A dinner party is an excellent way to gather friends and family for a fun, social evening. If you’re a vegan or looking for healthier, plant-based options for your menu, don’t worry – you don’t have to sacrifice taste or aesthetic. With these five delicious vegan recipes, you’ll be able to host a stunning, savory, and satisfying dinner party that will leave everyone feeling impressed and full.
1) Vegan Lentil Meatballs
Recipe:
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1/2 cup chopped onions
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegan egg replacer
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except for the olive oil.
3. Mix well and form the mixture into balls.
4. Pour the olive oil into a pan and heat it over medium heat.
5. When the oil is hot, add the lentil balls and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly browned.
6. Transfer the balls onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-15 minutes.
7. Serve with vegan pasta sauce, vegan parmesan and basil, or as a side dish.
2) Vegan Portobello Mushroom Steaks
Recipe:
• 4 large Portobello mushroom caps
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• Fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Clean the mushroom caps and remove the stems.
3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Rub the mixture onto both sides of the mushroom caps.
5. Place the caps on a baking sheet, gill side up, and bake for 10 minutes.
6. While the caps are baking, prepare the sauce by combining the balsamic vinegar and vegetable broth in a small saucepan.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it has reduced by half.
8. When the mushroom caps are done baking, remove them from the oven and pour the sauce on top.
9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
3) Vegan Stuffed Peppers
Recipe:
• 4 large bell peppers
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup cooked black beans
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Vegan cheese (optional)
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove the seeds and pith.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, black beans, onions, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Mix well and stuff the mixture into the peppers.
5. If desired, sprinkle some vegan cheese on top of each pepper.
6. Place the peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes.
7. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley.
4) Vegan Rainbow Salad
Recipe:
• 1 head of romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced yellow bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced orange bell pepper
• 1/2 cup sliced radishes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
1. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, bell peppers, radishes, parsley, and mint.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Sprinkle the sliced almonds on top and serve immediately.
5) Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Recipe:
• 1 can of full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Fresh raspberries, for garnish
Directions:
1. Chill the can of coconut milk overnight in the fridge.
2. Open the can and spoon out the solidified cream on top into a mixing bowl.
3. Heat the chocolate chips in a saucepan or microwave until melted.
4. Add the chocolate, maple syrup, and vanilla to the mixing bowl with the coconut cream.
5. Beat the mixture with a hand mixer until it’s fluffy and resembles mousse.
6. Spoon the mousse into serving dishes or shot glasses.
7. Chill the mousse in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
8. Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve.
In conclusion, being a vegan or hosting a vegan dinner party doesn’t have to be boring or bland. With these five delicious recipes, you can offer your guests a variety of flavors and textures that are both filling and satisfying. From vegan meatballs to creamy chocolate mousse, these dishes will appease any palate – and help you show off your culinary prowess. So, go ahead and invite your friends over for a stunning vegan dinner party that will leave them wanting more.