topic Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result! in Kitchen

Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

house_cat — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:01:20 GMT

I decided to create a lighthearted Google Survey to poll my family about Christmas Eve dinner. There will only be 10 of us, but a lot of different dietary preferences, so I figured I'd ask for opinions regarding salad, pasta dish, vegetarian dish, side dishes and dessert. So far, with only half the responses turned in, lasagna is in the lead.

So, what's the problem? It's my least favorite. I never expected everyone to opt for it. I am making a vegetarian dish, but I figure if they want lasagna, I might as well make it vegetarian as well.

Here's my question... how do I make a really special, tasty lasagna without meat sauce? If anyone has a tried and true recipe and has time to share, I'd really appreciate it.

By the way, these were the pasta options...

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

LoveMyBaby — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:18:49 GMT

@house_cat -Substitute the meat with eggplant. So good! Cube the eggplant, saute garlic in olive oil first, for a minute or two, add eggplant, cook eggplant down to soft consistency and add your regular sauce ingredients. Simmer on low for a couple hours.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

D Kay — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:34:19 GMT

Try looking on Food Network or All Recipes websites.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

jannabelle1 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:26:56 GMT

I guess I don't understand, but if most of your family is asking for lasagna, why make it vegetarian? The best lasagna isn't vegetarian! JMO!

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

GenXmuse — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:34:01 GMT

Look for spinach and artichoke lasagna recipe. Omgosh, so good!

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

house_cat — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:36:55 GMT

@jannabelle1 wrote:
I guess I don't understand, but if most of your family is asking for lasagna, why make it vegetarian? The best lasagna isn't vegetarian! JMO!

5 out of 10 of us don't eat meat. At first I figured they could eat the vegetarian dish, but if I can make the lasagna also a vegetarian option that would be more inclusive.

@LoveMyBaby

I love the idea of putting the eggplant in it. My family all loves eggplant, in fact, one of the vegetarian options was eggplant parmesan. I won't make both eggplant parm and lasagna because they are too similar, but if I can combine the two, that sounds like a win/win.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

sunshine45 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:43:27 GMT

i like substituting the meat with squash, zucchini, and shredded carrots.....delicious and colorful!

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

GCR18 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:44:53 GMT

Could you make 2 lasagna. One with meat and one without. Make a regular size meat one if that's the majority and a small meatless. Add a tossed salad and bread/rolls and done. I think it sounds like a winner. You can prepare everything ahead of time and sit back with the family.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

LoveMyBaby — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:46:06 GMT

@house_cat

I absolutely love ❤️ eggplant, and when i make it in my sauce, it's a family 'rave'.

I make the eggplant sauce as mentioned above but we have sliced it lengthwise, fry it, and use it as a layer in the lasagna.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

on the bay — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 02:46:15 GMT

@house_cat -

A lot of people are not aware of this but cheese is one of the least vegetarian options you can have.

To make it vegetarian, make sure you get cheese with vegetable enzymes. Trader Joes has some options and maybe Harris Teeter.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

kitcat51 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:03:13 GMT

Hey @house_cat, you're doing a bait & switch, lol! That says lasagna not vegetarian lasagna, change it & the count will plummet..if it isn't meat sauce, it's not lasagna. Enjoy your family gathering.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

house_cat — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:03:51 GMT

@on the bay

These vegetarians were very strick vegans for many years, as were my husband and I. Thankfully, they've lightened up a little and will eat cheese in moderation.

@GCR18

Yes. I'm going to need two trays anyway, so making one of each is a good option.

@LoveMyBaby

I like the sliced eggplant idea very much.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

house_cat — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:06:06 GMT

@kitcat51

That was my first thought, as well, but three of those who chose the lasagna are vegetarians, so I'm assuming the opposite is true. I think they assumed it was meatless.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

Carmie — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:13:16 GMT

I am of Italian decent. Often I make lasagne with just tomato sauce. Why would you need meat sauce? The Ricotta cheese is full of protein and you do not need to serve a meat with it.

If you feel the need to supply a meat, make side of meatballs cooked in sauce and serve separately, but it surely isn't needed.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

kitcat51 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:15:01 GMT

The

@house_cat wrote:
@kitcat51

That was my first thought, as well, but three of those who chose the lasagna are vegetarians, so I'm assuming the opposite is true. I think they assumed it was meatless.

Oh, I just teasing you...I tried a vegetarian version of my lasagna & my family wasn't pleased, they want meat sauce so it was a one & done. Good Luck, hope you find a really good recipe. Enjoy.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

mmm12 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:25:04 GMT

Hi, vegetarian here. I applaud your efforts of being inclusive! Also a research/stats wonk-- just wanted to note that from what I can see from the picture you posted, as a viewer it appears that the lasagna is the only veg option offered, so that may be skewing the results. If I saw that, I'd think it was possibly the only one I could partake, since it doesn't mention meat and all others do.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

house_cat — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:30:59 GMT

@mmm12

Yes. You're right, but I also had choices for vegetarian main dishes.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

skatting44 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 03:46:43 GMT

I make it with zucchini . I cut it via a slicer in the julienne cut .

I then mix it in with my ricotta cheese, eggs and cottage cheese. I add spices fennel seed, basil, oregano , salt & pepper . Then layer this inbetween no boil noodles . You can use low fat cheeses if you prefer . You can add meatless sauce or with meat sauce.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

VegasBusinessWoman — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 04:09:37 GMT

@house_cat I have only made vegetarian lasagne during Lent. Believe me when I tell you it is then that I REALLY feel the sacrifice that is Lent. I wouldn't dream of burdening a nice lady like you with the recipe.

Re: Oh, no! I didn't expect this result!

haddon9 — Wed, 27 Nov 2019 04:24:19 GMT

@GCR18 wrote:
Could you make 2 lasagna. One with meat and one without. Make a regular size meat one if that's the majority and a small meatless. Add a tossed salad and bread/rolls and done. I think it sounds like a winner. You can prepare everything ahead of time and sit back with the family.

Sounds like a good option to me..plus you can make it ahead & freeze it.

I'm wondering if those who go meatless also go without cheese as well? My DD's boyfriend is vegan. He'll eat no animal products.

ETA: I just noticed that they are not vegans...that certainly gives you more options!