Food
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Vegetarian Starters?

Cynde Gregory
Cynde Gregory

Vegetarian cooks, like cooks everywhere, want to create memorable meals that nourish not only the body but the soul as well. Cooking vegetarian doesn’t have to be a complicated, big deal as long as the food is fresh, contains no meat, and wasn’t manufactured using fat or other animal foods. The range of vegetarian starters is beyond mind-boggling. Even carnivores enjoy choosing one or several nonmeat appetizers to kick off a truly glorious meal.

Cooks have been offering vegetarian starters without a second thought since time immemorial. A simple tray of the freshest carrots and celery sticks or radishes cut into simple roses set the stage. Some curried or herbed yogurt or hummus to dip them in makes a great starter than won’t fill diners up before the main event.

Hummus served with pita bread and raw vegetables can make for a tasty starter.
Hummus served with pita bread and raw vegetables can make for a tasty starter.

More formal vegetarian starters include fruit and tomato salsa, stuffed grape leaves, or a lovely baked brie. Of course, as every good home cook knows, the appetizer must complement the main meal, rather than conflict with it. Grape leaves would be a wonderful opening into a Mediterranean meal of couscous and a salad, for example. Baked brie might precede meatless ratatouille, and the salsa lets diners know that dinner will have a Latin flair.

Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad.
Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad.

Pâtés made with goose liver or other meats are certainly off the table, as are salmon, caviar, or other seafood-based starters. A quick trip through the virtual world will arm even the most inexperienced vegetarian cook with a multitude of nonmeat spreads for whole grain crackers or peasant bread. Beans, garlic, and a variety of herbs can be used for a brilliant pâté. Tofu combines gracefully with dill, rosemary, or other traditional seafood herbs into a satisfying puree. Adding a little roasted red pepper and a dollop of cream cheese not only ups the flavor ante but lends the spread a salmon-like color, an illusion that is enhanced by sprinkling a few capers across the top.

Fruit and tomato salsa is a vegetarian starter that is easy to make.
Fruit and tomato salsa is a vegetarian starter that is easy to make.

Pastry crust vegetarian starters are easy to put together. Homemade or purchased individual pastry cups can be filled with cheese, cream, and sautéed onion for delicious quiche. Vegetarian samosas created with rice or potatoes, lentils, or dried beans and served with mango or lime pickle are another great beginning.

An oven-roasted eggplant offers a uniquely silky texture as a background for babaganoush, a Middle Eastern appetizer. Roasting dials up eggplant’s normally very shy taste, and the addition of tahini, or pureed sesame seeds, a little olive oil, and some fresh garlic results in a dip for vegetables and a spread for crackers or bread. Served with oil-cured olives, there’s almost no chance of leftovers but if there are, they can be mixed with pasta for tomorrow’s lunchtime salad.

Discussion Comments

Euroxati

Because vegetarianism and veganism have a lot in common, does anyone know some different types of vegan starters? My friend (who is a vegetarian) is changing her diet soon, and wants to be a vegan. It seems rather risky, but with some advice, I'm sure it would be a step in the right direction.

RoyalSpyder

@Viranty - Agreed. When someone is a vegan, not only do they only eat plants and vegetables, but they also don't consume anything that comes from an animal. That includes eggs, milk, cheese, etc.

Viranty

The best thing about vegetarian starters is that they can appeal to anyone, whether you eat meat or not. Though the article didn't discuss this, I feel I should bring it up anyway. There is a huge difference between being a vegetarian and being a vegan, where there are a lot more restrictions.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Hummus served with pita bread and raw vegetables can make for a tasty starter.
      Hummus served with pita bread and raw vegetables can make for a tasty starter.
    • Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad.
      By: James Cohen
      Quinoa pomegranate fennel salad.
    • Fruit and tomato salsa is a vegetarian starter that is easy to make.
      By: Lorraine Kourafas
      Fruit and tomato salsa is a vegetarian starter that is easy to make.
    • Spinach quiche is a great appetizer for vegetarians.
      By: MIGUEL GARCIA SAAVED
      Spinach quiche is a great appetizer for vegetarians.
    • Robust salsa is a perfect topper for vegetarian nachos.
      By: JJAVA
      Robust salsa is a perfect topper for vegetarian nachos.