5 Perfect Vegetarian Recipes For A Memorable Sunday Dinner Party

Hosting a Sunday dinner party at home is a great way to bond with friends while enjoying delicious homemade food. Whether you're looking for easy-to-make dishes or something a bit more sophisticated, these 5 recipes will provide a variety of flavors to suit everyone’s taste. From appetizers to hearty mains and a crowd-pleasing dessert, these recipes will make your dinner party a hit!

# Vegetable Stir-Fried Noodles

This quick and tasty dish is a colorful mix of vegetables and noodles tossed in a savory sauce. It's a great main dish that is both hearty and healthy.

Ingredients of Vegetable Stir-Fried Noodles

200g noodles (rice or wheat)
1 cup bell peppers (sliced)
1 cup carrots (julienned)
1 cup broccoli florets
1 onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative)
1 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make Vegetable Stir-Fried Noodles

To prepare this dish, start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside. In a large wok or pan, heat olive oil and sauté the minced garlic and sliced onions until softened. Add the sliced bell peppers, julienned carrots, and broccoli florets to the pan, and stir-fry them for a few minutes until they are tender but still crisp.

Once the vegetables are cooked, toss in the cooked noodles and pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (or vegetarian alternative), and sesame oil. Stir everything together well, ensuring the noodles are coated evenly with the sauce. Finally, garnish the stir-fry with sesame seeds before serving hot.

# Paneer Butter Masala

This creamy and flavorful paneer dish is a hit at any vegetarian dinner party. It's rich in spices, making it perfect for serving with naan or rice.

Ingredients of Paneer Butter Masala

200g paneer (cubed)
2 tbsp butter
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 tomatoes (pureed)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 inch ginger (grated)
1/2 cup cream
2 tsp garam masala
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp red chili powder
Salt to taste
Fresh coriander for garnish

How to Make Paneer Butter Masala

Begin by heating butter in a pan and sautéing minced garlic, grated ginger, and finely chopped onions until they turn golden brown. Add tomato puree along with turmeric, garam masala, and red chili powder, and cook the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the oil starts to separate from the sauce.

Once the sauce is cooked, stir in the cream and let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken. Add the paneer cubes and gently cook for about 5 minutes until they are well-coated and heated through. Finally, garnish the paneer butter masala with fresh coriander and serve it with naan or rice for a delicious main course.

# Vegetarian Lasagna

This layered pasta dish is packed with veggies and cheese, making it a hearty and crowd-pleasing main course for your party.

Ingredients of Vegetarian Lasagna

9 lasagna sheets (pre-cooked)
2 cups spinach (blanched and chopped)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
1 zucchini (sliced)
1 bell pepper (sliced)
1 onion (chopped)
3 cups marinara sauce
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish

How to Make Vegetarian Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Start by heating olive oil in a pan and sautéing minced garlic along with chopped onions, sliced zucchini, and bell peppers until they soften. Season the vegetables with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix the blanched and chopped spinach with ricotta cheese and half of the grated Parmesan. To assemble the lasagna, spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish, followed by a layer of pre-cooked lasagna sheets, the spinach-cheese mixture, and the sautéed vegetables. Repeat the layers, finishing with a layer of marinara sauce on top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan over the top. Bake the lasagna for 30-35 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

# Chickpea and Vegetable Curry

This wholesome and nutritious chickpea curry is perfect for a dinner party. It's packed with protein, fiber, and flavor, and pairs well with rice or bread.

Ingredients of Chickpea and Vegetable Curry

1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, potatoes, etc.)
1 onion (chopped)
2 tomatoes (chopped)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 inch ginger (grated)
1 can coconut milk
1 tbsp curry powder
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp turmeric powder
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

How to Make Chickpea and Vegetable Curry

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pan, then add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds. Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onions to the pan, and sauté them until the onions turn golden. Stir in chopped tomatoes, curry powder, turmeric, and salt, cooking the mixture until the tomatoes soften and the spices become fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and potatoes) and drained chickpeas to the pan, then pour in the coconut milk. Let the curry simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened. Garnish the curry with fresh cilantro and serve it with rice or naan for a satisfying meal.

# Chocolate Avocado Mousse

For dessert, this rich and creamy chocolate mousse made with avocados is a decadent yet healthy treat to end your dinner party.

Ingredients of Chocolate Avocado Mousse

2 ripe avocados
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt
Fresh berries or mint leaves for garnish

How to Make Chocolate Avocado Mousse

To make this rich and healthy dessert, start by placing ripe avocados, cocoa powder, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt into a blender or food processor. Blend the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy. Once the mousse is ready, spoon it into individual serving bowls and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and set. Before serving, garnish the mousse with fresh berries or mint leaves for a decorative touch and extra flavor.