Serving a Vegetarian--I'm out of my element

[COTSBOE]

I'm particularly interested in input from BattleNymph (or anyone else familiar with vegetarian recipes)...


I'm throwing a dinner party with wine pairings at my home in a couple of weeks...Three couples will be in attendance in addition to my wife and I, and one of the women is a vegetarian. She does not eat any meat, poultry, or seafood, but does eat cheese and dairy.

As opposed to telling her to stay home and spare me the travesty of wasting good effort on someone who obviously doesn't appreciate food, I have decided to try and be a kind and accomodating host. This means one of two things:

1. The entire meal will have to be vegetarian. (I do not approve of this option)
2. One or two dishes will have to be vegetarian, and she will need a "substitute" for the remaining meat dishes.


So, now I'm in a bit of a predicament. I was planning to go with the theme "Feast in the Middle East" (no, I didn't come up with that stupid name, but am too uncreative to think of a substitute)...focusing on dishes of Eastern Mediterranean origen; primarily Turkish. Here's the original menu:


Aperatif
Dolma (grape leaves stuffed with rice, pine nuts, onion and mint)

First Course
Red Lentil Soup

Second Course*
Roasted Lamb skewers marinated in tomato/mint sauce with Cacik (cucumber salad with yogurt, mint, garlic, and paprika)

Third Course*
Sweet citrus ginger chicken over saffron couscous with assortment of dates, raisins, and apricots.

Fourth Course*
Grilled swordfish with red onion tomato confiture, accompanied by grilled vegetables

Dessert
Lemon curd tart with fresh raspberries and fig sauce




The items marked with the asterisk contain "non-vegetarian fare".



Now, I'll be honest with you...the number of hot courses, amount of food, and time constrains inherent to serving seven people (and myself) is going to be taxing on my kitchen resources as it is....I'm not going to have time to make an ENTIRELY separate vegetarian dish for each of the three meat courses. Ideally, I just need to substitute something she can eat for the meat itself---example, I think I might just throw a couple of slices of eggplant on the grill with the swordfish and serve that on her plate. I'm still at a loss for the lamb and chicken dishes. Recommendations?

[BattleNymph]

Middle Eastern cooking has some awesome vegetarian dishes. Adding one to replace the two meat courses for her would be appropriate. When I'm eating full on veggie and go to someone's house, I generally appreciate it if they give me some options, rather than change the whole menu to vegetarian for me. Let me look through my Indian and Middle Eastern stuff.

The one I'm thinking of the most is a phyllo dough tart with grains, vegetables, nuts and suchlike inside it. It's very much a main course, but still veggie. (and really yummy!)

[silverwhisper]

tony, mushrooms are usually a good meat substitute--what about a portobella cap in place of the chicken? i'm at a loss re: the lamb, though.

[BattleNymph]

4 small eggplants, washed and dried
1/8 cup olive oil or vegetable oil
2 onions, coarsely chopped
3 cloves garlic or 1 tsp. garlic granules
2 each green peppers, seeded and chopped, and tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
Salt to taste
2 cups water, more or less as needed

Equipment: Potato peeler, large-size skillet, mixing spoon, 9- x 13-inch baking pan (large enough to hold 4 eggplants and water).

1. Cut a 1-inch-deep slice from stem end down the length of each eggplant. With small spoon, scoop out pulp, leaving about 1/4-inch wall around sides. Set scooped-out pulp aside. Sprinkle inside of shell with salt, and turn upside down on work surface for about 1 hour to drain.

2. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant pulp, onions, garlic, and peppers, mix well, and fry until onions are soft. Reduce heat to simmer, stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and parsley. Add salt to taste, mix well, simmer for 5 minutes longer, and remove from heat.

3. Rinse eggplants to remove salt, pat dry, and place side-by-side in baking pan. Fill each with eggplant mixture. Pour about 1 inch of water in baking pan with eggplants and bake in oven for 45 minutes or until eggplants are tender when poked with fork. Serves 4.

Serve hot or cold as a main dish. Each person is served a whole eggplant.

[BattleNymph]

1 cup (225 g / 8 oz.) rice
50 g / 2 oz. butter
50 g / 2 oz. almonds, blanched and halved
8 dates, stoned (they should be fresh, but dried ones will do, if plump)
50 g / 2 oz. sultanas
1 tsp. rosewater (but this can be omitted)

While the rice is standing, after cooking, melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the almonds, stirring until they turn golden. Now add the dates and sultanas, and cook, stirring, for a few more minutes. Remove from the stove and mix in the rose water, if used. Pile the rice on a dish and arrange the mixture on top of it. Serves 4-6.

