Help! I’m Cooking for a Vegan …and I’m not Vegan!
First take a deep breath and don’t worry, everything is going to be okay. Vegans are just like everybody else and if anything are usually more willing to try different foods.
Yeah, But I don’t know what vegans actually eat.
Vegans don’t eat any animal products. If it’s not a plant, it’s an animal. This includes:
- Meat (including fish, chicken, ham bones, and animal based broths)
- Milk (including butter, whey, and milk powder)
- Eggs (including mayo and egg whites)
- Some vegans don’t eat Honey, it’s best to ask first or simply not include honey in your dinner
A NOTE ON SALAD: While yes, vegans do eat salad, it is not the only food they can eat. If you make a simple green salad it is a great appetizer or side dish but generally is not a strong entree on its own.
There are a lot of foods that you’ll find very familiar that you can easily make a vegan and non-vegan version for all of your guests. Simply cook the meat/cheese on the side and combine while serving.
Italian
- Tomato Basil or Marinara Sauce w/Pasta
- Pasta Primavera (aka Pasta with sauteed veggies & olive oil)
- White Beans and Spinach over Pasta, Bread, or Rice
- Mushroom Risotto without Parmesean (substitute veggie bouillon for beef/chicken)
- Garlic Bread
- Bruschetta
Mexican
- Bean Burrito (no cheese or sour cream, add avocado instead of cheese)
- Veggie Fajitas (mushroom, bell peppers, and grilled onions)
- Rice and Beans
- Nacho Salad
- Guacamole & Chips
- Pico de Gallo & Chips
Asian-Inspired
- Vegetable Stirfry with Rice
- Thai Vegetable Curry with Rice
- Veggies with Spicy Peanut Sauce
American!
If you’re from a meat and potatoes type family your son’s new vegan girlfriend might sound threatening. But there are ways to cook a traditional meal while accommodating vegans.
- Vegetable Casserole
- Bean Casserole
- Green Bean Casserole
- Baked Beans
- Mashed Potatoes (sub milk for soy milk and put the butter on the side)
- Sides of fresh vegetables
- Vegetable Soup
- Cabbage Soup
- If you really want to show off, make a home made veggie burger
As a vegan when I go to someone’s house to eat this is all I want:
- To not inconvenience the cook.
- To feel safe eating the food and not worried that the host doesn’t know that butter isn’t vegan.
- To not draw attention to my diet. Cholesterol problems and factory farms are generally not great dinner conversation.
- To eat and enjoy the company.
For great vegan recipes go to www.vegweb.com
