Vegetarian alternatives?

HopeElizzy

My sister is vegetarian - though not in the strictest sense of the word!:D She has been veggie for 20 years but in recent years she had to travel abroad alot and found it difficult in some places... Morocco being one example! As a compromise she has been eating fish and found she quite likes it. The reason she doesn't eat meat is because she doesn't like the taste.

So, after that ramble, what do other Veggie's out there eat for Christmas Dinner? Traditionally I make a Nut roast for sis as she doesn't have it any other time of the year. I've also got to think of something to cook Christmas Eve. I usually do a fish pie which would suit most of us except my dad doesn't eat fish!! :rolleyes:

:xmassmile Look forward to hearing what you all cook :xmassmile

Bibbitybob

I found a recipe in a magazine (December's Easy Living) for mushrooms stuffed with spinach in a pesto tart - shall be making that for Christmas dinner this year!

Previously I've had a quorn roast - it's like chicken, but...not.

lightisfading

Me and my boyfriend are both veggie, we usually have the quorn roast as he prefers it (and his family automatically buy that for us if we're coming!) but i prefer nut roast.

To be honest last year at his family's place they laid on such a spread that i could happily have done without a 'main' - loads of different veggie 'side' dishes.

Lillibet_2

I gave up being a veggie a few years ago but when I was I used to have fish pie for Christmas lunch....well, it is my favourite!:o

lightisfading

Just as a side note for anyone who might be searching this thread for inspiration on what to make their awkward veggie relatives... many/most veggies don't eat fish, please don't assume!!

Cat72

As a veggie I get a bit fed up ith nut roast, however sometimes you get nice ones ( sainsburys have a nice nut roast which they only sell at christmass ).
For new year I have veggie haggis which is lovely and the meat eaters steal it too- bells do a brilliant one at £1.60 ( available morrisions, tesco, asda ), its nice and spicey and very filling , you can also get one made by mcsweens but it tastes more bland.I have been on the search for some alternatives for christmass this year ( after 26 years i get a bit bored ).
I am probably going to try Couscous vegeatable roast which is very quick ( will print recipe if you want ) .If they eat cheese maybe a Vegetable Terrine would be a good alternative ( just soft cheese and roasted vegatables in a loaf tin refrigerated overnight.) or maybe a Vegetable or chestnut pie ? .

HopeElizzy

Cat72 wrote:

I am probably going to try Couscous vegetable roast which is very quick ( will print recipe if you want )

Yes please - that sounds good and would probably be good on Christmas Eve when I don't have much time

Myrtle

I usually have a chestnut roast with quorn wraps (quorn fillet wrapped in mushrooms and filo pastry) and veggie "bacon" rolls (smoked tofu slices wrapped round veggie sausages). Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

:xmastree:

Cat72

This recipe is for 6-8 but meat eaters will love it too.You will need to amke it the day before and will need -

One loaf tin

1 litre veg stock
500g couscous ( ainsleys harriots pack of meditteraine flavour or tomato has a good taste)
30 g butter ( a large knob size )
3 tbsp olive oil/ nut oil
2 cloved garlic
1 onion ( red is good )
1 tbsp coriander
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 teasp garam masala or parika
250g cherry tomatoes chopped
1 courgette chopped
150g baby sweetcorn ( sliced into long pieces and choped in half)
150g mushrooms
150g sun dried peppers or exotic peppers
60g fresh bail
Fresh basil leaves for decoration.

DRESSING is made next day - 80ml orange juice, i tbsp lemon juice, 3 tablespoons chopped parsely, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Boil and the the stock , then add couscous and butter. Cook for packet time usually 5 minutes then take off heat and leave to cool for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile heat oil in frying pan and cook garlic and onion on a low heat for about 5 mins.Ad the spices and cook for another minute, Then add the courgette and other vegetables and cook until soft.When finished drain and keep oil aside.
Then mix into couscous.
Line a loaf tin with plastic wrapping and allow to fall over sides( enough to cover tin ). Put bail leaves over base to form 2 flowers.Place couscous mixture in tin and press firmly.Fold the plastice firm over to cover and weigh down with cans and refrigerate overnight.
Next day mix all the dressing ingerdients and oil from vegetables together in a jar and shake well.Turn out loaf and serve with dressing.

You can use what vegetables you want and also dont need to stick to the dressing .I like ainsleys harriotss couscous mix but only the meditteraine veg or tomato as it adds extra taste- but you can add any couscous you want. I am making a basic tomato sauce for serving to heat it up.
Hope that hepls:D

LydiaSophia

I was veggie for 9 years and wouldn't eat fish etc. People always use to cook me a nut roast - I am however very allergic to brazil nuts - if you are going to cook one for a relative it might be worth checking if they have a nut allergy!

V_Chic_Chick

We have a kind of chestut pie with chestnut puree and onions and stuff topped with puff pastry.

I seem to remember that Rose Elliot has a book called Vegetarian christmas. Maybe you could go and get it out the library?