soup featured above is out. of. this world. and I highly recommend it.

You can do a lot! I second the beans: bean burritos/tacos, bean soups, beans tossed into salads. I've seen many pasta recipes that also use beans. If your father is open to different flavours/experimentation, you could try making chana masala or a chickpea curry (with chicken for him?) Most of these you could make ahead, or at least do the prep work, and either freeze or keep refrigerated until you need them. Because several of these make at least four servings, you could choose 2-3 recipes to make and have leftovers.

You could also make fish stew, as someone suggested, or mussels -- those are very quick and easy. Shrimp sauteed and tossed with pasta, or baked fish/salmon. The possibilities are endless.

Sheesh, where's the holiday spirit? So she's not borderline vegan, who cares?

I love doing fish in a sack - any fish baked with your choice of veggies in a sack made of parchment paper (my preference) or foil. The sack traps in the steam and cooks the fish and veggies together, and doesn't need very much seasoning. Maybe a squeeze of fresh lemon and a drizzle of olive oil with light salt & pepper. My favorite is to do salmon or tilapia with green beans and asparagus. You can google "fish in a sack" and find many, many options.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

Do you have a crock pot? If not, it might be worth getting one. You'll be able to cook one pot meals while you work so when the whistle blows at 9 PM, you and your dad can promptly sit down to a hot, home cooked meal.

With that said, here are my recommendations: Manhattan Clam Chowder & Cioppino. Two nice hearty dishes that can be made in one pot and hopefully meat all of you and your dad's dietary requirements.

I'm not sure why you're shooting for a vegan meal if you're not even vegetarian, but The Veganomicon cookbook has an entire section of one-pot meals (and another great section of easy-to-make casseroles). You can browse the table of contents on google books, and find most of the recipes there too, but it's such a popular cookbook that if you find a recipe you want to try but don't see it via google books, an internet search will inevitably lead you to a blog that also has the recipe.

Sometimes it's easy to overthink it, when we want to make someone happy. This happens to most of us as hosts. Keep it simple! What are you in the mood for? Start with that thought and then find recipes that fit your needs and those of your dad.

how about a mexican-style soup with tomatoes, black beans, corn and onions? throw in a can of green chilies too, if it won't mess with your dad's meds. you can add some cheese and shredded chicken to his portion.

carrie
masteroffineats.blogspot.com

red beans and rice! yum

I agree with Queenofthefall.
You are a pescatarian - A person who consumes no animal flesh with the exception of fish.
I follow the same siet as you (fish, but no dairy) and I still find plenty of ways to feed myself and my meat loving family.
I would suggest rice, it is super easy. Also, instant potatoes are easy, but it depend if you are willing to eat that.
Also, I don't think he will mind if you gave him a Hungry Man dinner some nights

About the vegan/non vegan thing. Like Margaret I eat no dairy (or eggs); I eat only fish, and that means a small portion about every six weeks, never cooked by me. Pretty much just when I go for sushi. So, all my cooking efforts are in fact entirely vegan. I totally get how annoying it could be to have people throw the term around too loosely. I usually say that "I pretty much eat vegan," and I think it's okay.... I guess I wouldn't say I "am sort of vegan" or something like that because it seems more definitive.

Saying that she's "not even vegetarian" kind of discounts the fact that she doesn't consume dairy... If there is a spectrum of animal product consumption with veganism at one end, I don't think having one kind of meat (meaning fish) included in your diet automatically puts you at the other extreme, especially when most other animal products are excluded from the diet.

Anyhow, I have a similar situation with my Dad, so this post is perfect. (Going home for the holidays tomorrow and I've promised to do lots of cooking.) The suggestions are great. Maybe I will cook some fish, but I don't really know where to start with that. I guess my real hope is to get him to want to eat the same diet as me, haha. How bout some tempeh, Dad?

what about a pot pie type thing? and use seitan instead of meat with maybe some sweet potatoes, garbanzo beans, okra, corn, peas, onions (or whatever you both like or have on hand!) with an egg and dairy free drop biscuit top. use low sodium vegetarian broth to keep it moist. you can prepare the veggies ahead of time, and the biscuit dough (heck, use a tube of biscuits) and bake it when you get in.
basically, make a stew with a biscuit top. yum!

Okay, I think I might need to modify what I just said-- I say that "I only cook vegan," because I do, and "I mostly eat vegan," which I think accounts adequately for the bi-monthly exception I make to an otherwise vegan diet. I hope I don't piss anyone off by throwing the term around too loosely myself... And maybe there are people who think you can't be, you know, vegan part of the time, because it's a lifestyle thing. But I think that part of the time counts for something because, like I said, all my cooking efforts are vegan.

who cares how this person wants to label herself?

when i cook for my dad who is a real meat and potatoes guy, I go for something that is just like meat and potatoes but isnt--like the suggested pot pie above, or some sort of stew. include some other ways to round out the meal like fresh bread, etc and im sure it will be fine! like someone else suggested, keep it simple.

you could also find a good lentil loaf recipe and that has been somewhat meaty in the past for us! serve mashed potatoes and some gravy on the side and its a very good homecooked comfort food dad friendly meal

It's not one-pot, but chickpea cutlets would fit your needs. They can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Add rolls or pasta and tomato sauce for a full meal.

