Dinner for 50 - coq au vin, braised lamb shoulder and...what else? (vegetarian option)

When I cook for a large group I always have a lot of vegetarian sides that can be a main course for non meat eaters. Recently , I did a lunch for 50 and included The Perennial Plate's Potato Terrine and my own Greek Style Zucchini Pancakes which are rich and satisfying. The last of my tomatoes were still tasting great, so I sliced them up and served them on the table for everyone to dip into. (there were bottles of olive oil on the table, too) Of course, the meat eaters loved the "sides" with their meat.

Any "cheese pie" type dish made with filo dough, such as Spanakopita. I recommend a recipe from The Tao of Cooking (by Sally Pasley), Artichoke Ricotta Pie -- I've made it for parties, and it's delicious and unusual.

I suggested this to a friend for a 'heart healthy" party of about 40 people for a local Doctor.
Cauliflower Couscous..and it was a big hit.
http://www.food52.com/recipes/14493_cauliflower_couscous
He made a lamb stew for one option to use on top of the 'couscous'.
And for vegetarian option he made a tagine of eggplant, veggies, preserved lemons, middle eastern spices..etc.
He said he held up rather well on the steam table...and came together quickly just lightly cooking the cauliflower (don't make mush!). with some cumin, olive oil, and veggie stock. It worked well as a complimentary glutin free, wheat free, option. With the lamb stew (tagine) for one topping, and the veggie tagine for the other topping. And no one missed the wheat couscous.

Try it out..with small test run...and see if it stores well premade overnight and then cooked before service.
When I do it at home I find it holds up well the next day cooked and doesn't mush up like wheat couscous.

Check out responses to SKK's question re: veg./gluten-free recipes.

Check out responses to SKK's question re: veg./gluten-free recipes.

What about a roasted stuffed pumpkin? They are gorgeous and can stuff with many different things.

What about a roasted stuffed pumpkin? They are gorgeous and can stuff with many different things.

What about a roasted stuffed pumpkin? They are gorgeous and can stuff with many different things.

This was a fabulous recipe that I tried out recently .. http://www.food52.com/recipes/2073_griddled_polenta_cakes_with_caramelized_onions_goat_cheese_and_honey

Here's a great recipe: http://www.food52.com/recipes/431_eggplant_parmesan . Serve with polenta slices (which the non-vegetarians would also enjoy) and/or a good artisan bread. ;o)

This is quite elegant and hearty at the same time, and perhaps a nice departure from pasta with something.

http://www.food52.com/recipes/14680_lost_shoes_risotto