Need to find a vegetarian substitute...?

Question

I love my mom's old fashioned tuna noodle casserole, but I hate the tuna part. What would be a good substitute for tuna in a casserole recipe? My husband refuses to even try tofu, so it has to something else. Tuno is not sold anywhere near me (I live in the Iowa).

Perhaps I need to emphasize the vegetarian part?

Answer 1

Cooked (or canned) and slightly mashed chickpeas are generally a good substitute overall, but you also will probably want to find a substitute for the texture of tuna.

One item that is mentioned from time to time as a veggie substitute for the texture of tuna is artichoke hearts. You can get them canned or frozen, but don't use the one in a vinaigrette. If you find them canned, rinse and drain them well. If you find them frozen, defrost them according to the package instructions.

Answer 2

Chickpeas are good or you can try just making the tuna noodle casserole the same just omiting the tuna.

Good Luck and Happy Hoildays

Answer 3

Perfect subsitute is chickpeas (garbonzo beans). Buy a cooked can of beans, then mash them with a potato masher. Sounds silly, but they are just like tuna. I make a vegan tuna-noodle casserole with them, and also vegan tuna sanwiches. Just do not over mash, or you will have mush. Enjoy!

Answer 4

You could use chickpeas (already suggested) and/or lentils. A mix of the two would give a nice color and texture.

Most tuna casseroles, as I recall, have a lot of cheese in them, so maybe some sort of bean? Red beans and pinto beans taste great with cheese.

You could also try seitan or Quorn.

Answer 5

Nothing will taste like tuna but tuna. Can you find Quorn tenders? It will be like a "chicken" casserole but it will be good!

Answer 6

Try the recipe with Mushrooms. I did it for another similar casserole dish with rave results.

Answer 7

It's really difficult to find a substitute for tuna.... Maybe try mushrooms or aubergine instead? (for the sake of texture)
Enjoy :)

Answer 8

You could probably also add some tofu (not make it entirely from) and never tell him. Then afterwards ask him how he liked it and let him know the truth! It could piss him off, but it could also open his eyes that tofu isn't all that bad!! Juat take caution if this is something you're thinking to do!

Answer 9

Do you really need the tuna?
Can't you substitue some chopped zucchini in it's place?

As to substituting for the cream of chicken soup... I'm stuck.

Answer 10

Ingredients:

3/4 cup chopped onion
2 Tablespoons fresh chopped garlic
3 Tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes undrained
1 (15-oz.) can tomato sauce
2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 teaspoon thyme, crushed
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 cups diced zucchini (2 to 3 small)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped green pepper (or about 1 green pepper)
1 (15.5-oz.) can whole kernel corn, rinsed and drained
1 Tablespoon cornstarch
2 Tablespoons water
2 (12-oz.) cans drained Chicken of the Sea® Solid White Albacore Tuna in Spring Water
3 cups hot cooked rice

Directions:
In large saucepan, heat oil and sauté onion and garlic until onion is tender (about 5 minutes). Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, salt, curry powder, thyme, pepper and bay leaf. Simmer, covered, for 15 minutes; stir occasionally. Blend in zucchini, corn and bell pepper. Simmer, cover, an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Meanwhile, combine cornstarch and water. Stir into vegetable mixture until well blended. Bring to boil and cook one minute. Gently fold in Chicken of the Sea® Tuna; cook until heated through. Remove bay leaf. Serve over hot rice.

Makes 8 servings.

Preparation Time: 20-25 minutes, Cooking time 30 minutes