Oktoberfest 2009 -HELP not sure what to make the vegetarians !

[books]

We are hosting an Oktoberfect party in a few weeks and I am stuck on the menu. I have all the standards down and some no standards too but a few of our friends our vegetarian and I have NO idea what to make them. I have alot of vegetarian receipes but very few that are in the German or Oktoberfest theme. Any ideas would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks !

[enbell]

Here are some search results:

http://germanfood.about.com/od/vegetarianrecipes/r/meatfreepatties.htm
http://www.ehow.com/facts_4970283_veg...

[Full tummy]

I would make red cabbage with apples and onions, something like this recipe, but keep the bacon out:
http://www.chow.com/recipes/12025

All the other ideas are great, too. I just find that some people who don't like sauerkraut really, really like the red cabbage.

[jeanmarieok]

The bacon is what makes that recipe awesome!!!

[Caralien]

Have you tried it with a bowl full of bacon or speck on the side? Or using coconut oil (or a similar rich, vegetarian fat?).

[Full tummy]

I don't doubt that, but my German mom always makes her potato salad without bacon, and it is pretty awesome, too.

[DiveFan]

FYI I reversed engineered this rotkohl recipe from one that had great sweet and sour balance - the bacon flavor wasn't that evident.

Not really German, but I like paprika gravy cooked with small red beans and/or sauerkraut. A tasty balance of (not too) spicy and tangy flavors.
http://life-eos.blogspot.com/2007/10/...
Yes, you can substitute good vegetable stock for the chicken/beef.
No, you can't leave out the sour cream!

[JungMann]

Pretzels with Liptauer (or Obatzda if you want to be a purist)
Kartoffelpuffer
Cheese Spätzle

[anakalia]

As a vegetarian myself, I second (or third?) the spaetzle idea. Why not make it with some mushrooms for added flavor? Another option, which I had a veg restaurant in Germany this year, is a mixed vegetable au gratin... Also, Boca Brats are declicious. But only the Boca brand ones, not any of the other brands! :)

[books]

THANK YOU all so much.... we want to make this a very special night and wanted to make sure that everyone feels included.

[funniduck]

Curry Boca Brats. Just like currywursts! Yum.

[anakalia]

Wow, Curry Boca Brats - fabulous! How come I never thought of that? :)

[nofunlatte]

And I third (or fourth) the Kase Spätzle idea--topped with soft, fried onions.

[small h]

Handkase mit musik. I love this stuff.
http://www.germanfoodguide.com/recipes.cfm?recipe_number=39

Other ideas from the same site:
http://www.germanfoodguide.com/oktobe...

[Caralien]

Sauerkraut, onions, vegan sausage, spatzle...what were you planning to make for the omnivores?

[books]

Jaegerschnitzel, saubraten, dumplings, sauerkraut. fondue, pretzels various dips with breads, some cheeses, and chicken wings ( I know not german but a special request) potato salad and sausages. Not sure what to do for dessert yet but i am thinking beer flavoured ice cream.

[Caralien]

Jaegerschnitzel & saurbraten, not veg; pick up a package of tvp and soak in same marinade as schnitzel, then bread and pan-fry in similar fashion; Saubraten--get a vegan brat at the store and boil in beer
Dumplings: veg if cooked in vegetable broth
Saurkraut: veg
Fondue: veg, but not vegan
Pretzles: veg
Potato salad: veg (not vegan if butter added; traditional to some recipes, not to others; ditto with whether to add speck or bacon--some recipes include, others don't).

For the beer ice cream, will you be using dried fruit soaked in an Oktoberfest beer? This too would be veg, but not vegan. Actually, a Christmas brew might be better, but that may be too much, as these are generally double-proofed beers!

It doesn't look like you really should worry about it, as your menu really does already cover food for most!