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Vegetarian Christmas
Being a vegetarian come the holiday season can be hard work, with all of the turkey, ham and roast beef floating about. Still, there are plentiful cruelty-free sides for you to enjoy and even some mock meat solutions that can make the holidays go a little smoother for happy herbivores such as yourselves. Even if you are a diligent vegan, in between all the butter and cream, there are still a host of creative and wonderful options for you, too. This guide will help vegetarians decide what will work for them the holidays and also provide meat-eating hosts some insight into how they should present Christmas for their veg*n friends.
Main Courses
 | While the traditional focal point of holiday dinner is a gigantic piece of meat, there are plenty of alternative choices. Most major meat dishes are available at regular grocery stores, but if you're finding the selection thin, an organic food store is sure to have what you're looking for. Most portions are relatively small, so if you're cooking for a vegetarian, you won't have to worry about having a ton of mock meat leftover. And for all-vegetarian Christmas practitioners, the small portions give you a lot of flexibility in preparing multiple courses. You can find some great mock meat recipes at the Veggie Table Web site. Turtle Island Foods, creator of famed mocked-meat solution tofurkey, even offer special Holiday dishes. Of course, if you're not too picky and not worried about capturing the Christmas meat spirit in a guilt-free meal, go ahead and prepare your favorite tofu |
Vegetarian Turkey Breast or Tofu Turkey
Fowl is the meat of choice for most Americans come Christmas. There are indeed comparable alternatives available. Though vegetarian turkey breast isn't exactly like real turkey, if you soak in enough (vegetarian) gravy, it will get the job done. Mixing it with those mashed potatoes is a novel idea. For the most meat-like experience, you should be able to find some unturkey or tofurkey, or consider a Vegetarian Breast
Vegetable Loaf and Roasts
English meat pies, roast beef and even boar are carnivore standards come Christmas. To that hardy end, vegetable loaf
Vegetarian Ham
Mock ham is probably the most difficult to find vegetarian meat alternative. However, several companies offer mock ham at reasonable prices, though it may take some searching to find their products. An easier alternative is to cook your own. Here's a short mock ham recipe from Vegan-Recipes.com, and here's a Chinese mock ham recipe from About.com. Go ahead and try your own tofu
Side Dishes
Most Christmas side dishes are already vegetarian and many can be made vegan easily by using simple dairy substitutes. For a list of conventional side dishes, see the Traditional Dinner Christmas guide.
Vegan Desserts
Though almost all desserts are inherently vegetarian, vegans will have a more difficult time navigating through holiday sweets. Luckily, because of lactose intolerance, a grassroots industry has risen up devoted to providing delicious dairy-free and egg-free options. Vegan treats are best purchased through a local bakery or made at home following any assortment of dessert books
Tips for Mixed Groups
Are you hosting a dinner for people with dietary restrictions and not quite sure how to proceed? Here are some hints to ensure a fun and successful dinner party.
- First of all, learn the difference between vegetarian and vegan. Vegans will not eat foods that come from animals, but some might be stricter than others (for example, your vegan might eat honey and others might not). With regard to vegetarians, the spectrum of choice out there is vast: some will eggs but not dairy, others might eat fish, etc. Don't make assumptions, and you won't have any unexpected surprises.
- On that same token, be sure to ask your veg*n friend about any allergies to food products, or there are any particular food preferences. His or preferences might also inspire you as you are planning the meal.
- Read the nutritional labels on the products you are using. Animal products can show up in the oddest of places, so aim to use substitutes such as olive oil
, vegetable stock, or soy milk. - Please don't just feed your guests salad and bread! Plenty of sides dishes can easily be made vegetarian or vegan with a few simple substitutions, but if you really don't know what to cook, propose a potluck so the responsibility is not solely yours.
- Use separate cooking utensils
- Label the vegetarian dishes so everyone knows what he or she is getting (this is also great for the carnivore friends--they will likely prefer turkey over tofurkey!).
- Know that your efforts are appreciated. To be included on such a special occasion and to be given a variety of delicious treats is a wonderful opportunity and is sure to impress.
- Most vegetarians and vegans are used to people eating meat in front of them, so you shouldn't feel self-conscious. However, you might want to discretely offer him or her the opportunity to leave the room before you let loose on the carving station.
- Don't forget beverages! If you are serving coffee or tea after the meal, have soy
, as it contains egg and dairy (you might be able to find a vegan alternative in the organic section of your supermarket, though).
Major Manufacturers
Mock Meats
Vegan Desserts
Related Guides
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External Links
- VRG.org: A comprehensive Web site with information about vegetarian meals, products and lifestyles.
- VegSoc.org: Some great vegetarian Christmas recipes.
- AllRecipes.com: Even more easy-to-follow recipes.
- Vegecyber.com: A very large online retailer of mock meat and TVP products.