Make-ahead vegetarian meal for a crowd?

[kristen3]

I am hosting my book club on a weeknight (which is, of course, also a work night). Do you have any ideas for a vegetarian meal that can mostly be made ahead of time? My book club ladies are an international group with sophisticated foodie taste :)

I thought about something like mushroom bourguignon, but we'll be eating on our laps, and the sauce would probably be too messy. Same problem with making a huge tureen of lentil soup. I also considered making an Indian curry, which could be thick enough to eat from a tray on your lap, but one of the book club ladies is Indian, and I'd hate to embarrass myself in front of an expert :)

A pan of veggie lasagne would be easy, but maybe a little uninspired.

Any ideas?

[enbell]

Are veggie enchiladas too low brow?
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/foo...

[FutureChefAdam]

What about some type of vegetarian taco? My personal favorite is a spiced red lentil filling, like this - http://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/re...

You can make most of it (salsas/toppings) ahead of time, and just cook up a pot of lentils when everyone is ready to eat. It usually only takes me about 20 minutes.

[yashmeen]

I made this the other night and afterwards decided that the next time I had to bring a dish to a veggie potluck, I'd bring this:

http://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/...

I added a can of great northern beans, garlic, zucchini and spinach to make it a little heartier, but I think it'd also be good as is.

[c oliver]

How about this Vegetarian Mapo Tofu with Peas?

http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/20...

I'm making it later this week but it sure sounds good.

[c oliver]

I made this last night and LOVED it!!!! I used Chinese noodes instead of rice. I'm going to be making this a lot
ETA: Although OP asked for make ahead, this comes together in minutes and the mise en place could certainly be done ahead.

[adventuresinbaking]

How about something like empanadas? Or maybe a butternut squash lasagna with a fennel and cream sauce? Or spanikopita? You could also do a mezze platter of hummus, olives and such.

So many possibilities.

[rmarisco]

what's your book about?? I'd work on a theme.. there's no such thing as a cuisine which doesn't have vegetarian food (except for maybe argentina!)

[Radha2009]

How about mini tofu quiches.

[blinknoodle]

Idea: Use bowls for your soup/curries/stew ideas. :)

Other suggestions:
-raw kale salad (I like mine with lemon, shredded beet, almonds and raisins/dried cranberries) - it tastes better as leftovers
-dolmas made in advance
-instead of Indian, go Ethiopian since it is pretty similar
-quinoa or bean salad
-no bake chocolate mousse pie for dessert!

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