by Imogen French

Created on: November 07, 2011   Last Updated: November 08, 2011

Christmas can be a difficult time for vegetarians, as so many of the traditional dishes are based on meats. It can also be awkward for those who have vegetarian guests for dinner, and do not know what things are suitable for them. Here are a few simple vegetarian appetisers or starters that are quick to make and that both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike can enjoy.

Deep fried brie with cranberry sauce:

Cut wedge shaped pieces of brie (a creamy soft white cheese with a rind – usually French, but English varieties are also available). Dip the pieces in beaten egg and coat with breadcrumbs. Deep fry in very hot vegetable oil for about a minute only until golden brown and remove immediately. This is the only tricky bit – you need to scoop them out and drain as soon as they are cooked or the cheese will start to melt. If you have a wire basket to cook them in this is probably the easiest way, but you can just drop them in the oil and then take them out with a slotted spoon or some metal tongs and allow to drain on some paper towels. A little practice makes perfect! Serve straight away with a dollop of sweet cranberry sauce for a delicious and seasonal treat.

Hummus with crudités or pitta bread:

Hummus is a tasty dip made from chickpeas and sesame seed paste. It can be bought ready-made from most good delicatessens and is also stocked by some supermarkets, but it is also quite easy to make. Put 7 oz cooked chickpeas (canned or soaked overnight and cooked), 3 and a half oz tahini (sesame seed paste), 1 clove of garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and half a teaspoon of salt into a blender and blend until smooth. Scoop into a bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika and a drop of olive oil. Serve with fresh crudités – sticks of carrot, celery, pepper and cucumber work well – and slices of pitta bread or sesame breadsticks are also good for dipping.

Fresh fruit starter:

With all the rich foods on offer at Christmas a fresh fruity dish can be very refreshing and makes a great starter. Simply chop up a few sweet and juicy fresh fruits and make a syrup from fruit juice, sugar and water. Add a little sweet white dessert wine to the syrup, or maybe some sherry to make it that little bit more special. Use seasonally available fruits such as sweet tangerines, red grapes, apples and cranberries to give it a Christmassy feel.

Roasted chestnuts:

Simple and traditional, roasted chestnuts are a seasonal treat that everyone can enjoy, and nuts are a good source of protein for vegetarians. They can be roasted in the oven or in a special chestnut pan in an open fire. Don't forget to pierce them first so they don't explode!

These are just a few suggestions, but all sorts of vegetable soups, salads or vegetarian dips are also suitable. Vegetarian dishes are not just for vegetarians, and you will probably find they make a welcome change at Christmas.

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