Help with crispy or crunchy vegetarian side dish

[NadyaDuke]

I'm cooking dinner for some vegetarian friends this weekend. I plan to make The Very Full Tart from Plenty (roasted veg and cheese), and garlic roasted mushrooms. The dinner will be accompanied by 2003 Oregon Pinot Noir from various wineries, to have the fun of a horizontal tasting.

My husband suggested I need something crispy or crunchy to round out the meal. Since Pinot Noir is a focus, vinegar or very spicy foods are out. Any suggestions, wise eGulleters?

Edited February 6, 2013 by NadyaDuke (log)

[Chris Amirault]

I cannot keep deep-fried root chips -- taro, potato, carrot, yam, parsnip -- in the house for more than a few minutes after they're done if they've been tossed with a freshly made ras al hanout spice mixture.

[gfweb]

toasted kale!

[tsp.]

Is ras al hanout strictly vegetarian if it includes cantharides? OK, I joke.

Do you know what is really good from Plenty, that bean, tarragon and nigella seed salad. It will provide the crunch you're after and tarragon is a nice match to pinot noir.

[Lisa Shock]

What about a chunky salad of crunchy vegetables with a dressing based on flavoring some veganaise? (so it's lower in acid than a vinaigrette)

[Mjx]

Something based around water chestuts, especially if you can get your hands on some fresh ones.

[SylviaLovegren]

How about some crisp salad greens with lightly toasted walnuts or pecans with salt, tossed with some very good olive oil, no vinegar. Sprinkle at the last minute with pomegranate seeds for a bit of zing and color.

[Snadra]

I like to make a green cabbage, apple and walnut slaw for a crunchy side salad dressed with lemon juice and walnut oil. Hazelnuts and their oil work well too.

[ElainaA]

My favorite crunchy salad: julienned celery, carrot and crisp apple with radicchio and Belgian endive. Dressed with lemon juice and evo. Crunchy, tasty and very pretty.

[Panaderia Canadiense]

Asparagus wontons.....

[NadyaDuke]

Thanks for all the great ideas! The asparagus wontons have me drooling, but I think I have enough on my hands, since I'm a wonton rookie. I'm leaning towards some time of salad or slaw, probably based on what looks good at the market tomorrow. And I love the idea of just using olive oilntobdress it because it gives me an excuse to buy some higher grade olive oil than my usual all purpose! But I'll have some lemons in reserve in case they're called for.

[radtek]

How about tempura vegetables? Sweet potato etc...