### A Dietitian’s Go-To Recipe for Vegetarian Friends

My mother plays a significant role in my passion for cooking. During my upbringing, she effortlessly prepared delightful meals and accompaniments for our family daily. However, her culinary care extended beyond our home. She dedicated her time to volunteering at community kitchens and meal centers, aiding those in need. As a family, we would join her in volunteering during the holidays. Monthly, she would arrange meal deliveries, whether through an organizer or otherwise, for friends facing challenges, families in recovery, or those welcoming a new member.

I have always admired her generosity and commitment to ensuring everyone feels supported and well-fed, regardless of their circumstances. As an adult, I strive to follow her example whenever possible. This includes bringing a dish to friends in mourning or preparing a meal for families with newborns. Additionally, a well-prepared meal serves as a thoughtful gesture of gratitude. Like my mother, I find deep satisfaction and purpose in helping my loved ones through something I enjoy.

In my role as a dietitian, I readily offer meals tailored to individuals with food allergies or specific dietary requirements. Admittedly, creating comforting and delicious dishes that meet such needs can be challenging. Hence, this recipe is my top choice for catering to individuals following a vegetarian diet. Let me guide you through the preparation and my fondness for this dish.

Potpie is a timeless comfort food known for its delectable taste but often considered labor-intensive to make. Receiving a pre-made potpie from someone else can be a delightful surprise for this reason. While traditional recipes typically feature meat such as chicken, turkey, or beef, this vegetarian version offers an equally delicious and cozy experience without it.

The process begins with sautéing a flavorful mix of onions, carrots, and celery until tender, enhanced with garlic, thyme, and rosemary for added depth. The aroma intensifies as you incorporate kale for nutritional value and texture, along with a boost of fiber and protein. Adding flour thickens the mixture before pouring in the broth. After a few minutes, the beans are introduced for additional fiber and protein.

Let’s not forget about the biscuits. These biscuits are a one-bowl wonder. Blend your dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper) and work in the butter until crumbly. Though a messy step, it’s quite enjoyable (at least for me). Pour in the buttermilk, mix until just combined, shape into six biscuits, and arrange them atop the vegetable mix in the skillet. Bake at 350℉ for roughly 30 minutes until golden and bubbling—the dish is now ready. Despite the time and technique required, this recipe minimizes cleanup by utilizing only a skillet and a large bowl. Consider covering your baking sheet with foil to catch any drippings, simplifying the post-cooking cleanup.

Moreover, this vegetarian dish offers 8 grams of fiber and 9 grams of protein per serving, delivering comfort, satiation, and nourishment in equal measure. With six servings per recipe, recipients may have leftovers for the next day, showcasing the versatility of vegetarian cuisine beyond the usual options like vegetable lasagna or black bean tacos (although both are delightful and nutritious, variety is always welcome).

Whenever I share this dish, it receives rave reviews. Its appeal may stem from nostalgia or its delicious depth of flavors. Each step of the preparation adds layers of taste, offering a special and comforting meal without the need for extensive cooking.

I hope this piece motivates you to prepare a meal for someone special, whether to ease their burden during tough times or simply to show you care. Remember, catering to a vegetarian diet doesn’t limit you to vegetable lasagna or plant-based tacos—options abound.