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Vegan dinner parties are officially a thing

Thought a "vegan feast" meant faux meat, tofu ten ways, and a plate of sad-looking celery sticks? Think again. We're re-branding "rabbit food" with robust curries, life-changing bread and tequila-spiked popsicles. These top 12 picks – many gluten- and dairy-free – are destined for the dinner party scene. So call your vegan pals, or yet-to-be-converted carnivores, and prepare for your popularity levels to soar.

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Popsicles are a clever way to build your vegan buddy base in warmer months. Lace the treats with tequila and you’ll be revered! Try the food dept.’s blood orange margarita variety, and serve with lime salt and fresh citrus segments.
Blood orange margarita ice blocks with lime salt
Source: Petrina Tinslay
Hassan M’Souli’s smashed green olive and ruby grapefruit salad is like a smart supermodel: stunning, well-dressed and layered with complexity. Quick and easy to assemble, the colourful dish – adorned with roasted hazelnuts and pomegranate seeds – is ideal as a main or side.
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The word is out: vegan, gluten-free bread is a thing of sheer beauty! This wildly popular recipe from My New Roots blogger Sarah Britton features nuts, seeds, maple syrup and flour substitute, psyllium seed husks. Let us all break bread and give thanks.
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Forget lamb cutlets, we’re going Gujarati-style with these diabetic and vegan-friendly banana ones, instead. Laced with cumin, crushed peanuts and raw mango powder, the crumbed cutlets are ideal with mint chutney.
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There's plenty more to "spicy stodge" than butter chicken, korma and a stack of garlic naan. Sydney blogger John Bek, of he needs food, prefers to get his fix in the form of masoor dal (red lentils). The North Indian classic is packed with spices, chillies and fresh coriander. Serve with rice or these chickpea pancakes.
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So what if hard core vegans are a little nutty? We’re cashew-crazy, too. This gluten-, dairy- and sugar-free granola from Sarah Wilson is a breakfast all-star. Team the mix of coconut flakes, chia seeds and activated nuts with your preferred milk or yoghurt, or use as a crumble topping for dessert.
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You won't be left hungry after spooning a bowl of Colombia’s sopa de verduras. Popular year-round, despite South America’s tropical weather, the soup features potatoes, carrots, green beans, along with lemon juice, coriander and a hint of saffron.
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Mingle amongs guests with a spicy conversation starter: wasabi popcorn. Here, we’ve coated the cooked kernels with a nose-tingling combination of nori, icing sugar and crushed wasabi peas. Snack attack, anyone?
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Whatever diet your friends are on – vegan, sugarless or gluten-free – Tony Chiodo’s carrot, cardamom and coconut cake is guaranteed to gratify. Inspired by Indian carrot halva and possessing a rich chai scent, it’ll take tastebuds on an overseas holiday.
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A fast food sensation in the streets of Nepal, pakora is a hot snack similar to Japan’s tempura. Serve with the traditional tomato pickle and smile as dinner guests of vegan and non-vegan varieties unite over the deep-fried deliciousness.
vegetable pakora
Source: Alan Benson
Pigeon pea curry is a Gujarati specialty, infused with fresh spices, including garam masala and ground turmeric, along with jaggery and ginger. A hearty helping will satisfy even the most fastidious eater.
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Ever heard of Lucuma? It’s a pulpy Peruvian fruit that tastes like caramel and is packed with antioxidants, minerals and other health benefits. Add the fruit (in powdered form) to smoothies, puddings or Sarah Britton’s nut butter cups. They’re vegan and very, very good.
Nut butter cups
Source: Sarah Britton
For more vegan recipes, check out our collection of sweets and savouries here

 

Keen to continue with the tasty reads? 

How to fall in love with quinoa

How to start a sandwich love affair

13 meals that solve your leftover-yoghurt dilemma


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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only. Read more about SBS Food
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SBS Food is a 24/7 foodie channel for all Australians, with a focus on simple, authentic and everyday food inspiration from cultures everywhere. NSW stream only.
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Vegan dinner parties are officially a thing | SBS Food