How do you cook a vegetarian meal for people who love to eat their meat?

Question

Any recipes I can follow?
Or Tips to use?

Answer 1

Make something that they won't notice the lack of meat like Chili, Spag or Tacos and substitute in Morningstar Burger Crumbles. This works as most of the flavor comes from the surrounding food not the meat itself.

Answer 2

I've found that using firm tofu or TVP works well as a meat substitute. While I like the fake meat burgers and such, why cheat if you're cooking for others? So many dishes depend on sauces and seasonings that the fact they have meat in them becomes unimportant. Searing tofu and throwing the rest of the basic ingredients together with it will make a killer stroganoff. Crumble some browned Morningstar Farms sausage into a basic milk and flour gravy, season it up and you can make a bisquits and gravy that they may not even notice is fake. The key to meat eaters tolerating vegetarian food is to load it with butter, cream, oils and any other unhealthy stuff you can think of; and to simply make meat dishes that have no meat in them, without the bother of trying to make them any more healthy than that. The thin, bland, flavor and grainy texture of "healthy" food is more often than not what's really turning them off. I think I was the only vegetarian I knew who had high cholesterol.

Answer 3

I have done this before. First of all, try not making a big deal bout the lack of meat. Make something that is pretty, because a lot of people will try something they normally wouldn't as long as it looks appealing. You might also try tricking them with boca burgers or "beef" style crumbles; but that's not necessary.

I have had a pasta party with antipasto salad (lettuce, marinated artichoke hearts, olives, and mozzarella cheese), whole wheat noodles with spaghetti or alfredo sauce, garlic bread, and grilled veggies (broccoli, asparagus, and zucchini).

Try a picnic style dinner with panini sandwiches (grilled portobellas or eggplant, fresh spinach, caramelized onions and peppers, and onion and chive Philadelphia cream cheese spread). On the side serve potato salad, Bushes vegetarian baked beans, or even a light soup (try cold cucumber, strawberry, or butternut squash soup).

Here is another, super-easy, soup idea. Use vegetable bullion cubes to make a huge pot of vegetable stock. Toss in some cheese or spinach filled tortellini and fresh or frozen mixed veggies... I like potato,broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots, but you can use whatever. When that is about cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes, add a teaspoon or 2 of basil, thyme, and oregano. Simmer and serve. Try garnishing it with parmesan cheese or a dollop of pesto and sour cream.

Answer 4

There are tons of vegetarian recipes on line. If you dont MENTION the lack of meat, its likely no one will notice. My daughters meat eating friends eat with us all the time, always ask for seconds, and never notice that there is no meat. Its only when an issue is made that people notice. You can make a nice vegetarian lasagna, for example, with sliced portabello mushroom-its hearty, delicious, and again, if you dont mention the meat, no one will notice there isnt any. Serve it with a nice garlic bread and a crisp salad.

Answer 5

You didn't say that it was a vegan meal, no dairy or eggs. Make a nice quiche, call it an egg and veggie pie if you want. Serve with a mixed green salad, you can put crumbled bacon on the table for the meat lovers if you want.

You can also serve a side dish for the exclusive enjoyment of the meat eaters at your table.

Answer 6

My boyfriend brought a tofurky roast to his family thanksgiving dinner and his brother really liked it. And his family is pretty serious about thier meat. He also brought a meatless sausage (veggie braut, or something like that) thing to another family event where it was a hit. "Fake meat" would probably be good for non-vegetarians because it looks like meat, and it tastes good, but you know it's not meat.

Answer 7

Use the meal starters that are made to look like strips of meat. The steak ones are better than the chicken ones!!!!

They are in the green packages - Morningstar Farms I think makes them.

Answer 8

I have found that in addition to tofu products, one ingredient really stands out for me as a 'meat substitute' and that is shitake mushrooms. Slice them, chop them and use them in stew, chili, gumbo etc.

I have found that stews, chilis, gumbos etc. to be a good type of recipies to introduce to non-vegetarian people as individual ingredients are not that apperant and as long as you can emulate textures, you will have an aceptable meal which may even surprise those guests.

Answer 9

I like to eat meat at dinner, so eating vegatarian meals can be a little difficult for me at dinner, but what I do like if I can't eat meat is a meatless pasta dish. A dish that is mostly veggies just doesn't do it for me, so maybe you could try going with a pasta dish like ravioli, stuffed shells, etc.

Answer 10

Well you can't use meat now can you? lol. It won't be veggie if you add any meat to it. Just make your meals the way you always make them. If they don't like it then they don't like it. Not like they are going to eat with you every day. Just be normal. If you not going to use meat make sure you fry things. People love fried foods. I know I do. Fry up mushrooms, onions, and potatoes in a skillet with some oil......mmm now thats great...And veggheaded meal also!