Vegan party centrepiece - preferably not pastry, make ahead and limited prep

[RockingMyFiftiesNot]

I'm planning a family party for a special occasion. We will have one guest who is vegan and several who are vegetarian. I will ensure that all the salads and sides are vegan, so that they are suitable for all guests including meat eaters. I'm conscious that I don't have a 'centrepiece' for vegan/vegetarian guests. Usually I do something with pastry like a tart or pie so want to do something without pastry. I've also made roasted vegetable terrines in the past eg for dinner parties but find them a faff I won't have the prep time on this occasion.
I'm sure people won't go hungry with all the salads and sides but I would like one dish that balances the meat platter I am planning for the carnivores.
Would a nut roast work in this environment or are they considered really boring?
Or any recipes for veg terrines that don't involve roasting slices of aubergine/ courgette etc which are lovely but too time consuming when cooking for a crowd.
Or any other ideas would be gratefully received. Thank you

Stuffed peppers or stuffed butternut squash

A tagine

Whole roasted cauliflower

Chickpea crumble www.coop.co.uk/recipes/chickpea-bake-with-oat-and-almond-crumble

Escalivada - it cooks the aubergines whole and you can then pull them apart like you might pulled pork. I like the Green Roasting Tin recipe, it’s so easy.

thehappyfoodie.co.uk/recipes/escalivada

I hate tinned tomatoes and aubergines, and so many veggie/vegan things seem to involve one or both of these.

Thank you all. @RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie I've noticed that too, hence looking for something a bit more 'interesting' !

We like Linda McCartneys beef roast with red wine or marinated oven baked crispy tofu. You can get a vegan version of pretty much everything that is likely to go on your meat platter ready made but not all vegans like meat substitutes but I'd be touched by the effort to replicate!

Thanks @AppleJane . I'd honestly rather make something that is 'naturally vegan' than something masquerading as meat if possible.

Does it need to be hot or cold? Three bean salad is tasty with natural protein. Or something mushroom based. Pulled jackfruit is easy to make.

I love a nut roast, I don't think it's boring.

Look at the vegetarian society website, there are lots of recipes many of which are vegan.
They are graded as to difficulty and what they are for as well should be something suitable

Bean chili? A pie is lurvely - mushroom and ale? Just roll pastry is vegan ( well, not the all butter one ha!). Otherwise, if its salads and things you could add hummus, falafel etc. I never tire of this and it's good with salads.

I love nut roast so would be delighted to see one. And yes, I agree with you - no fake meet. The current vegan trend means lots of places now do fake meat, which I really do not want.

I assume you're looking for something cold? Most things I would make up serve cold involve pastry but what about a mushroom pate? Really quick and easy to make. I don't have the recipe to hand but there are loads online and they are really easy.

Thank you all. I could make something with pastry but have used pastry loads with the same people which is why I said I'd prefer to avoid pasty. But definitely a fall back option.

I don't mind whether hot or cold but would like to make ahead as possible. Nut roast would be perfect if it wasn't something everyone was fed up with having!

@OchonAgusOchonOh mushroom pate sounds fab. I have a great recipe but it uses cream cheese which is out for vegan friend. Any pointers to good mushroom pate very welcome

It's funny isn't it because all the vegans I know (myself included) can't stand nut roast and see it as a cop out on a menu! If you want something more wholesome rather than fake try searching for 'whole food plant based recipes'.

Felafels with beetroot hummus - easy to make ( Bosh recipes) and look pretty

A kind of bean/vegetable/chickpea stew? Could be spicy?

I made vegetarian shepherds pie topped with cheese mash and it was amazing. You could probably make that up before and put in oven as your guests arrive?

www.lazycatkitchen.com/yemista-greek-stuffed-peppers-tomatoes/

Stuffed Vegetables make an excellent centerpiece and taste even better when prepared the day before.

Marinaded tofu and veggies on skewers
Butternut squash or mushroom Wellington (but this is pastry)
Massive grilled portobello mushrooms stUffed with breadcrumbs etc etc
Get a pre made tart and fill it with vegan filings e.g mushroom, cranberry, vegan cheese maybe, veggies

I’d do a nut roast but in a Bundt pan to make it look prettier. But if you’re not a fan of them, Rose Elliott’s chestnut casserole is dead simple and can be made ages in advance. Or else maybe some proper baked beans in a gloriously sticky savoury sweet sauce (Boston beans but omit the pork belly, add a bit of coconut oil to replace fat from the pork).

What other stuff are you doing? I like nut roast, but I'd expect it as part of a roast dinner. I can't imagine it with salads etc.

I know it's pastry but filo is so much lighter and nicer - what about a Spanakopita (Greek spinach pie) replacing the feta of course. The filling can be made in advance.

I made something similar to this Moroccan nut roast one Xmas and it was delicious (can't find exact recipe sorry). I know you said you didn't want pastry (this has filo), but you could put it in a squash 'shell' and the slice the lot. Done in advance except for the last oven bit.

mrhughs.co.uk/recipes/seasonal/moroccan-vegetable-nut-roast

@RockingMyFiftiesNot - mushroom pate sounds fab. I have a great recipe but it uses cream cheese which is out for vegan friend. Any pointers to good mushroom pate very welcome

I'll have a look. I'm not currently at home but will be able to check this evening.

@AppleJane - It's funny isn't it because all the vegans I know (myself included) can't stand nut roast and see it as a cop out on a menu!

I have to admit, I hadn't made nutroast for about 15 years until last year. Then I remembered how much I like it. I've only ever come across nut roast on a menu in fully vegetarian restaurants so I guess I never really saw it as the cop out option.