My niece married and Indian man and his parents are visiting for 6 months. They are Hindu and are vegetarians. They will be coming for Christmas dinner. I need some ideas for what to serve.
I think you are going to ask your niece's husband how strict his parents are about their food choices as they might not even eat onions or garlic etc. ****see this site:
In Hindu belief, souls are often reincarnated into an animal's body, so all animals are sacred (so no fish, and no eggs for some), although I'm sure there may be exceptions depending on the person.. Do his parents eat fish?
Hopefully someone knowledgeable in vegetarianism such as Dragonlaurel will post. I don't know any meals as a main dish, but this thread will probably help;
A winter vegetable root bake is easy, celebrates the season and vegan.
Chunks of any root vegetables, like carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, parsley root, small whole red jacketed potatoes, and even peeled chunks of winter squash and Brussels sprouts. I like small whole onions and garlic but can be omitted.
Place all in a baking dish, mix in olive oil, rosemary, winter savory, salt and pepper. Cover and bake at 350 for 30 min, remixing twice. Uncover, remix and bake another 10 min till done and slightly browned.
Poached pears in a martini glass with pomegranate seed.
I would definitely do a few Indian dishes to honor them. Typically older Hindus will be more strict than the younger more contemporary ones.
You got a lot of good suggestions for recipes, if you need help rounding out your meal check out some Indian food sites, or better yet, ask your SIL what dishes they enjoy.