Throwing a vegan dinner party? There are plenty of meat- and dairy-free recipes to choose from, but we think a party calls for something a little extra special. We're not talking about extra work – just dishes that are beautiful to look at and fun to eat. Here are a few that fit the bill.
STARTERS
• Roasted Eggplant Caviar – Eating this flavorful dip with basil leaves makes it a little extra fun.
• Fresh Shell Bean and Sage Spread – This dip is loaded with fresh herb flavor.
• Ortine's Mediterranean Platter – This platter is filled with delicious bites and could easily be stretched into a whole meal.
MAIN DISHES
• Stuffed Artichokes – Pair Vegan Yum Yum's version with some simple pasta and you've got a showstopping meal.
• Vegan Corn Tamales – Wrapped up like little gifts, tamales are always a big crowd pleaser.
• Watercress and Cabbage Stir-Fry – A beautiful easy dish, just add rice or noodles.
• Vegetarian Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) – Homemade soup is always comforting, and so many flavorful garnishes make this one special enough for a party.
SIDES
This one is pretty easy – there are countless vegetable preparations. Here are a couple that will stand out:
• Sweet Potatoes with Star Anise, Ginger, and Lime – A beautiful way to present a simple sweet potato.
• Braised Radishes with Rice Vinegar and Mint – This is a perfect dish for spring with great seasonal ingredients.
DESSERTS
• Vegan Chocolate Ginger Orange Cupcakes – Intense flavor, easy as 1, 2, 3!
• Vegan Vanilla Coconut Ice Cream – Who doesn't love ice cream? This one is a hit with vegans and nonvegans alike.
Related: 10 Vegan Lunch Ideas
(Images: See linked posts for full credits)
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I love to make risotto for vegan dinner guests. Since it has a reputation for being fussy, people always think you went to some trouble. And the creaminess is appealing without needing actual cream.
Some of my favorites are mushroom, butternut squash, and "spring" (peas, artichokes, and asparagus with lemon segments and zest). I usually garnish with fresh herbs and toasted nuts (and cheese if the guests are vegetarian but not vegan). And I always use brown arborio rice b/c it has more protein and a great nutty flavor.
(Obviously, you have to use olive oil (not butter) to start the rice and add vegetable or mushroom stock - but I usually do this anyway.)
I adore this potato tagine with preserved lemon and olives. It's crazy elegant, and the North African flavor profile is pretty unique. I also like the caramelized deliciousness of this pizza cavolfiore, especially to complement a lighter soup salad type meal.
If you're into tamales, Terry Hope Romero's cookbook that just came out, Viva Vegan!, has LOTS of great vegan South American food recipes in it.
Those sweet potatoes sound delicious.
These look good. I just posted a good one too using a fantastic and delicious meat alternative. It's a quick meal idea (you can have the main ingredient in a freezer- and use when you need it.) Take a look at my post "So this isn't Chicken?" http://www.lifeologia.com/?p=1122
Ahem... the "vegan" stuffed artichokes have anchovies in them LOL