From Veggie Side to Vegetarian Main
Vegetarian Main Options
In our focus to cook the big bird we sometimes forget about the sides. And the actual importance of sides. They elevate your turkey or other protein and bring it to another level. For the vegetarians out there, a good veggie side can even turn into a main event. That’s why I’ve listed a few awesome veggie side dishes that could also pass as a vegetarian main. Everyone happy!
Thai Red Curry Whole Roasted Cauliflower
Okay not exactly a low-key side dish to pair. But it’s an excellent vegetarian main. A show stopper if you will. With amazing intense flavors and the same satisfaction other might get from carving a turkey you get to enjoy by carving your own cauliflower. Pair it with some rice and you are set.
Cheesy Endive Side Dish
In this case more a started than a side dish. Imagine this cheesy endive laying on top of a bed of rucola, with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Are you salivating yet? Because I am! It’s not just the grilled cheese though. It also gives you a great kick with some mustard added. All depending on how strong your mustard is of course.
Vegetarian Stuffed Pumpkin
I love this stuffed pumpkin, because it has all the goodness inside. Don’t believe me? Her goes, it has wild rice, Brussels sprouts, mushrooms, almonds, apple, raisins and much more. As your main you can maybe add a salad to complete the plate. But trust me it’s awesome. You can also pick smaller pumpkins and everyone can have their own individualized mini stuffed pumpkin. If you pick this as your side dish you won’t need much else because it’s quite filling. So, it also lowers the amount of work you have to do. Win, win!
Honey Roasted Brussels Sprouts
I feel like having Brussels sprouts is a must when making turkey. It might not exactly work as a substitute for a vegetarian main. But it’s still an excellent side dish to any main. I recently made this again but swapped the pumpkin for carrots and it turned out great. You don’t always have to follow the recipe to a T. And this is one of the occasions which leads to less stress in the kitchen. Which coincidentally is tip nr. 2 on my list to help you prep for Christmas dinner.
Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Tart
It would be very difficult to just pick one recipe as my favorite. But this would definitely be up there in my top 10 or even top 5. It’s an excellent starter, side dish, brunch special or road trip grub. Yes, you guessed it, these are all the moments I served this caramelized onion tart and it never failed. So, why would it fail for Christmas.
Whether you are going full vegetarian or not the most important thing is to enjoy the cooking process as much as you will enjoy eating it!