Whether it's a party or just a few people over for dinner, whether
you feel like going all out to show how amazing vegan food can be, or if
you aren't much into going all out but need a few ideas as to what to
make, here are a few ideas on how to plan for your meal.
1. Make sure there is a variety of options and a good amount of protein sources
in the form of mushrooms, seitan, tempeh, beans (or nuts, seeds, avocados if you want to make raw food). And if you want to be on the extra safe side for a large gathering prepare 2 dishes containing one or more of these ingredients -- fill 'em up!
2. Next most filling item would be carbohydrates. Do you want the main dish to be served in a wrap, on rice, pasta or potatoes? The good news is you get to decide, it can be fun and exciting to mix and match main dishes with different kinds of carbs. curried lentil burrito or cilantro black beans over pasta. (If you are going for a raw vegan meal, you can always sneak fruit into the meal through a side smoothie, appetizers, salad or in the dessert.
3. Vegetables: having at least one side of plain or specially prepared vegetables is always a good idea. Especially featuring the color green. Green vegetables are an awesome source of calcium and many other vitamins and minerals, they are even a good source of omega 3. And make sure there will be enough. One head of kale steamed shrinks down to serve only 2 people, so plan accordingly.
4. Is it a party? To keep things fun and interesting, keep finger foods available prior to serving the meal. Lay out cut veggies and fruits along with vegan sauces. Maybe also some seasoned nuts and seeds. If you are up to a little more work, other appetizers can be made. Such as baked stuffed mushrooms on toothpicks, bruschetta, or really anything made with phylo dough is always an exciting treat!
5. Salad: Depending on the amount of time and effort that you would like to put into preparing a meal, will definitely have the most to do with what you actually serve to your guests, but at bare minimum a main dish and a salad in most cases will be enough to keep guests happy.
Possible one dish choices: Lasagna -- this is probably one of the most filling one dish ideas that most people enjoy. Any recipe can be used, but to make it a little more exciting add: seasoned tofu -- make a tofu ricotta, marinated eggplant and or mushrooms (for a meaty texture), spinach (can add a stringy consistency--in a good way-- to make up for no cheese). Also other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots and broccoli can also be added.
Other one dish possibilities that can perfectly accompany salad:
pasta, enchiladas, chili, pizza...
Finally
6. The Dessert! Perhaps one of the best ways to show the wonders of vegan food. Especially if you are serving a raw vegan meal, it's imperative that you do not skip dessert. Raw vegans can often feel satisfied after a salad, but they can't expect the same from their guests, a well planned raw vegan meal will satisfy guests and a dessert will definitely provide extra assurance that they have had enough to eat.
If time is an issue, pick up some vegan ice-creams, banana and chocolate syrup from the supermarket. Banana split can be an easy whip up recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Last, have fun with it, prepare your favorites-- and make sure it isn't just a salad, guests may not be used to having such light meals. With a little bit of thought and care, your guests will be raving about their experience for the next years to come!
Namaste!
For a sample menu see here:
http://definitelynotmartha.blogspot.com/2007/01/feeding-vegan-food-to-non-vegans_25.html
1. Make sure there is a variety of options and a good amount of protein sources
in the form of mushrooms, seitan, tempeh, beans (or nuts, seeds, avocados if you want to make raw food). And if you want to be on the extra safe side for a large gathering prepare 2 dishes containing one or more of these ingredients -- fill 'em up!
2. Next most filling item would be carbohydrates. Do you want the main dish to be served in a wrap, on rice, pasta or potatoes? The good news is you get to decide, it can be fun and exciting to mix and match main dishes with different kinds of carbs. curried lentil burrito or cilantro black beans over pasta. (If you are going for a raw vegan meal, you can always sneak fruit into the meal through a side smoothie, appetizers, salad or in the dessert.
3. Vegetables: having at least one side of plain or specially prepared vegetables is always a good idea. Especially featuring the color green. Green vegetables are an awesome source of calcium and many other vitamins and minerals, they are even a good source of omega 3. And make sure there will be enough. One head of kale steamed shrinks down to serve only 2 people, so plan accordingly.
4. Is it a party? To keep things fun and interesting, keep finger foods available prior to serving the meal. Lay out cut veggies and fruits along with vegan sauces. Maybe also some seasoned nuts and seeds. If you are up to a little more work, other appetizers can be made. Such as baked stuffed mushrooms on toothpicks, bruschetta, or really anything made with phylo dough is always an exciting treat!
5. Salad: Depending on the amount of time and effort that you would like to put into preparing a meal, will definitely have the most to do with what you actually serve to your guests, but at bare minimum a main dish and a salad in most cases will be enough to keep guests happy.
Possible one dish choices: Lasagna -- this is probably one of the most filling one dish ideas that most people enjoy. Any recipe can be used, but to make it a little more exciting add: seasoned tofu -- make a tofu ricotta, marinated eggplant and or mushrooms (for a meaty texture), spinach (can add a stringy consistency--in a good way-- to make up for no cheese). Also other vegetables such as zucchini, carrots and broccoli can also be added.
Other one dish possibilities that can perfectly accompany salad:
pasta, enchiladas, chili, pizza...
Finally
6. The Dessert! Perhaps one of the best ways to show the wonders of vegan food. Especially if you are serving a raw vegan meal, it's imperative that you do not skip dessert. Raw vegans can often feel satisfied after a salad, but they can't expect the same from their guests, a well planned raw vegan meal will satisfy guests and a dessert will definitely provide extra assurance that they have had enough to eat.
If time is an issue, pick up some vegan ice-creams, banana and chocolate syrup from the supermarket. Banana split can be an easy whip up recipe that everyone can enjoy.
Last, have fun with it, prepare your favorites-- and make sure it isn't just a salad, guests may not be used to having such light meals. With a little bit of thought and care, your guests will be raving about their experience for the next years to come!
Namaste!
For a sample menu see here:
http://definitelynotmartha.blogspot.com/2007/01/feeding-vegan-food-to-non-vegans_25.html
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