Post Punk Kitchen Forum

My omni family is coming for dinner next week, and I have no idea what to serve. The are NOT vegan-friendly but I have undertaken to cook dinner to show them how yummy and healthy vegan food can be. I don't want to make anything weird or exotic (even tofu may be a problem). I'm thinking familiar and safe is the way to go. Any ideas?

Pasta or risotto.

My go-to omni-friendly recipe, which has never once failed me, not even at a table full of deer hunters: http://eatair.blogspot.com/2007/12/black-bean-cornbread-pie.html. Especially nice this time of year because people want chili-type dishes and cornbread when it starts getting cold anyway!

The white bean and leek cassoulet from Veganomicon! My super conservative omni aunt and uncle really liked it!

I always go with a hearty soup and really good crusty bread.

I think something that doesn't call attention to "missing" animal products is best. So pasta marinara, with lots of roasted vegetables, or a hearty soup would be great.

Mexican is another great option for this sort of situation. Tacos, burritos, tostatas, or enchiladas, with beans, salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, sliced olives, spanish rice, etc. Do you have Viva Vegan? I think there are a lot of recipes in there that would work well.

Chili and corn bread is another classic for this situation. Maybe with herbed earth balance or agave for the corn bread, and a side of roast winter squash or coleslaw (I think veganaise is pretty omni friendly, or you can do a vinegar and oil dressing).

Whatever you choose, don't forget to wow them with dessert!

Boyfriend's mother is not at all vegan friendly, and I usually make some kind of pasta or risotto with garlic bread for her. I would also consider curries or Mexican, but she hates anything remotely spicy.

My omni parents are a bit more adventurous, some of their favourite things I've made for them have been the Vcon moussaka and the corn empanadas from Viva Vegan with arroz con seitan.

And pie is always a winner for dessert! I made the strawberry and rhubarb pie from the upcoming pie book (the recipe is also now on the PPK recipes page) for my family recently, and my brother (who is picky about desserts and isn't easily impressed) ate three pieces at the dinner table, and then the rest of the leftover pie the next day.

You can make completely mild, but still delicious curries and Mexican food!

Vcon moussaka was a wild run away hit with my extended family. I added shredded seitan o'greatness for protein and extra yummies, but there is probably plenty of protein in the pine nut creme, and you could always make a side of greek beans or serve a first course of lentil soup.

I was watching Rachel Ray yesterday(I was sick and it was her or Dr.Phil) and she said she prefers veganaise over regular mayo. I was shocked.