Healthy Vegetarian Recipes For Small Gatherings

The thing is when you say healthy recipes people will not automatically assume that it is a vegetarian recipe which is why you have to be specific with what you want especially if you are a vegetarian.

If I were the host, I would prefer it if my guests will tell me their preference when it comes to their food choice or if there are any allergies that the host should be aware of.  So all the efforts when it comes to cooking will be appreciated.

Pasta is always a good food choice when it comes to small gathering among friends. The site,  www.healthycooking.suite101.com provides great healthy vegetarian recipes such as:
Baked Penne Pasta with Broccoli and Three Cheeses

    * 1 lb. good quality penne pasta, uncooked
    * 1 tsp. olive oil
    * 1 lb. fresh broccoli crowns, cleaned and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
    * 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    * 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese (or smoked mozzarella)
    * 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
    * 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
    * 2 egg whites

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the penne according to package directions, subtracting 1 minute from the package’s suggested cooking time. (You want the pasta al dente, not mushy.) Drain the pasta and transfer to a large mixing bowl. toss with olive oil.

Place broccoli in a microwave-safe dish and heat 1 minute on high. Stir and cook another 30 seconds or until broccoli is crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook. Toss with penne. Add 1/4 cup of the Parmesan, mozzarella, ricotta, eggs and egg whites to the penne. Mix until well combined. Transfer to the prepared springform pan. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan. Bake in preheated oven until the top is golden brown, approximately 30 minutes. Remove from oven and let stand at least 15 minutes. Unmold and serve immediately.

and this penne pasta dish goes very well a Greek salad.

Easy Greek Salad Recipe

    * 1 English (seedless) cucumber, diced into one inch chunks
    * 4 oz. pitted black olives
    * 4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
    * 1/4 cup your favorite low-fat Greek or Caesar salad dressing

Toss the cucumber chunks, black olives, feta cheese and salad dressing in a large mixing bowl. Allow flavors to marinate 15-30 minutes before transferring the salad to a serving bowl.