Vegetarian Christmas

Shanica Blair, Gleaner Writer

Christmas dinner was once considered by many a vegetarian's worst nightmare. Many non-vegetarians will scoff at the question, 'So what do vegetarians eat for Christmas dinner?' But surprisingly, this festive season, menus are becoming more and more diverse.

Just because you won't be having the traditional Christmas ham at the dinner table, it doesn't mean your vegetarian Christmas dinner should be any less spectacular. In fact, some of the best holiday recipes turn out to be vegetarian.

To get different vegetarian options, Food visited Kushite's Vegetable Cuisine, owned and operated by Keisha McDonald and Chef Kushtafari, located at 9-11 Phoenix Avenue, Kingston.

Healthy holidays

McDonald told Food that even though Christmas is traditionally a time to indulge in alcohol, sugary drinks, cake, ham and other meats, the increase in lifestyle-related illnesses has caused many persons to incorporate healthier versions to their favourite meals during the festive season. "The thrust to eat healthier is not limited to vegetarians, as more people from all walks of life are concerned with how their food is sourced and prepared, with an emphasis on adding more fruits and vegetables," she stated.

If your interest is piqued and you want your holiday meal to be a lot more interesting, check out these recipes that Food and kushites' Vegetable Cuisine have suggested for you.

1. Crêpes

Crêpes filled with bananas that have been caramelised in natural home-made pineapple wine and topped with sorrel syrup.

This dish can be eaten at any time and is great as a desert.

2. Curried pumpkin samosas

Ingredients

1/2 cup pumpkin

2 stalks of escallions

half of a large onion

1 tomato

1/2 tbsp turmeric

1 small bell pepper

4 cloves of garlic

Himalayan pink salt to taste

Dough

1/2 cup coconut oil

1 cup wholewheat or gluten-free flour

1/2 cup water

Method

The pumpkin is cooked then crushed and added to the spices and finely chopped vegetables. The mixture is rolled into triangular-shaped dough and baked to golden-brown perfection.

3. Nile salad

An exciting way to have your salad. Fresh fruit, greens and nuts are combined and topped with dressing made from blending fresh stalks of lemongrass leaves and coconut oil into a smooth consistency.

4. Gado Gado with coconut couscous

Gado Gado is a peanut stew made with local raw peanuts, coconut milk, and a variety of herbs and spices. It's served with a coconut couscous.

To make the couscous:

Ingredients

1/2 cup couscous,

1/2 cup coconut milk

1/2 cup water

1 small bell pepper

1 medium tomato

1 small carrot

Method

Chop finely all vegetable ingredients and sauté them in a small sauce pot for 3-5 mins. Add coconut milk. Allow to simmer. Stir and then add couscous. Cover and turn down heat. Serve and enjoy!