The L-Plate Vegetarian

Hot Snacks and Tinned Food

If you have access to a kettle, microwave or cooker there’s a great choice of quick, hot food available in supermarkets.

All you need is a kettle for good old Batchelor’s Pot Noodle: Beef & Tomato; Chow Mein and Nice & Spicy. There’s also Pot Curry in Curry Balty and Korma flavours, and for the refined among you, Posh Noodle in Sweet & Sour, Spicy Chinese Chicken and Spicy Chilli (these are all completely meat-free so don’t worry!). You’ll need a microwave for Knorr and Sainsbury Micro Noodles which come in Chow Mein; Mild Curry and Vegetable flavours. The following tinned snacks can be warmed in a saucepan or in the microwave: If you want quick Italian food try Heinz ‘Where’s the Meat?’ Spaghetti Bolognese and Ravioli (Tesco also do a meat free Ravioli), these are great on toast. Also try HP Pasta Menus, ones suitable for vegetarians are: Vegetable Lasagnette and Spicy Vegetable Rigatoni, also Tesco Pasta Arrabbiata and Asda or Heinz Macaroni Cheese. And last but not least: spaghetti hoops, alphabetti spaghetti or pasta shapes!

Don’t forget the humble baked bean, which, as well as being a great source of fibre and protein, is quick and delicious. Even try Heinz curried or barbecue baked beans for a change. Tesco or Heinz Baked Beans with Vegetarian Sausages are a good snack on toast, or for breakfast just add a fried free-range egg and grilled tomatoes.

As well as spaghetti and beans on toast, have another look at the sandwiches section as many of the filling ideas can just be served on hot toast or made into toasted sandwiches.

Sainsburys make two tinned casseroles: Vegetarian Sausage or Country Vegetable Casserole with Herb Dumplings. Serve with extra fresh vegetables to boost the vitamin content.

If you are feeling adventurous and have access to a grill you can easily make the Mexican nachos with a small tin of refried beans (mashed pinto beans) spread over tortilla chips and topped with grated cheese. Remember to place under a grill to melt the cheese. This snack is great with some of the dips mentioned earlier such as salsa and guacamole.

Look out for all kinds of vegetables in tins, which can just be heated through and served as an accompaniment with any veggie main course.

For a more substantial hot snack try ready made baked potatoes, as they can be microwaved or oven heated. Obviously it’s easier and a lot cheaper to make your own (see section on Potatoes) but if you are in a hurry check out the chilled section in your local supermarket: Try Marks & Spencers Cheesy Jackets or their Honey and Mustard Mini Jackets. Safeway also make a delicious one with Cheese Sauce or try their Jacket with Spicy Vegetable Chilli. Another good hot snack is pizza – the best way to avoid eating a whole one is to buy frozen slices such as those by San Marco, or try Iceland’s Cheese and Tomato Ciabbata that comes in packs of two snack sized. For those who are very hungry, there’s plenty of choice, including Tesco Thin Crust or Deep Pan Cheese or Iceland Garlic & Mushroom. To add more pizzazz simply throw on some of your favourite veg once the cheese has started to melt for the perfect topping. For a bit of luxury indulge yourself with Waitrose’s fresh Pizzeria range including Mediterranean Style and Tomato Aubergine & Spinach.

Next Section: Omelettes