[Stephane]

You can go with grilled tofu "sticks" to replace the chicken. I've had some in the salad bar at work. Not my cup of tea, but they are edible. I'll be willing to bet that you can prepare them exactly like the chicken (citrus/ginger) and it'll be relatively close in taste.

I can't fathom how to prepare them and I'll bow to anyone who could describe it in anyway.

I'd likely go with cheeses for the lamb. Cheese goes well with salad.

[BattleNymph]

This one is a bit of work actually. But it's good.

the dough :

* 3 cups all purpose flour
* 1 cup warm water
* 2 tbl spoons oil
* 1/2 spoon oregano
* dash of salt

Mix ingredients; knead for about 2-3 minutes; adding flour to until it doesn't stick to the hands - separate into 3 equal parts the filling :

* about one pound of thawed frozen spinach- i prefer the chopped leaves kind
* a couple of chopped green shallots (can replace with 1/3 white onion)
* 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
* salt, pepper, thyme

Mix ingredients

the assembly :

Roll out the 3 dough balls - so that each one is a bit bigger than your baking pan (i use 8x12 in.) - the amount of dough, for that size will give you the right thickness

Place the first layer on the greased pan, with ends hanging over the pan rim - add half the filling

Follow on with the second dough layer -add the rest of the filling

Finish off with the last dough layer; fold the dough layers together

Pluck a few holes, making sure you go through the second layer of dough

Bake for 3/4 hour at around 400F

[BattleNymph]

If you go to a health food supermarket, they have meat substitutes for chicken, beef, pork and such already prepared that you can just add to what you're already making.

[Stephane]

Good idea, SW. Mushroom would be a good substitute.

I've used a recipe as appetizers. I'll have to dig it up so I can give you the right proportions, but it's essentially:

mix chop/mince garlic and chopped parsley together. Take your mushroom put it upside down without stem. Fill the cavity with the mixture and drizzle some olive oil on top. Put in oven to cook.

It's not quite middle eastern, but it's tasty and it works. Might have enough kick to replace the lamb.

How about falafel?

[Magnus Bergqvist]

I know there is a Greek cheese that is intended to be grilled. It was called Halomi or something similar.

/Magnus

[COTSBOE]

BN: That first recipe you posted actually looks pretty good; but since I'm probably going to do eggplant in leiu of swordfish for her already, I'm not sure that two eggplant courses would work. The second recipe relies heavily on almonds, which is a no-no in my house unless I want to collect a fat life insurance check on my wife. Your spinach one appears as though it might be a little too much work with everything else going on.

I'm really trying to stay away from preparing an entirely different dish for one person...that's giving in a little too much for my stubborn nature to bear.


silverwhisper: Mushrooms are a great idea...I hadn't even thought of that. They'd be great in kabob form as a lamb replacement.

Stephane: I'm going to have to find out if she eats tofu, but using that for the "chicken" might work.

BN, you mentioned meat substitutes---is that just "flavored" tofu?

[Parzival]

Point out your lawn, and tell her to help herself.

[COTSBOE]

Point out your lawn, and tell her to help herself.

My fescue deserves a more honorable death.

[Parzival]

Better than soiling your kitchen with bean curd by a longshot.

[Mouser]

tony, mushrooms are usually a good meat substitute--what about a portobella cap in place of the chicken? i'm at a loss re: the lamb, though.

Huge porto caps work great!

[marmalade]

How about falafel? I was thinking that too. It would be a good substitute for the lamb because it would go well with the cucumber salad. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Falafel

If there's a Greek restaurant in your area, you could get falafel take-out, if that wouldn't be too tacky, or there are some pretty good & easy falafel mixes out there.

For the chicken course, I'd be tempted to give her extra (whole) dates & such.

[marmalade]

If you're grilling veggies anyway, you could try to make eggplant bundles.

Disclaimer: I have never done this, but you might do it this way...

Slice eggplant lengthwise, salt it to remove bitterness and pat dry, however you normally do it.
Brush with olive oil, sprinkle with pepper, and grill until done.
Lay one slice across another slice, like an X. In the center, top with a slice of fresh tomato, a fresh basil leaf or two (or some pesto), and a slice of fresh mozzarella.
Fold the eggplant over the filling, and secure with toothpicks.
Throw back on the grill or bake until the cheese is soft but not melting out the corners.

[BattleNymph]

The meat substitutes are usually flavored tofu or grain curd. They have chicken cubes and ground meats that are pretty flavorful. Something like that would probably work well with your current recipes.

[Nagoff]

I know there is a Greek cheese that is intended to be grilled. It was called Halomi or something similar.
/Magnus

Halloumi, and yes its great grilled -w e always have some with a BBQ. Marinade it in lemon juice, oil, garlic and some herbage (maybe corriander?), then grill thick slices or stick it on kebabs. Make sure you do enough for the meat eaters as well 'cos its that good!