Vegan mac and cheese:

1/4 cup nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unbleached flour
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 cup unsweetened soy milk
1 1/2 tablespoons margarine

Just combine it in a saucepan, cook over low heat until thick, and toss with your pasta. It is delicious (my husband loves it), and you can lower the salt as necessary for your dad. It's nice that you're being so thoughtful.

emsiemilia makes an excellent point about the hairs being split here. If I were to say that I eat a mostly vegetarian DIET, it doesn't really say anything about my beliefs or ethics when it comes to food. It's more a statement of fact.

However, if I were to say that I AM a vegetarian, it's a more personal statement that implies something about my beliefs, so some of the people who feel strongly about labeling themselves with the term get snarky when they hear it misapplied.

I'm not a vegetarian, but my attitude is that if you are one and you hear someone say that they frequently eat vegetarian, don't complain about the meat they do eat, applaud them for the meat they don't.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend the Real Food Daily cookbook - the restaurant is the TEMPLE of vegan comfort food in L.A.

http://www.realfood.com/merchandise/rfd-book/

That being said, if I were in your situation, I'd ask Pops exactly what he likes to eat that works for his restrictions. Plan most of his meals separately from yours. Cook him whatever he wants that's safe for him to eat, and make yourself separate veggie/fish meals. His needs, as your parent, as a sick person, and your guest, should come WAY before yours. Just eat frozen vegan entrees while he's there and cook him what he will like. Simple. Keeps the peace. Probably less work.

Chickpea cutlets and seitan are both delicious options that can be made ahead and quickly tossed in a frying pan when you're ready to eat (make them low-sodium by using salt-free seasonings). That way you can emulate traditional "meat and potatoes" meals without the meat. Toss some dark leafy greens in a pan to have in addition to whatever veg you are serving for him, since your nutrient needs are greater than his.
Of course, lots of soups will fit the bill- barley soups, noodle soups and so on with some toast and a fruit cup will likely suit his needs for lunch. For yourself, make that toast into a sandwich, and toss some greens into your bowl before serving.
Pasta is a great option for dinners too if he likes that- try a quinoa pasta, and serve it with a nice marinara, some chickpea cutlets and some asparagus or green beans.
For breakfasts and desserts, all your usual dairy-free baked goods will work with some nut butter or soy-free Earth Balance will do. Porridge is a great option, and some dried fruits and nuts make it special. Just use vanilla rice milk instead of soy and you're set!
Good luck, and have a lovely time with your grandpa.
http://www.veganpeace.com/recipe_pages/recipes/ChickpeaCutlets.htm
(the Veganomicon is really a great resource here!)

I am guessing you don't eat eggs, right? If you do, they're a great easy dinner--make an egg casserole or some baked eggs, which you just pop in the oven at the last minute.

BUT, if don't eat eggs what about a good vegetarian chili? Load it up with condiments and it's hard to even notice there's no meat. Pasta with a red sauce is always a crowd pleaser. Or maybe a lasagna you can assemble in advance? I don't know if you're comfortable cooking meat at all, but if you are you can always add on something to your dad's portion. You might even consider buying some precooked meats, like maybe precooked chicken breast (check the sodium on the label though!) you can just chop up and add to a big salad or on the side of a plate of pasta.

Good luck!

Hey guys, no soy, remember? So no soy milk. Also, low-acid, so no tomatoes.

What about something like roasted garlic soup with veggie stock? You could also do a make-your-own type meal, like pizza or baked potatoes (he can put on his kind of toppings, you can use yours).

I would suggest pasta but instead of using tomato sauce (acidic) use pesto (basil or broccoli) and toss in some roasted veggies like zucchini or squash.

You could also do straight up roasted autumn/winter veggies with a little olive oil, brown sugar, and cider vinegar. Carrots, apples, onions, potatoes, parsnips, sweet potatoes, cabbage, etc. Serve with bread (and maybe butter or a little low-sodium deli ham for your dad) and you're set.

Lots of good ideas here - good luck!

Make some soups ahead of time. Soup is easy to digest and eat for older people. I made a couple of soups for my elderly relatives. I made beet salad and had fresh bread on hand.

Here are some hearty and well tested ones I've made-
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, crushed
3 leeks (white part only), sliced
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 parsnip, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 small purple turnips, cut into 1/2-inch dice
2 Yukon Gold or Yellow Finn potatoes peeled and diced
5 cups cold water
1 bay leaf
7 fresh sage leaves, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup creme fraiche or whole milk yogurt (for serving) OPTIONAL
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1. In a large flameproof casserole, heat the oil. When it is hot, add the butter. When the butter melts, cook the coriander seeds, stirring often, for 1 minute or until fragrant.

2. Add the leeks and cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes. Add the sweet potato, parsnip, turnips, and potatoes. Continue to cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes.

