How to Host a Vegan BBQ That EVERYONE Will Love
Daylight savings have just arrived and we are heading into summer. I love this time of year – it’s getting warmer, the days are getting longer and weekends seem made for barbeques in the park. Add this to the fact that we are soon (fingers crossed) reaching the end of our lockdowns and I for one am dreaming about ways to bring the people I love together.
The idea of a typical summer barbeque conjures up pictures of sizzling meats on the grill, but it doesn’t have to be that way. I promise that you do not have to sacrifice flavour or sizzle when you take meat out of the process. Think of it as another opportunity to get creative with your food and showcase how amazing plant-based food can be!
Here are my top tips for creating a vegan BBQ that everyone will love.
Make your own burgers and get them sizzling
Our supermarkets have definitely received the memo – it’s amazing to see the aisles stocked with a big range of vegan burger patties. However, it’s also really fun to make your own, and in my opinion, they are even more delicious. I love this recipe for sweet potato and black bean burgers. They also sizzle really well once you chuck them on the barbie!
Spice it up
This is an opportunity to show your loved ones that eating veggie does not have to be boring. It can be mouth-watering, delicious and satiating! Take this opportunity to try some new recipes, or vegan-ise some of your old favourites.
Design a scrumptious grazing board
Nothing kicks off a good old BBQ like a grazing platter to die for. You can now buy amazing vegan cheeses from your local whole foods store. Couple this with some chocolate, dips, fruit, crackers, olives and nuts, and your friends will be drooling.
Get prepared
Plant-based BBQs definitely require more preparation that your typical snags-on-rolls affair, but they are SO worth it. Marinate some vegetables beforehand to chuck on the BBQ, make some tofu kebabs and throw together some sides. If you need some ideas, I love this crunchy noodle salad and this recipe for miso eggplant on the BBQ. Corn on the cob goes a treat too!
Take advantage of all the vegan BBQ supermarket staples
If homemade burgers aren’t your thing, take advantage of the great range of vegan BBQ staples in our supermarkets. Whilst I do try to stick to a (mostly) wholefoods, plant-based diet, I do believe that the alternative meat options are great for when you’re short on time, or just in need of a good, juicy burger. Some great supermarket staples to help make your BBQ a success are Impossible Burgers, Chick’n Snags or Felafel Balls. Even your carnivorous guests will love them!!!
Create a mega playlist
A BBQ isn’t a BBQ without a banging playlist. Spend some time the week beforehand and pull together a playlist of all your favourite tunes. I love throwing together a mix of old school bangers and some of the latest hits. If you need a speaker to make sure all your loved ones can enjoy the beats, check out all the latest gear from JBL!