Vegetarians can create meat-eater-friendly dinners using dairy and egg-based dishes such as lasagna and quiche. Soy products should be avoided, and vegan Mediterranean and Asian dishes are good alternatives. Hosts should be open to allowing guests to bring their own meat dish.
A vegetarian may feel challenged when inviting guests who normally eat meat to a dinner party. The average vegetarian, who consumes dairy products and eggs, is able to construct perfectly meat-eater-friendly dinners without serving meat. Most traditional marinara sauces are meatless, as are a number of dishes including quiche, fondue and lasagna. There’s no doubt that a completely meat-free meal can satisfy most guests, especially when cheese and eggs are allowed ingredients.
Instead of substituting meat products, a vegetarian might simply choose recipes that rely heavily on traditional proteins such as those in dairy products and eggs. Dinner hosts should be sensitive to guests’ needs and probably stay away from soy products, which cause indigestion for some people. Instead of soy-based meat substitutes, consider all the fresh vegetable, fruit, egg and dairy ingredients available to whip up amazing meals. Some of the best appetizers in the world are vegetarian or easily converted to vegetarian standards and will be recognizable and appreciated by your guests.
For vegetarians who don’t use dairy or eggs, creating meals that meet their dietary restrictions might be a little more challenging. So many recipes call for protein from milk, eggs or meat products. While some guests may be fine with meat substitutes, it might be worthwhile to re-look for familiar dishes that simply don’t contain meat. Chili without meat is quite simple to prepare and the beans provide a lot of protein. Dishes such as pasta and beans, red beans and rice are also excellent.
Vegan meals based on Mediterranean cuisine can also be completely meat and dairy-free while still providing good amounts of protein. Consider warmed pita bread and hummus-based dishes, dolma and tabbouleh, for an oriental take on fajitas. Many Asian dishes are based on very little meat. Veggie chow mein and stir-fried vegetables can make for a great “Chinese” night.
There’s definitely nothing wrong with serving meat for dinner guests if your vegetarian ethic permits. Just as the omnivorous host should be responsive to vegetarian guests by providing some plant-based alternatives or asking them to feel free to bring supplemental food, the vegetarian host should be open to allowing guests who really need that protein to supplement a meal with a meat dish. Without such ways on both ends of the food spectrum, guests may not be satisfied with their meal.
Ultimately, that’s the goal of any host, vegetarian or not: to make sure guests leave the table satisfied. If meat entrees aren’t your thing, consider allowing guests to bring their own if they choose. Also provide many traditional vegetarian dishes that are high in protein and taste satisfaction. You may end up converting your guests to vegetarianism if your cooking skills are excellent.
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