Meal suggestions please - no dairy, no or low meat, possibly grain free

[seashells]

I owe a family a dinner, but the mom doesn't eat dairy. I can do a no meat dinner no problem (in fact, we rarely eat meat), but no dairy kind of stumps me, lol. I am willing to splurge but meat is expensive for us, so I'm not sure if I'm totally up for spending $20 on a chicken or whatever. Maybe I should, though. I am grain free but am willing to put that aside for one meal if need be. I have not figured out a grain free diet yet anyway.

Anyway, any other ideas? One thought that occurred to me was chili over baked potatoes. Some people could use sour cream if they wanted, but that would be optional so the dairy-free mom wouldn't have to use it. But if I do that, I'll have to get a recipe for chili - I am a fairly decent cook, but my chili is really awful.

I also really like casseroles, so I'm open to that. I can get a pound of ground beef for $5.50 and I'm definitely willing to spend that. I could also spend maybe $8 or $10 on pork chops, but it would not be enough to be a main dish.

Ideas much appreciated.

[catnip]

http://www.livestrong.com/recipes/black-beans-red-velvet-mole/

This is absolutely amazing over baked sweet potatoes. I add a lot more beans than the recipe calls for, though.

[seashells]

Hmm, I like the sound of that. Yes, I can see using way more beans there too, maybe even twice what the recipe calls for.

I'm assuming the Anise Seeds aren't absolutely critical (I don't have any - but maybe caraway seeds might fit? I don't even know what anise tastes like, though). I'm trying to think of what to do with the tortilla chips. I'm not like gung-ho against them or anything, but chips just aren't a staple here. Oh well, I can certainly pick up a small bag, that's no problemo. Thanks for the idea, I think I will give it a try! (I'm not daring enough to serve it to a guest without making it first!).

[BetsyS]

Tacos are still good without dairy.  I know, I wouldn't have believed it before I went dairy free, but they are good, especially if you have guacamole for the smooth texture.  We sometimes do refried beans, sometimes lentil/rice (spiced liked taco meat), and sometimes both.  We usually use tortillas (corn/flour), but you can certainly serve them as taco "bowls" like Chipotle or somewhere.  Just layer rice, beans, and toppings.  We also like sauteed onions and peppers, kale, and sometimes roasted white or sweet potatoes.  People can use the amount of rice, beans, and/or potatoes that they want.

Stir fry with cashews or tofu?  That's a popular one at my house, too. 

[catnip]

The chips are used as a thickener, you could use a little bit of masa harina or torn up tortilla if those would be easier. I have a small bag of (terribly stale) chips that I use just for this recipe, it's a huge favorite here. I add more cinnamon instead of anise usually because it's one less spice, and can't tell the difference. And I at least double the beans when I make this - I spoon off 2 cups of the sauce for later use - I bake tempeh in it - and then use 2 cups dry beans cooked, which is about what the recipe calls for.

And here's the best chili I have ever tasted: http://catnip13.blogspot.com/2011/02/award-winning-black-bean-chili.html

[bonjourmama]

what about a basic lentil soup? Lentils, stock, onions, carrot, spinach, you know...the works :-)

Sure to please!