Vegetarian Thanksgiving
I am going to be holding a Thanksgiving feast that will be attended by at least 5 vegetarians.
I am looking for some unique entree ideas that depart from my usual veggie lasagna, chili, or risotto. I did see a great roasted pumpkin recipe in Gourmet this month. Something along those lines would be greatly appriciated.
Thanks in advance :)
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My sister whipped this up out of her head for my vegetarian friend. She made mashed potatoes, then sauteed mushrooms and shallots in parsley butter. She mixed the sauteed veg with mashed potatoes and threw in some capers. Then she wrapped everything up in puff pastry sheets and baked it, with capers and pastry scraps on the top to decorate it. I have no idea what we called it, but my vegetarian friend LOVED it. Kinda like a vegetarian wellington?
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foxy fairy
Nov 5, 2007 11:35 AM
Definitely peruse Moosewood and Mollie Katzen's books. When I was a veggie, for nearly ten years, I always brought my own hearty vegetarian dishes for holidays, so I would be sure to eat something delicious, nutritious, AND filling! In fact, I still turn to these when I need to WOW a group with something unusual and imaginative. Hooray for you for taking such good care of your vegetarians! :)
Some of my favorites:
from Moosewood Original -- mushroom strudel (in phyllo), Mimi's stuffed eggplants, mushroom moussaka, spaghetti squash casserole. I have served each of these at Thanksgiving and Christmas and everyone, veg and non-veg, goes crazy for these dishes. Ratatouille with grilled polenta discs is fun too... swirl on a little ricotta when serving.
From Katzen's books -- I like the savory vegetable cheesecake -- I think that one's in Enchanted Broccoli Forest -- a cheesecake of grated zucchini and carrot. Cauliflower pie is excellent too. I can paraphrase any recipes if you would like... :)
A hearty veggie soup is a great starter -- creamy carrot dill, roasted eggplant-tomato, squash or pumpkin, mushroom bisque.
For a quick, easy veg side that I remember one year -- I was so grateful for a cool veg side brought by another guest -- swiss chard, with sauteed grape tomatoes, red onions or shallot, pistachios toasted and crumbled, and a little cream cheese swirled in right before serving. This is hearty and filling, too :) and easy for the hostess/host to prepare.
You said no risotto -- but this is very cool -- Roasted pumpkin risotto **served in a pumpkin** is snazzy, unusual, AND delicious! I picked this up at a Slow Foods gathering in the OC -- slow-roast the pumpkin first, and it will melt into the risotto as you prepare it.
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AmyH
Nov 5, 2007 11:01 AM
Here's a very nice recipe from Mollie Katzen for cabbage rolls stuffed with cornbread dressing in a mushroom sauce:
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Chris VR
Nov 5, 2007 10:12 AM
Here's the recipe I'd recommend, for Mushroom and Leef Loaf. Loved by carnivores and vegetarians alike: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/283996
Here are some other threads that might give ideas:
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/330732
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/384443
http://www.chowhound.com/topics/455951 -
maplesugar
Nov 5, 2007 07:07 AM
http://www.vegetariantimes.com/recipe...
This Vegetarian Times recipe for Roasted Vegetable Cornucopias looks wonderful. I've never tried this particular recipe but I've had success with every VT recipe I've tried in the past. (If your friends are vegan just omit the pastry and perhaps serve it in mini pumpkins instead).
HTH :)
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mels
Nov 5, 2007 06:59 AM
I love this recipe from Epicurious...it is a Butternut Squash gratin with rosemary breadcrumbs. It makes a hearty side or a good main course. Whenever I make it we totally pig out on it, it is that good. http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/104303
I have been on a butternut squash kick because I have a ton of them right now. I just tried this other butternut squash gratin recipe which was really good, though not as hearty as the first recipe: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...