[COTSBOE]

The meat substitutes are usually flavored tofu or grain curd. They have chicken cubes and ground meats that are pretty flavorful. Something like that would probably work well with your current recipes.


I may have to go this route--thanks for suggesting it. A bit of research has just turned up the revelation that she does not eat mushrooms. I'm beginning to reconsider allowing this person into my home...



Does the Halloumi have a flavor of its own, or does it absorb the lemon juice/olive oil marinade and take on those qualities?

[silverwhisper]

a vegetarian that doesn't eat mushrooms?

if you were amish or mennonite, i'd suggest shunning her!

[COTSBOE]

a vegetarian that doesn't eat mushrooms?

if you were amish or mennonite, i'd suggest shunning her!


I'm going to have a very hard time keeping my snark in check; especially after a few glasses of wine.

[Stephane]

Oy. She's vegetarian and picky about her vegetables?!

<claps both hands on his mouth barely stifling laughter and merrily looking at Tony>

[silverwhisper]

if you're feeling really snarky, you could leave a little assortment of vitamins on her plate to replace all the nutrients she isn't getting... :D

[Mouser]

She's a vegetarian who's picky about her vegetables?

I recommend a rare steak.

Tell her you made it from seitan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wheat_gluten_(food)).

[marmalade]

She's a vegetarian, not a fungitarian. :p

[COTSBOE]

if you're feeling really snarky, you could leave a little assortment of vitamins on her plate to replace all the nutrients she isn't getting... :D

That would probably cost me a friendship...but oh, what a fine idea it is.

[silverwhisper]

perhaps you could terrify your wife by decorating the plate so before your guests arrive? :D

[Stephane]

SW: I like your style.

[Dr. Mercury]

Serving a vegetarian?

I've found they're quite sumptuous when served with chianti and fava beans.

:D

[silverwhisper]

[bows]

thank you, stephane.

doc, i hate to tell you this, but the baby hippo made that comment earlier.

[Dr. Mercury]

doc, i hate to tell you this, but the baby hippo made that comment earlier.
:whacky043: Oh, well, someone had to make that comment.




What, you mean he made that comment earlier, too?



I'll be in my bunk.... :whacky043:

[BattleNymph]

Oy. She's vegetarian and picky about her vegetables?!

<claps both hands on his mouth barely stifling laughter and merrily looking at Tony>

Mushrooms aren't a vegetable. Just for the record.

[BattleNymph]

if you're feeling really snarky, you could leave a little assortment of vitamins on her plate to replace all the nutrients she isn't getting... :D

Actually, most of the nutrients you get from meat you can get other places. :) *pinches SW*

[Stephane]

Mushrooms aren't a vegetable. Just for the record.
Picky, picky.

Neither are fruits, for the record.

[BattleNymph]

Picky, picky.

Neither are fruits, for the record.

When did fruits come up? Other than the fact that we're all a little fruity here anyway.

[Stephane]

They didn't, but they aren't vegetable and they are being eaten by vegetarians..

[BattleNymph]

They didn't, but they aren't vegetable and they are being eaten by vegetarians..

True. But I've never seen a rule that says that vegetarians have to like ALL vegetables any more than I've seen a rule that all meat eaters must like ALL meat.

How many of you beef eaters don't like fish for instance?

[Stephane]

Never said it's a rule. Just found it incredibly funny. That's all.

[silverwhisper]

BN: most but not all, which was my point.

:troutslap:

[BattleNymph]

Never said it's a rule. Just found it incredibly funny. That's all.

I know you didn't, but several people here seemed rather taken aback that a vegetarian wouldn't like ALL vegetables. :D So I had to get my poke in as well.

[BattleNymph]

BN: most but not all, which was my point.

:troutslap:

Which is why I didn't address your post oh sensitive one. :D :troutslap:

[silverwhisper]

bah, i'm an insensitive clod...you insensitive clod!

:troutslap: :troutslap:
:troutslap: :troutslap:

[BattleNymph]

bah, i'm an insensitive clod...you insensitive clod!


You know the dedication to put ALL of your limited smilies into the troutsmack pool really deserves a :troutslap:


:D

[silverwhisper]

only knowable by someone who's reached the limit, i see... :spank:

tsk tsk, BN... :D

[BattleNymph]

only knowable by someone who's reached the limit, i see... :spank:

tsk tsk, BN... :D

You know I love it when you spank me. ;)

[silverwhisper]

so many comments...

[sighs and behaves]

[BattleNymph]

so many comments...

