Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu

Because we have many staff members who are vegetarian, we often host meat-free celebrations at the office and get asked to share recipes with those who are seeking vegetarian options for special occasions.

While the recipes from our cookbook, Vegeterranean, are Italian, there are many wonderful ideas we thought would make a superb and unique vegetarian Thanksgiving menu. Of course, you could create these recipes any day of the year, and there are many more found inside the 296-page book, but these are just a sampling of our favorites.

Prima Colazione - Breakfast  
Torta di Mais

The corn provides a healthy boost of energy (perfect for new moms). Aside from the health benefits, the subtle sweetness and the appealing texture of corn blend deliciously, especially when complemented by tea or a cappuccino.

Antipasti - Starters
Gazpacho

Primi - First Courses
Risotto allo Zafferano

Vegetable Stock (from ingredient list above and below):
4 cups

8 cups water 2 basil leaves
1 carrot, peeled and halved lengthwise 1 potato, peeled and quartered
1 onion, quartered 1 zucchini, quartered
1 celery stalk, halved 1 garlic clove, gently smashed
1 sprig parsley Salt to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for
45 minutes. Strain through a fine sieve, cool, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.


Secondi - Second Courses
Pizza e Minestra

 

Dolci - Dessert
Torta di Ciocolato e Noci

 

Feel free to pin these recipes on Pinterest or share with family and friends. Leave us a comment if you attempt one of the recipes from Vegeterranean: Italian Vegetarian Cooking. We'd love to hear how they turned out for you.

National Salad Month

For people who eat meat on a regular basis, becoming a vegetarian means eating (boring) salads every day but this could not be more far from the truth.

Spiedini Primavera (Spring Vegetable Skewers)
An intriguing combination of grilled vegetables and seitan with an herb topping.

A vegetarian lifestyle and diet consists of colorful fruits and vegetables, meaty mushrooms and protein enriched lentils and beans. Creative dishes and rich flavors come together in the new cookbook, Vegeterranean: Italian Vegetarian Cooking from the recipes collected from the renowned kitchen of Umbria's celebrated Country House Montali.

Chapters on first and second courses, as well as starters, sides, breads, desserts, and even breakfast round out this comprehensive work.

Italy's country cuisine retreat

Those who have visited the Country House Montali in Tavernelle di Panicale, Italy, have spoken highly of this destination built to "attract like-minded souls," with "fabulous surroundings and serving the most delicious gourmet vegetarian meals."

Country House Montali

More raving reviews from guests:

"Breakfast, lunch or dinner: every time again an artistic surprise."

"If you're looking for the perfect place to really, really get away, do yourself a favor and stay for as long as you can at Country House Montali. This incredible mountain top land, the beautifully decorated rooms, the relaxed vibe experienced when you find yourself overlooking valleys on both sides of the property- all of this and great hospitality made this an unforgettable peak to our Italy experience. Get there as early in the day as you can- the roads leading up to the place get more windy and are best negotiated in good light. Prepare yourself to unwind, take a swim, walk amongst the olive trees and enjoy a glass of wine under the pergola. You'll meet like minded people as we did who appreciate this place and come back again and again when in Italy. And the unbelievably great food... the quality, presentation, variety service and attention to all the details was accomplished with a warm precision by Alberto, Malu and their staff. Glad we have the cookbook as a fond reminder and source of inspiration till our next visit."

You can order a copy of their cookbook, Vegeterranean: Italian Vegetarian Cooking, from Earth Aware Editions, or see photos of their amazing, mouth-watering recipes.

Italian Vegetarian Cooking

Happy Meatless Monday! We're looking forward to the release of our first cookbook, featuring vegetarian Italian recipes from the owners and proprietors of the Country House Montali.

From the renowned kitchens of Umbria's celebrated hotel, Country House Montali, comes Vegeterranean, a collection of gourmet dishes steeped in the flavors of Italy and the Mediterranean. These recipes evoke the very essence of the region's cooking: the heavy fragrance of thyme and rosemary; the sound and smell of shimmering tomatoes; the musky aromas of cinnamon and saffron. Italian classics such as calzone, ravioli, gnocchi, and lasagna are transformed into stylish, contemporary dishes, while recipes such as Spiedini Primavera (Spring Vegetable Skewers) and Cappuccino di Asparagi (Asparagus Cappuccino) take advantage of each ingredient at its seasonal peak. 

Stock your pantry with homemade sauces, stocks, and pesto, and learn how to make fresh pasta and other essentials with which to prepare vegetarian masterpieces. Chapters on first and second courses, as well as starters, sides, breads, desserts, and even breakfast round out this collection.

Vegeterranean showcases the richness and diversity of modern vegetarian cooking and is a must-have for anyone who wants to perfect the art of preparing fresh, local produce or simply needs inspiration in the kitchen.