3. Add the water, bay leaf, sage, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

4. Discard the bay leaf. In a blender, puree the soup until smooth. If the soup seems thick, stir in more water. Taste for seasoning and add more salt and pepper, if you like. Ladle into bowls, OPTIONAL_ add creme fraiche or yogurt and parsley

Cauliflower soup-
http://smittenkitchen.com/2006/09/the-fragile-cooking-ego/

Roasted Parsnip soup this is so amazing- this is a good site for vegetarian dishes
http://www.veggiebelly.com/2009/02/roasted-parsnip-soup-with-fresh-herb-and-caper-chimichurri.html

I'm thinking a pot pie or stew as well, something with a firm white fish perhaps?

A friend of mine made a mean vegan pot pie awhile back and the 'sauce' she used in the pie was a roux made with earth balance and flour, then some veggie stock (fish stock would be equally good) and some white wine.

I wouldn't care if the crust was there or not but if he would you could make some in the morning and quickly bake off the tops when you get home.

Best of luck!

Mushroom Bourguinon... There is a great recipe here: http://smittenkitchen.com/2009/01/mushroom-bourguignon/

I completely understand your dilemma, and I think other folks who have tried to be helpful don't fully understand having a meat and potatoes dad. I tried throwing a little trader joe's curry powder into a stir fry for my dad back in the 90's and heard about it for years. I'm assuming that's what you mean when you say "no spices." That said, here's what I would recommend:

1. A LOT of puréed veggie soups (squash, broccoli, etc). While I'm not an expert, I know there are vegan-friendly ways to achieve the "creamy" effect.
2. Rice options. I would make a batch of "fried" rice (no eggs, of course), with various veggies.
3. Risotto. A nice, mellow mushroom risotto is a great option.
4. Don't forget the portabello mushroom--it has a great meaty feel to even the heartiest meat eater.
5. Stuff your veggies--sautee some rice in a dad-friendly sauce (I typically use tomato, but something else would do) and stuff it into a veggie and bake. If bell peppers are too acidic, squashes can also work well.

Be willing to go out once or twice and give both you and Dad a break!

Good luck!

Queen of the Fall is 100% right-- Not even 'mostly' vegetarian. You are a pescatarian--embrace. It's a really healthy lifestyle.

I don't even call myself a vegan and the only animal product I consume is honey and butter on my toast. You have to understand how frustrating it is to explain over and over to friends, family and strangers that, yes, a fish an animal, therefore I don't eat it---when one would think 'vegetarian' is really pretty clear.

That said---How about a nice Tweed & Kettle salmon Pie for your father or a lentil shepherd's pie? If you eat fish, then make the man fish! Why make it difficult for yourself.

I feel bad for Margaret that her question wasn't really answered as much as picking apart what she said. But as a vegan for 14 years, I agree that you shouldn't call yourself borderline vegan. Veganism is not a diet but a way of life. All our decisions are affected by this, what we eat, wear, buy, etc. It means so much to us that we don't wanted it lessened by people calling themselves vegan that aren't.

Margaret here, wow, thanks for all the great suggestions!

And my apologies if I offended anyone, I should have been more specific. I am indeed (and should have classified myself as) a pescetarian; the only animal product I consume is an occasional piece of fish.

And deneph, I can definitely relate to the curry powder incident. Can't wait to try some of these ideas!

i don't want to sound like a total b*tch here, but unless your dad doesn't go to bed until 2 in the morning, he should be eating dinner a lot earlier than 9pm. the mushroom bourguignon from smitten kitchen someone mentioned might be worth a go since it would probably reheat for you quite well.

Vegan is a powerful word, it not only describes a type of diet it also describes someones values and morals. I feel like someone who does not up hold the values of a vegan life style should not be using the word to describe there diet. It can very easily be taken as an insult to those who are vegan. I would recommend using the term restricted diet instead. For those of us who have chosen a vegan life it is by far no easy feat, It takes a lot of commitment, research, and time, the word Vegan is something that is earned.

You better stock up on air freshener and gas-x if your going to eat beans for two weeks!

Veggie Burgers and Baked Potatoes - the easiest meal on earth besides cereal.

Take-out.

And the whole vegan thing... I just say, "I live with a vegetarian who is the cook in the family." and leave it at that.

Asparagus sauteed in olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice, served over fettucine. Hearty and delicious. But on another note, doesn't your 80-yr-old dad deserve a little extra consideration? It's just 2 weeks. If he usually eats meat, you aren't killing more animals than he would be eating if he were at home. Maybe for a few of the meals you could offer some humanely-raised steaks and baked chicken, etc. (basically, cook and serve), alongside the one-pot dish you make.

I live in a similar situation - one vegan, one dairy- and soy-free person. When we have guests the least conspicuous meals are black bean and corn veggie chili, veggie pot pies, risotto (use olive oil, leave out parm), and roasted vegetable medleys. We use a lot of caramelized onions and peppers -- for cheeseless panini, pizza, baked potatoes, or tacos. Lentils are great too -- for soup or dal if your use of spices allow. You can even use them as taco filling. Good luck!
PS We try using the term plant-based diet rather than vegan, though often people don't know what that means. Plant-based seems more dietary than political.