Your plant-based summer barbeque – sorted!

Summer means barbeque season! If you’re new to plant-based eating, a barbeque invitation can be a little daunting ‒ but it doesn’t have to be. You just need the know-how. That’s where we can help.

Barbeques and Christmas celebrations can be the perfect time to put on a plant-based extravaganza, or to show your friends how easy and delicious plant-based food can be.

For the lazy cook

If like me, you’re a ‘grab something at the supermarket on the way to the party’ kind of a person, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many plant-based burgers and sausages available from the supermarket. Many brands of bread and burger buns are plant-based too.

Some of the newer plant-based alternatives look and taste a lot like meat, to the point where even the staunchest meat eater might not know the difference (or even care!)

Whether it’s a ‘chicken’ burger, a ‘beef’ patty or a spicy sausage you’re after, today’s plant-based options will leave you spoilt for choice.

For the intermediate cook

Vegetable skewers are a fabulous, colourful addition to any barbeque table. They can be made from any veggies you happen to have in the fridge, although quick-cooking veggies such as zucchini, capsicum and mushrooms work best on the barbie.

Tip: Add a cube of spicy marinated tofu to your skewers for extra yumminess.

Feeling adventurous?

If you’re into hearing people go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ when you bring the food out, then this stuffed, roasted pumpkin or a festive lentil and nut roast can make a spectacular table centrepiece. There are so many delicious variations of nut roast, making it easy to tweak any recipe to suit the ingredients you already have.

The great thing about bringing a pre-prepared dish is that you can bypass the barbie, which is the perfect solution if you’re worried about MCC (meaty cross-contamination). Alternatively, pre-cook your plant-based barbeque items and re-heat them in foil on the barbie. Easy peasy!

For the healthy eater

If the thought of eating a plate of beige and brown is not your thing, then why not bring a big, colourful salad? The more colour, the better! Capsicums of every colour, cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced radish always make for a stunning bowl of rainbow goodness.

Or why not try grilled portobello mushrooms instead of a burger?

Love to bake?

Not everyone likes Christmas cake, but we challenge you to find anyone who doesn’t like chocolate cake. Especially this chocolate cake! Topped with seasonal or frozen berries and served with vegan ice cream, whipped coconut cream or enjoyed on its own, this cake is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

When it comes to kind, festive food, the possibilities are endless and delicious! Check out our Christmas recipe page for more ideas and inspiration. Have a kind Christmas, everyone!