For kids, their birthdays are special, and as a parent planning it without a hitch can be indeed stressful. Especially when it comes to the menu, finding suitable plant-based party foods can leave you feeling very lost. But look no further, we’ve got you covered from food options that picky eaters will love, gluten-free options, to dishes that will leave even the adults wanting the recipe.
Here are some dishes you can try at the next soiree:
1) Cauliflower bites:
Infographic Click Here | It is a perfect alternative to meat-based party foods like chicken wings, these are nutritious and succulent and can be flavoured to your liking. These bite-sized florets of cauliflower are batter fried (or baked) and coated in any sauce of your choice, you can try a teriyaki sauce, sweet and sour sauce or even chili garlic sauce. |
For a gluten free version, switch out the all-purpose flour with rice flour, you can also use tapioca starch to make this recipe grain-free.
This dish is guaranteed to leave your guests licking their fingers.
2) Fried tofu nuggets:
Expecting picky eaters who only eat chicken nuggets? Here’s an alternative so good, they won’t know the difference. You’ll need some extra firm tofu for this recipe. Cut up the tofu into bite-sized nugget, season well and dredge in flour and fry or bake. Serve with a dipping sauce or any condiments you prefer.
3) Vegan mac-n-cheese:
Mac-n-cheese is a classic party dish, it can be made in bulk and stays tasty even when cold. Good news is you can easily adapt this recipe for your plant-based diet without compromising on flavour.
The secret lies in the ‘cheese sauce’; in a high-power blender, mix cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, chili powder, garlic and any other flavourings or spices you prefer until smooth. Add this to your pasta once it’s ready and voila! You’ve got the perfect vegan mac-n-cheese. You can also serve this with a side of garlic bread for some extra pizazz.
4) Crispy black bean tacos with creamy avocado sauce:
This a must try recipe that packs a flavourful punch. It will be a success among both the children and their parents at the party.
These plant-based tacos use black beans, your favourite seasonings and salsa. Blend your ingredients in a food processors and spread inside a tortilla. Heat up a pan with some oil or vegan butter and place the folded tortilla on to the skillet, fry until crispy.
Make a creamy sauce with avocados, cilantro and lime and drizzle over the crazy tortilla before serving.
5) Caramel popcorn:
A heavenly sweet treat that combines caramel and popcorn, a fun twist on an already beloved snack! It can be made a few days ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
Pop your popcorn kernels like you usually would. Spread the popcorn on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle the caramel as evenly as you can over the popcorn on the baking tray. Pop the tray into an oven pre heated to 95oC. Bake the popcorn for an hour, while taking it out every 20 minutes to give it a stir and help distribute the caramel more thoroughly.
After this, take out your caramel popcorn from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. It is now ready to eat!
6) Fruity ice pops:
Ice pops are reminiscent of childhood and hot summers- this is as simple as it gets and the kids love it!
You’ll need an ice pop mould, a freezer and some juice, either freshly made or store-bought.
To make these look good as they taste, you can add some fresh fruit or berries into the mould before you pour in the juice and freeze. Easy breezy.
7) Vegan sushi cups:
This is an easy lazy way to make sushi, it harnesses all the good flavour cuts out all the finicky business.
You’ll need a muffin tray, sticky rice and some fresh veggies.
For this recipe we’ll be using avocado, sweet red peppers and grated carrot. To add more depth in flavour you can make a paste out of either edamame or chickpea seasoned with soy sauce.
Gently press and mould the sticky rick into a lined muffin tray, add the delicious soy sauce and edamame paste to the cup, layer the assorted vegetables on top, season with seaweed flakes or sesame seeds.
Allow it to cool to room temperature and serve.
There’s always a lot going on at children’s parties. However, with these mouth-watering dishes for inspiration, it’s bound to be a success! You might even convince more people to try a plant based lifestyle.
References:
- https://pinchofyum.com/crispy-black-bean-tacos-with-cilantro-lime-sauce
- https://itdoesnttastelikechicken.com/easy-vegan-caramel-corn/
- https://www.rhiansrecipes.com/muffin-tin-sushi-cups-vegan-gf/
- https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/g830/popsicle-recipes-0709/
- https://detoxinista.com/best-vegan-mac-n-cheese/
- https://mindfulavocado.com/vegan-buffalo-cauliflower-wings/
- https://www.delishknowledge.com/vegan-tofu-nuggets/
