The fact that the vast majority of the UK population still eat meat makes it easy to understand why the prospect of having a vegetarian guest at Christmas can seem like a daunting prospect, particularly if families have had no experience of preparing, let alone eating, vegetarian Christmas food.
According to a survey by the Food Standards Agency in late 2008, 3% of the UK population considered themselves to be completely vegetarian, and 5% incorporated vegetarian meals into their diet. The figures have been rising by about 1% each year since the survey was introduced, which makes it reasonable to assume that 4% of the UK population would now consider themselves fully vegetarian, translating to a figure of nearly two and a half million by late 2009.
Vegetarianism is definitely on the rise, albeit slowly. There are many sources for vegetarian alternatives to the Christmas goose, and many recipes available online, but hosts will want to know more about the basics of vegetarian cooking and what to avoid in its preparation.
Types of Vegetarian
The decision to be vegetarian may be based on health, if someone has allergies or has been advised to change their diet, or because of ethical considerations for animal welfare, or for religious reasons.
- Vegetarians do not eat meat. Some vegetarians do not eat meat, fish or shellfish, and some do eat fish or shellfish.
- Lacto-Ovo vegetarians eat dairy products, and free range eggs where possible.
- Lacto-vegetarians eat dairy products such as cheese and yoghurt, but not eggs
- Vegans do not eat any dairy products or eggs, or any other animal product e.g. honey
- Many vegetarians do not drink cow’s or goat’s milk and instead have soya milk, and will often use soya margarine as well. These are widely available.
What to Avoid in Vegetarian Cookery
If a host wants to make something themselves for their vegetarian guests, rather than buy one of the many and plentiful vegetarian meals widely available, here are some ingredients that should not be used.
- Gelatin, which is an animal by-product, and used in jellies, fruit moulds etc. Vegetarian alternatives include agar agar and carrageenan, and can be found in high street stores.
- Beef suet, as used in mincemeat and Christmas puddings. Vegetarian suet is widely available, as are vegetarian mince pies and Christmas puddings.
- Gravy made with meat juices. Vegetarians will need and very much appreciate an alternative, and a gravy can be made very quickly in a cup with water and Bisto which contains no animal ingredients at all.
- Cheese with animal rennet. The most common rennet is made from the lining of calves' stomachs; vegetarian cheeses are widely available in supermarkets and contain vegetable rennet
- Animal fats in general. Check the ingredients on the side of pies, cakes and biscuits, however many manufacturers are now excluding animal fats from their products. Lard should not be used for roasting potatoes – vegetable oil is a good alternative.
Preparation of Veggie Food
Guests who are vegetarians for ethical or religious reasons will be cautious about utensils that have stirred meat-based gravy or turned the roast - these should not be used to stir vegetables as well. Serving spoons and other utensils need to be kept separate.
If vegetables are going to be presented on a dish around the meat, do put some aside for the vegetarian in a separate dish beforehand.
In general, vegetarians are very easy to cater for and will be as much help as they can if a host has questions or is unsure about an ingredient.
If the worst comes to the worst a vegetarian will be very happy to simply have a plate of vegetables and some fruit, but surely no host would want a guest to feel as though they were missing out on the fun and excitement of a Christmas dinner, whether they’re vegetarian, diabetic, lactose intolerant or have coeliac disease. It just takes a little extra thought and preparation.
Sources:
"Not all cheeses are vegetarian friendly" I Love Cheese
Vegetarian & Vegan Foundation
The Vegetarian Society
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