Vegetarian Christmas Foods
For many vegetarians, holidays pose an interesting challenge. A vegetarian lifestyle might be easy during the rest of the year, but Christmas usually involves non-vegetarian friends, family and traditions. If it's hard for you to imagine your holiday dining table without a turkey, use creativity and innovation to have a delicious and vegetarian-friendly Christmas Day. Does this Spark an idea?
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Appetizers
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Try vegetables cooked with butter and seasoning as appetizers. Before Christmas dinner is ready, serve appetizers that will pique your guests' interest and prepare them for the cozy vegetarian feast ahead. Warm vegetable-based soups are appropriate for chilly weather, especially when made with traditional holiday ingredients, such as pumpkin or butternut squash. Garnish the soup with chopped almonds or walnuts. For a flavorful Mediterranean influence, serve Greek Spanakopita triangles; these small, savory pastries contain feta cheese and spinach surrounded by a flaky phyllo crust.
Main Dishes
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Since turkey is off the menu, vegetarians have to use more creativity. The ideal main dish for your Christmas dinner is filling and rich: think "comfort food." For a traditional approach, try a savory nut or veggie loaf, similar to meatloaf but vegetarian-friendly. Serve a classic lasagna or casserole loaded with seasonal winter vegetables. Vegetarian pot pies evoke a holiday spirit, especially when served in the center of the table and surrounded by Christmas decor.
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Side Dishes
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Look for brightly-colored vegetables for a festive Christmas table. Many Christmas dinner tables already include meat-free side dishes, so you'll have plenty of options for your vegetarian celebration. Vegetables such as carrots or green beans can be roasted or boiled, tossed with butter and seasonings. For vegans trying to avoid all animal products, trade butter for olive oil. Classics such as sweet potato casserole or cranberry relish can stay on the menu, as well as mashed potatoes -- try yogurt or olive oil instead of chicken broth.
Salads
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Most people don't think of salads as a traditional Christmas dish, but vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will enjoy salads made with seasonal ingredients and garnishes. Holiday fruits add a tangy and sweet accent to Christmas salads, including oranges, apples, cranberries and pomegranates. Try vegetables and fruits that will create a Christmas color palette, including purples, reds, oranges and greens. Spinach and fennel make a hearty base for Christmas salads, with a luxurious Champagne vinaigrette topping.
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References
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