Vegetarian friend over for dinner at the weekend

[ReeReeR]

I have friends over for dinner on Saturday. One of them is vegetarian and I am not sure what to make.

If the weather is good we will put the bbq on but no guarantees there.

When we go out for dinner she often orders a number of sides rather than a main.

Based on things she orders at restaurants or had at home, I think she likes:

Salad (with lots of balsamic vinegar)
Corn on the cob 🌽
Green veggies like broccoli 🥦
Hummus
Crudités like carrot and pepper sticks
Olives

I don’t think she likes pizza.

So currently all I can think of is to do a selection of things like crudités, olives, corn and salad for her but I feel there is no main event. This is how she seems to eat in a restaurant though. For us who eat meat I was thinking of doing chicken satay and maybe burgers and sausages if we put the bbq on.

Any suggestions welcome 🙂

[ReeReeR]

Thanks AtleastitsnotMonday Dressings on the side is a good tip. I know she loves balsamic vinegar but otherwise not sure so will err on the side of caution.

[Myimaginarycathasfleas]

I'm veggie and I hate putting people to trouble so I will always offer to bring stuff and I never mind at all if they take me up on it. I think she might not be keen on the carbs and the meat substitutes by the sound of it. Stick with hummus and crudités, maybe some shop bought mixed salads with pulses and grains, perhaps a bought Spanish tortilla if you feel like something more substantial is in order.

[ruddynorah]

Yep the nandos mushroom and halloumi is just a big grilled mushroom with grilled slices of halloumi on top (in whatever level of spice you like same as the chicken) served in a ciabatta roll. Absolutely delicious!

[tabulahrasa]

“Absolutely delicious!”

Only if you like mushrooms, lol, I really dislike the texture, I find them almost meaty... which is why I wasn’t overly impressed with Nando’s tbh, there was a mushroom thing and a burger and I thought it would have been easy enough to have other options...

[Titsywoo]

If you want to do tofu then Waitrose do a great basil one in their veggie section that tastes lovely and you can serve it as is or fry it in slices without having to worry about marinating it etc.

[namechangedforthis1980]

I can't remember who said about Parmesan, but you can buy little bags of Pecorino cheese from Tesco. Fairly sure that's veggie

[namechangedforthis1980]

Here's the pecorino

[kateandme]

what about a hummus flatbread pizza.seen some really lovely recipes for them.you can then add all the lovely toppings she likes.
then do all the salad and bits she likes.
perhaps some roasted or sauted veggies like brocoli.
corn on the cob
you could do some veggie roast parcels on the bbq or in the oven.

[kateandme]

if she has an ed or disorders eating then having to choose can be quite distressing or if she is trying to keep on top of it still a little unnerving as you can never choose the "right" option.
so id just stick to what she has mentioned and dont make a big deal of it.because for you you will want to give her lots of yummy options but she will then ant to please you and show appreciation and wont no how to!
stick to her safe foods.this will really reallyhelp her come out to eat and put in her mind of a really good night where it ctually was ok to go and feel "safe"

[ReeReeR]

Thanks all. I don’t want to make her uncomfortable obviously.

It doesn’t seem like bbq weather now and I have been shopping so I am going to make / prepare:

Chicken satay skewers
Veg skewers (peppers and onion)
Corn on the cob
Noodle salad
Mixed salad (no parmesan!)
Olives
Carrot and peppers batons
Hummus
Olive bread
Grapes

The only thing that won’t be vegetarian is the chicken and I will keep it separate.

I have haribo sweets (veg friend loves), chocolate, cake and ice lollies for afters. Should be ok.

Shame about the weather but I’m still hoping it might brighten up for dinner time!

Thanks again for the advice and comments

[Myimaginarycathasfleas]

That sounds perfect, OP. Plenty of choice but not overwhelming.

[ReeReeR]

Well would have been but veggie friend asked if she can bring a friend (there is kind of a reason). I checked and she is not veggie but only eats halal meat! I don’t mind her coming at all but means I need to go shopping as the meat I have is not halal 🤦‍♀️

[Simkin]

Presumably she can just eat veggie then? I wouldn't buy new meat if you've already bought.

[Myimaginarycathasfleas]

Halal friend can eat veggie, surely? Don't make life hard for yourself.

[ReeReeR]

The problem is the veggie options are not proper good but that was because my friend who is vegetarian doesn’t eat proper meals really

[ReeReeR]

proper food I mean

I don’t feel it’s v good to offer someone corn on the cob, veg and salad for dinner except when that’s what they actually seem to want to eat 🤔

I suppose I could make veggie sausages or something instead as I have those

[ReeReeR]

Isn’t it a bit rude of me to serve chicken that is not halal now I know? I know it’s not my fault and friend asked a bit late to bring halal friend, given dinner is tonight..

DH said leave it too since I have never met the girl!

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Yes - just lob a few veggie sausages in.

[Myimaginarycathasfleas]

Looking at the weather I'd have a couple of baked potatoes on the go as well!

[cricketmum84]

I would chuck the veggie sausages in and apologise for meat not being halal. I'm a serial apologiser though 😂

[happycamper11]

I second a pp and say go the Greek meze route with pitta bread and dips, falafel, olives, feta salad with dressing, halloumi kebabs etc, all suitable for bbq or indoor cooking. Can just add some meat dishes, pork/chicken skewers, lamb chops of kofta etc for the meat eaters

[happycamper11]

And veggie sausages fine for the new guest. Sorry for my last post I see you've already planned the menu, Internet is playing up so comments aren't loading

[ReeReeR]

Thanks all. You’re right (and DH is right) I think I shouldn’t feel compelled to go shopping again because friend has told me she is bringing someone with her.

I will apologise for not having halal meat and will see what I can add in - veggie sausages (but not sure everyone likes those?), cheese, tuna, potatoes (could make jackets or chips in airfryer).

[Hoppinggreen]

Both my dc regularly have Muslim friends here and I just serve vegetarian food (Dd is a veggie anyway) rather than get Halal meat
Their parents are much more comfortable with that I think rather than trust me to only serve Halal meat.

[OVienna]

Spinach and ricotta cannelloni
Veg lasagna
Risotto variations
There is s fantastic puff pastry tart in the Mumsnet receipe catalog I make loads. It's spinach and pesto - do a search
Veggie curry
Veggie stew
Nut loaf
Veggie quiche - many many variations
A range of salads, ottolenghi style
Lentil moussaka

Variations are endless.