There are many meat substitutes on the market, such as veggie burgers, sausage, bacon and even hot dogs. But just the idea of fake meat may turn off your carnivore. However, there some tasty "real food" options you can try that just might turn some heads at your table.
The most surefire dish is Eggplant Parmigiana. With full-bodied Italian flavor, this dish will satisfy the most reluctant vegetarian.
Simply peel the eggplant and slice into discs of around a half-inch. Coat them lightly with salt to disgorge some of their bitter liquid, then rinse them well and pat dry. Dredge them in flour, egg wash then seasoned breadcrumbs. Fry them in hot oil until crisp and drain on a paper towel. Place the eggplant in a baking dish and cover with tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. Or skip the cheese if you like and just serve the eggplant with sauce and a side of spaghetti. But don't skip the cheese the first time; there is no need for shock treatment. A tossed salad will make this a complete meal.
Mushrooms are a great natural meat substitute, especially fleshy portobellos. After scraping away the gills and stem, try seasoning them with a little balsamic vinegar and olive oil or Italian salad dressing. Sprinkle with a dash of salt and fresh-cracked pepper, and grill them on a barbecue just like a burger. Add a slice of Pepperjack cheese for extra flavor. Serve on a hearty bun with everyone's favorite sides. When making this kind of veggie meal, it's a good idea to take extra care in all of the ingredients. Try to get some nice, hard rolls or brioche from your local bakery and serve with a variety of fresh toppings like, sweet onions, multi-colored peppers tomatoes, and crisp lettuce. You can substitute hummus for the cheese if you want to try a delicious twist.
All mushrooms are wonderful sliced up and sauteacute;ed with some garlic and thyme served over pasta. Add a little vegetable stock and cornstarch to make a thick, hearty sauce that will have them begging for more. A little garlic bread and a fresh salad make a complete, healthy meal.
Soups made from a variety of vegetables and whole grains like barley and wild rice can make a great light lunch or dinner. A traditional mushroom barley, Minestrone or French onion can be comforting on a cold day, served with a green salad and fresh bread.
Make some vegetarian chili -- just remember, out with the meat and in with the spice! Or you can try sneaking in some of those meat substitutes, like veggie bacon or Italian sausage. Another great trick is to get an aluminum roasting pan and simmer your soup on the barbecue with the lid on to add a nice, smoky flavor.
These are just a few suggestions that will make your meat-eaters smack their lips with delight. Use your imagination and your spice rack to get your carnivore's taste buds excited about veggies!
