A veggie challenge

[meriad]

I've got a bunch of friends coming round for lunch in a few weeks time; one of whom is a vegetarian.

Now that in itself wouldn't be a problem as there are lots of amazing meals that don't need meat, but.... between two of the others coming they aren't fond of

squash
aubergine
courgette
beans (as in the butter beans, baked beans, kidney beans type - green beans are OK)
peppers



So now I'm a a bit stumped. Macaroni Cheese (without parmesan obviously) or something with mushrooms would be an obvious choice but any other ideas anyone?

I was actually thinking it may be easier to make a choice of three or four different dishes that everyone can have something they like and then I can freeze whatever is left over and have it for work lunches; that would be another option

[Workingman]

Ria, it's lunch, so a light meal, not the main meal of the day.

Deal with the veggie, and let everyone else eat normally.

A couple of stuffed tomatoes or mushrooms with rice and veg and a crumble topping should do. Simple and tasty.

Everyone else gets a selection of nibbles - samosas, spring rolls, vol-au-vents...... even they can be veggie.

Or a combination of the two platters so no-one is left out.

[debih]

Spinach and Ricotta cannelloni - so easy to make my 11 year old makes it regularly!

[meriad]

Ria, it's lunch, so a light meal, not the main meal of the day.

Deal with the veggie, and let everyone else eat normally.

A couple of stuffed tomatoes or mushrooms with rice and veg and a crumble topping should do. Simple and tasty.

Everyone else gets a selection of nibbles - samosas, spring rolls, vol-au-vents...... even they can be veggie.

Or a combination of the two platters so no-one is left out.

Yes but no but Frank..... Two of the people come from quite a distance so by the time they get home it'll be too late for them to have dinner so this will be the main meal of the day. I like the idea of nibbles. I also really like the idea of the cannelloni Debih suggested - hadn't thought of spinach and ricotta - doh!

[meriad]

Spinach and Ricotta cannelloni - so easy to make my 11 year old makes it regularly!

Debih; what recipe do you use? And is it best to prepare it on the day or can I do it the day before?

[JoM]

How about the veggie pie that Di posted about a while ago? You could make it lighter for a lunch by having a cheesy crumble topping rather than cheesy mash if you wanted. None of us are veggies but we all love this dish!

[meriad]

Thanks Jo - that's a good idea as well; I've printed off the recipe.

See... I knew you'd all come up trumps!

[Workingman]

Now then, I might be tempted to go Chinese.

A starter of veggie spring rolls made with beansprouts and julienne: carrots, water chesnuts and bamboo shoots, served with a satay dip.

Then a main of big bowls of help-yourself stir-fry noodles, done with a splash of soy sauce, and stir-fry veg: mushrooms, baby sweetcorn, spring onions, tofu (if available), mange tout and sliced red onion. The veg is finished off in a sauce of crushed garlic, grated ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, a splash of Tobasco (or chilli powder) a good glug of Sherry or red wine and thickened with cornflour.