Actually if it was entirely vegetarian, that would make it easier. I am hosting a dinner party tomorrow night and I need to go shopping now. The only problem is that I don't know what I am making. The dinner party will be a total of 12 people, 5 of the people are vetarians. Last time we got together for a dinner party about 2 months back the entree was lasagna- one vegetarian and one for meat eaters. I don't want to do the same thing. I also want the dishes to compliment each other since we will all be having the same sides. I have had the suggestion of a pork loin. So I am thinking mashed potatoes for a side. What vegetarian entree though?
I do plan on having a tomatoe pesto cheeseball and baked brie for appetizers. Also I know that we will be having sugar cookies as a desert (I promised the kids). So what else?
The funny thing is that everyone seemed to assume that I was a meat eater. I am a vegetarian which is why, as I said an entirely vegetarian meal would have been easier to plan. Also, considering that nearly half of the party were vegetarians it would be not only rude to not have a vegetarian entree but odd as well. My friends say it's gracious of me to prepare meat for them. (Truth be told- I always have my friend do the meat)
The party went really well. I had the tomatoe pesto cheese ball, a baked brie, fresh fruits, and dips for appetizers. For the meal I had a green salad, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (purple onions & red & yellow peppers), a pork tenderloin, and a lentil loaf.
For anyone interested in the lentil loaf here is the recipe:
1 cup red lentils
1 bay leaf
2 cups vegetable stock
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp dried bread crumbs
2 cups grated sharp cheddar
1 leek finely chopped
4 oz mushrooms finely chopped
1 1/2 cups fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
2 tbsp parsely finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 eggs lightly beaten
It's basically prepared as you would do a meatloaf, but if anyone is interested I'd be happy to give you the instructions. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!
You could make a meatless cottage pie (or as you call it here shepherds pie)
Use portabello mushrooms for the "meat". Chop them up fine but not too fine, saute them in a few tbsp vegetable stock until brown. Saute onions and carrots till soft. Add to a casserole dish. Top with sweet potato and white potato mash and bake at 400 til golden and bubbly.
vegetarians dont need a special entree, its a common misconception, just make your sides without chicken fat, beef bullion, geletin(in desserts), rennet(in the cheese) or eggs, and have a veggie tray and salad. vegetarians make a meal out of the same thing meat eaters do, just no meat and more of the sides and salads. Your veg friends will be delighted that you took the time out to omit these items, when they probably would not expect you too.
Ive been vegetarian for almost 20 years, and i know of many. We dont expect a special entree made for us, but if a hostess allows me to look through her recipes, or assures me that there is no beef or chicken base or bacon grease in the sides than i am eternally grateful.
Pasta with pesto and pinenuts for vegetarians and with chicken for carnivores is one idea.
My standby website when I am looking for ideas is www.allrecipes.com
Chili is also something that can be veggie or meat based.
I am having a hard time coming up with something that is easy that would work with potatoes and pork, though.
I like to serve pasta with a choice of sauces and meats on the side that way people can choose how they like it. I usually serve a red and a white sauce and put out bowls of meatballs and grilled chicken strips. I serve with a side salad. Usually everyone likes something and it is something kids like too.
Hows about eggplant parm?
Also you can do a stuffed italian loaf of bread stuffed with spinich dip.
Rember Google is your best friend! Just type in vegetarian recipies
http://allrecipes.com
look up vegetarian meat balls. usually made with nuts, cheeses, egg, and bread crumbs. I make mine with an apricot bbq sauce. Would work well with sides that also go with meat dishes.
http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf776202.tip.html
there are a half dozen variations on this basic recite. Google " vegetarian meat balls with apricot bbq sauce" and you'll find several. I also had them made for my wedding for my vegetarian guest.
I make this for myself and daughter amongst my carnivorous in-laws and they rave about it! Its also a classic amongst my vegetarian family and friends.
You are a very thoughtful hostess. I'm vegan, and I would be thrilled just with a salad that didn't have cheese or ranch dressing all over it, plain green beans that didn't have bacon or ham bits in them, fruit, rolls, etc. If you absolutely didn't have anything I "could" eat, I would just smile and eat it anyway. I eat what people are kind enough to serve me for dinner, no matter what. It is a matter of common courtesy. I know it is hard for non-vegans to feed me, so anytime I can find a few meat/dairy/egg-free sides, I am very grateful.
Hope this helps!
There are so many Asian dishes, that can be made vegetarian by just omitting the 'meat' in it or substituting firm tofu instead.
Japanese
Chinese
Thai dishes.
Oh sorry, you have an Italian theme? Asian won't go with your listed dishes.
Baked sweet potatoes and a broccoli casserole would go well with pork loin and serve as stand alone vegetarian dishes.
I did vegetarian for a number of years and agree with the other posters that I could always find something to eat that fit my food habits. My other mixed eaters standby dinner has always been marina sauce and pasta, with broiled chicken on the side, a big green salad, hot french bread, and garlic butter spread on the side.
Enjoy your guests and have a great time.
How about eggplant parmesan? A nice spinach salad on the side?
