Feeding Vegetarian Friends

Your friends are coming over for dinner in two days and you just now realized: they're vegetarians! What do you do? Feeding vegetarian friends certainly puts you on the spot if it's a last minute discovery. But given enough time, you may be surprised at how easy it really is to feed the vegetarians in your life.

First, find out what type of vegetarians your friends are. Do they shun all animal products including dairy and eggs? Do your vegetarian friends make an exception for seafood? Are your vegetarian friends actually vegans, choosing a lifestyle that considers not only food choices but other products made from animals as well?

It's important to know exactly what form of vegetarianism your friends practice so that you can accommodate their food requirements. For example, if you're thinking of serving a meatless casserole that calls for chicken broth, the dish may be meatless, but it's not vegetarian. What about cheese enchiladas and refried beans? Nope. If your vegetarian friends do not eat dairy products, cheese is out. And that can of refried beans likely contains lard - in other words: animal fat!

Don't be afraid to ask your vegetarian friends to explain their philosophies. In fact, most vegetarians appreciate this type of interest and may even give you ideas for simple meals. Once you know what type of vegetarian constraints you are dealing with, you can begin planning your menu.

For example, if your vegetarian friends are okay with dairy products, they are called "lacto-ovo" (milk-egg) vegetarians, "lacto" vegetarians, or "ovo" vegetarians depending on the particulars. When lacto-ovo vegetarians are coming for dinner, meal planning is quite easy. Try a veggie pizza loaded with peppers, artichokes, red onions, and zucchini or go for a tray of vegetable lasagna or cheese enchiladas. Just make sure to pay attention to the ingredients, shunning chicken broth and other animal products.

Vegetarians often make an exception for seafood, in which case they are called "pesce vegetarians" or "pescetarians." This opens up the meal possibilities. Skewered shrimp kabobs, grilled fish, and other seafood delights make delicious, satisfying meals for everyone involved. However, keep in mind that if your pescetarian friends shun dairy products, real butter is out.

Of all vegetarian lifestyles, the vegan lifestyle is the most extreme - and the most difficult for friends of vegans to accommodate. Any product related to animals is strictly off limits, even the milk chocolate that you intend to melt for fondue is forbidden (because it contains milk, a product from cows.) Homemade vegetarian chili served with avocado slices and chopped onions on top is a safe bet if you make sure to check all ingredients carefully. No lard. No butter. No animal broth. No meat. No cheese.

No matter what type of vegetarian friends you have, take an interest in their lifestyle choices, ask questions, and communicate before the dinner party. Your friends will be happy to share ideas, cooking tips, and meal suggestions if you make the effort to ask.