IT'S National Vegetarian Week, and therefore the perfect time to try some delicious meat-free recipes -- if you're a veggie or not.

Many people in the world are vegetarian. In fact, it is only in the western world that such a high level of animal produce from intensively reared animals is included in the average diet.

Many vegetarians feel that the high levels of cancer and heart disease in the UK are caused by this western diet.

However, for those who are willing to try "something different", here are a couple of meat-free recipes for you and the kids.

Having been a vegetarian for 21 years -- my husband and 17-month-old son are, too -- I can promise you, you'll find them as tasty as any containing meat.

PROVENCALE POTATO, ARTICHOKE AND

OLIVE RAGOUT (serves 4, suitable for vegans)

Ingredients

30ml/2tbsp olive oil

2 onions, thinly sliced

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

1kg/2lb baking potatoes, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces

2x400g/14oz can chopped tomatoes

2x400g/14oz can artichoke hearts, halved

900ml vegetable stock

a few sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary

salt and ground black pepper

100g stoned black olives and 100g stoned green olives

Method

Heat olive oil in a large pan, add onion and garlic and saute until soft.

Add potatoes, cook for 5 mins, add tomatoes, artichokes, stock, herbs and seasoning. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 30-40 mins.

Stir in olives and heat through.

Discard sprigs of herbs and serve Ragout with crusty French bread.

QUICK PIZZA (lots of carbohydrate for kids)

When you want pizza, try the following as bases: French bread, wholemeal bread, pitta bread, naan bread, ciabatta or ready made pizza bases.

Coat the bread in Ragu-style sauce, add topping of choice and a sprinkle of cheese. Place in pre-heated oven at 200 degrees C for 10 mins.

Recipes from the Vegetarian Society -- visit their website on www.vegsoc.org/nvw