[sighs and behaves]

:D I win. :sasmokin:

[silverwhisper]

it isn't winning if your opponent refuses to fight. :> that's actually called "losing". :D

[BattleNymph]

it isn't winning if your opponent refuses to fight. :> that's actually called "losing". :D

Nope. That's called winning when the opponent forfeits.

[silverwhisper]

it's also called losing when you fail to realize that there's no ref to call a forfeit. :>

[BattleNymph]

it's also called losing when you fail to realize that there's no ref to call a forfeit. :>

Nope. I'm the only official vegetarian in this thread right now and so the only one qualified to be referee. :D

You walked and I declared a forfeit.

Now if you want to come back and play some more................ :D

[silverwhisper]

no, that makes you a contestant, ya doofus!

[gives BN an atomic wedgie and bamfs out of thread]

[BattleNymph]

[gives BN an atomic wedgie and bamfs out of thread]

*happy sigh* My work here is done.

[Stephane]

All that, and all you wanted was an atmoic wedgie? Pshaw..

[BattleNymph]

All that, and all you wanted was an atmoic wedgie? Pshaw..

Hey, an atomic wedgie means something different to a girl than it does to a guy. rowr!

[silverwhisper]

trust me, it wasn't shoes, BN... :>

[BattleNymph]

trust me, it wasn't shoes, BN... :>

Aw, you came back just for me. *bats eyes at SW*


:D

[silverwhisper]

nah, just man-crushing on stephane--he leaves me the sauciest rep comments... :D

[BattleNymph]

nah, just man-crushing on stephane--he leaves me the sauciest rep comments... :D

You break my heart. You really do. *sobs* :D

[Mouser]

Serving a vegetarian...

Is that like "Serving Mankind?"

[silverwhisper]

[raspberries at BN]

so long as it isn't serving YM... :>



hey tony, you got everything you need out of this thread before it goes permanently beyond repair? :>

[COTSBOE]

hey tony, you got everything you need out of this thread before it goes permanently beyond repair? :>


Please, do carry on...I'm finding it quite entertaining.

[BattleNymph]

[raspberries at BN]

so long as it isn't serving YM... :>



Hmm.. I'd heard you enjoyed serving Laggy's mama more than Mousers. I guess this makes it true.

[silverwhisper]

well, enjoy is such a relative term... :D

[Mouser]

well, enjoy is such a relative term... :D

Ew!!!

You "enjoy" your relatives?

Ew!!!

[BattleNymph]

well, enjoy is such a relative term... :D

You do have a point.

[silverwhisper]

mouser, i'm from NJ, not appalachia. :troutslap:

:p

[Mouser]

mouser, i'm from NJ, not appalachia. :troutslap:

:p


Ew!!

You had sex with a Jersey Girl!!

Ew!!

[Stephane]

[raspberries at BN]


SW, don't feed the animals..

tee hee! <runs like hell>

[silverwhisper]

mouser, lest you'd forgotten, i'm married to a jersey girl.

this means that i get to croon springsteen at her ceaselessly. :D

[BattleNymph]

SW, don't feed the animals..

tee hee! <runs like hell>

*morphs into her tiger form and gives chase*

If you run, it only makes it worse!!!!!!

[silverwhisper]

what are you, a gorrammed reaver or something?!

[Mouser]

mouser, lest you'd forgotten, i'm married to a jersey girl.

this means that i get to croon springsteen at her ceaselessly. :D

And Kevin Smith.

[silverwhisper]

i don't think even kevin smith croons kevin smith. :>

[Mouser]

i don't think even kevin smith croons kevin smith. :>

Well, quotes Kevin Smith...

I still want to see "An Evening With Kevin Smith II"

[BattleNymph]

what are you, a gorrammed reaver or something?!

come here and I'll show you.

[Stephane]

*morphs into her tiger form and gives chase*

If you run, it only makes it worse!!!!!!

OooOoOoo.. You morph!

Can I suggest a few forms? :naughty:

[Mouser]

*morphs into her tiger form and gives chase*

If you run, it only makes it worse!!!!!!

BN's a furry!!

[BattleNymph]

OooOoOoo.. You morph!

Can I suggest a few forms? :naughty:

*pins Stephane as he is distracted with carnal thoughts*


Tsk tsk..... *begins to bat his head around the floor like a ball*

[Stephane]

damn.

*dies*

[BattleNymph]

damn.

*dies*

*resists*



*resists*



*fails will save*



*eats his head...* :sagrin:

[silverwhisper]

am i the only person unclear to which body part she's referring? :>

[Stephane]

am i the only person unclear to which body part she's referring? :>

I'm right there, bro. I guess I'll die happy.

[BattleNymph]

am i the only person unclear to which body part she's referring? :>

That would be the one I was batting around the floor. :D