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

@OchonAgusOchonOh I've probably been to too many Christmas functions where nut roast was the only option 😂

If you want to share a guaranteed delicious nut roast recipe I'll give it another go gladly!

I really like a nut roast but I have a nut allergic child so we don't have them at home normally. Grass is always greener, I guess!

Lots of great advice/ suggestions. Think I'll stay clear of the nut roast! Menu to be finalised but if it is warm, was thinking I'd make lots of different salads with a side of salmon, chicken thighs in a garlic and lemon marinade and pork fillet slices cooked in red wine, all can be made ahead and served at room temp. Am thinking maybe a platter of stuffed vegetables? Only problem being that the meat eaters might want these too so will need a lot.

@AppleJane - If you want to share a guaranteed delicious nut roast recipe I'll give it another go gladly!

The one I make isn't vegan but you could presumably substitute. I'll put it up once I'm home.

This mushroom pate is the bees knees! www.davidlebovitz.com/faux-gras-foie-gras-vegetarian-lentil-mushroom-pate-recipe/

There’s also a fantastic vegan moussaka which is time consuming but is better reheated and freezes well as an option although would need to be served warm.

I make nut roast but add chestnuts so it isn’t dry and bake it in a Bundt tin so it is round and pretty and looks like a wreath. You can then drizzle with an appropriate sauce and/or decorate with herbs or parsnip crisps.

Jamie Oliver's nut roast can be tweaked to make it vegan and looks fantastic when turned out.

If you want to make the mushroom pate then I saw a vegan cream cheese in Morrisons recently.

This is the mushroom pate I was talking about. I forgot it was en crouete. Also one of the nut roasts I make.

They posted a bit weirdly. The middle photo is the nut roast, the other 2 are the pate

The other nut roast.

Sorry about the photos being every way except the right way up

I imagine best to ask your vegan guest what they like before finalising -- someone might dislike falafel, for instance.

I made this aubergine and halloumi dish with rose harissa last night and it was delicious with some flat bread www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/aubergine-halloumi-harissa-skillet-bake

I've also made these masala stuffed peppers from Jamie Oliver several times (without the cheese as they don't need it)
goodfoodandredshoes.blogspot.com/2019/12/jamie-olivers-masala-stuffed-peppers.html?m=1

Lentil moussaka. Sometimes I use courgettes instead of aubergine.

A nut roast done in a Bundt tin or as a round wreath like shape is great - make sure you do it in layers - chestnut, then mushrooms or beetroot then more nuts. That kind of thing makes it more specia. I do abs excelled t xmas one with a layer of juicy cranberries.
Nowt wrong with a good nut roast!

Vegan koftas or falafel surround ding a central dip of some kind - a special hummus perhaps

Ooh I love a nut roast and have been veggie 35 years! I also like a big tin of roasted veg (cubed and bunged in together, no need to slice) with cashews. You could put a packet of cooked puy lentils in right at the end too maybe. I like roast cauliflower slices rubbed with salt/cumin/whatever else you like too. I've been served a plateful of mixed fancy mushrooms sautéed in butter before -- sounds insultingly boring but was bloody delicious and I think a Prue leith (?) recipe.

Am going to be spoilt for choice, thank you so much for all the ideas.

Ooo how about a veg biryani? I do one every Boxing Day and the family love it. Serve at room temp so nice and prepare-ahead.

@shallIswim

Ooo how about a veg biryani? I do one every Boxing Day and the family love it. Serve at room temp so nice and prepare-ahead.

Recipe, please!

@RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie it's in my head!
But basically make your own biryani sauce:
Sauté onion, garlic, sliced ginger, then chilli. Add chopped coriander stalks, plenty cumin, some tumeric and whatever Indian spices you have! Add passata, a veg stock cube and blend.
Meanwhile roast a cauli, cut into florets, a cubed butternut squash and any other veg you fancy.
Mix with basmati rice (sorry no quantities - I do it by eye!), stir in biryani paste abs hot water.
Cover with foil and put in oven.
It takes about 1.5 hours to cook. Keep an eye on it, adding more water as required. Bung in some frozen peas
When cooked and the water has absorbed all the water, remove foil. Gently dry fry some cashews and sprinkle on top.

I think a veg biryani would be perfect as it would be easy to make a large amount and would work well as a side dish to the meats. I was very taken with the idea of various stuffed veg but was wondering how much of everything I would have to make as I would have to provide enough for everyone. Would also appreciate your recipe @shallIswim .

I appreciate all the other ideas and have noted for other times I entertain my non-meat eating friends. I have a note on my phone where I capture ideas / links

I love a nut roast but it would be very odd with salad. I'd want it with roasted veg and gravy.

Also sprinkle chopped coriander leaves on top with the cashews. It looks v pretty piled up in a nice bowl and as you say also works as a side dish for cold meats