Veggie dish to cook for guests

[mosside]

Please can anyone tell me any of their tried and tested veggie dishes that you would do for guests. We are veggie but I don't feel I have anything I would feel really confident to cook for guests as something a bit special or even just simple but really good.

Thanks for any ideas!

I would do 3-4 veggie curries plus rice, chapattis and yogurt. My suggestion is dal, mushroom curry, aubergine or cauliflower curry and a green bean or okra curry. All are very simple and crucially reheat very well so you can make ahead

A really good vegetable curry would be a winner. I make a few basic ones, but would be thrilled to get something a bit more complex/sophisticated when eating at a vegetarian friend's house.

For a casual week night supper, I have in the past (when we invited friends over for casual week night suppers)... done various pasta dishes. Roasted tomatoes with avocado and burrata is always a hit. Recently did a spinach/ricotta/lemon pasta (just for us at home).

Stuffed vegetables because they're fiddly and a hassle but delicious.

I've had success with Indian and Middle Eastern style food, as that is often naturally vegetarian and very tasty. I love Meera Sodha, Sabrina Ghayour and Yotam Ottolenghi's recipes. Depending on what you like, paneer butter masala is delicious, rich and a crowd pleaser.

I've also had this lentil bobotie, this moussaka with the mince swapped for cooked red lentils and seasoning adjusted and this vegetarian chilli (which is hot), and all work well as a filling central dish. If you are unsure then maybe do a test run beforehand, and the recipes I've linked or suggested can all be done in advance.

Thank you for these ideas. I need recipes! Also curry is a great idea but my teens won't eat it or does anyone have a good recipe for a mild one like a korma? Or just use a jar?

I made a lovely chickpea and coconut curry last night (loads of recipes on google). Also I find Greek is always easy and tasty - flatbreads, salads, falafel, tzaiki and halloumi

I've used this cauliflower korma before (though if cauliflower isn't your thing I'm sure it would work with paneer/another vegetable) and it's very good. You could add as much chilli as you like to taste. If you want to cheat a bit, I've had a Spice Tailor korma before and that was good. Can't speak to any other jars other than Pataks Balti paste which doesn't sound like is right for you!

"Also curry is a great idea but my teens won't eat it or does anyone have a good recipe for a mild one like a korma?"

Just don't use chillies? Normally just using a bit of cumin and garam masala doesn't give you a very hot curry.

Delia’s Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables Lasagne. It used gorgeous roast veg, mozzarella etc. V nice with some lovely salads.

This recipe is incredible, I would pay good money for it in a restaurant!

an Italian option could be:

Melanzane (that you can make ahead and heat up) - ton of Parmesan on top
mini roast potatoes with rosemary & a ton of salt
steamed/fried asparagus or tender stem broccoli
green salad
Garlic bread/panzanella
olives

lemon tart for pudding

Special macaroni cheese or…
Stuffed peppers

www.deliaonline.com/recipes/international/mediterranean/greek/vegetarian-moussaka-with-ricotta-topping?amp
I've made this for guests many times and people rave about it! It's so delicious! I serve it with flat breads and a Greek salad. It you want to do a starter I do home made dips like hummus (but you don't really need to do a starter, it's very substantial).

The Mary berry veggie lasange is really nice
spanakopia is lovely, looks impressive but is really easy.
hallumi fajitas

Jamie Oliver's sweet potato chili is better (and different flavours) than meat chili. People always ask for the recipe if I make it for them.

A bit late to the thread but I came on to recommend the Delia vegetarian moussaka, but spotted that @SallyWD had already mentioned it! It really is delicious and I've even had meat-eating guests say how nice it is.

Also this roasted pumpkin dhal, it's aromatic rather than hot or spicy so it might be acceptable for those who don't usually like curry. I add some cubes of frozen spinach leaves at the end.

That looks amazing and I'm saving it into my favourites right now!

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/baked-tomato-gruyere-potato-gratin This is one of my veggie family and friends favourites, but you need to start mid-afternoon with the chopping as it takes ages.

Great big macaroni cheese to share with a selection of toppings and sides: toasted chopped peanuts, roasted peppers, green beans etc. Some with some spice, some not.

Look at Tom Kerridge’s beef Biryani from fresh start book , the recipe is online , I’ve made this many times just leaving out the beef , it’s really nice , quick and easy , I put a selection of veg into it , green beens, peas , carrots, cauliflower courgette etc all shopped up very small , obviously use veg stock ( cube ) it really is easy , prep the veg in advance as this can be time consuming

I've made this loads and it's always a hit. I double the sauce quantities as we like sauce. I also don't stress about how the pastry goes on the top, just sort of crumple it on top. Are it for longer than said in the recipe, about 30 mins
www.nigella.com/recipes/guests/ella-risbridgers-squash-skillet-pie

This one was suggested on here recently, for recipes containing either chickpeas and or lentils. Again, made it several times and always good
www.mediterrasian.com/delicious_recipes_lentil_curry.htm

Roast aubergine and pepper pasta!
I like lettuce and tomato with it (and add mushrooms and sometimes olives to the sauce). I looove lettuce with tomato sauce, can't eat lasagne without lettuce.

Roast pepper and aubergine.
Dry fry pine nuts (they burn quick so watch them!) then remove from heat and set aside.

Sauce - chopped tomatoes, veg stock, sundried tomato paste, bit of sugar, herbs (whatever you have; I like chives and basil) add mushrooms and olives 10 minutes before serving and allow to cook through. Cook pasta (I use tagliatelle or linguine or bows/shells).

Combine sauce and pasta. Add to plates, add roast veg and pine nuts and shit loads of cheese.
Could serve with garlic bread, salad, anything really or on its own.

www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/creamy-courgette-lasagne

I've made this a number of times, really nice.

This gnocchi dish was brilliant and easy to make
www.delicious.com.au/recipes/baked-gnocchi-pesto-parmesan-bechamel-recipe/63d62pg2