The vegan lifestyle is one of the fastest growing trends around. In fact, ‘trend’ is not even the right term to describe it, since that would mean that it’s something that isn’t  going to stick around and that is definitely not the case – plant-based diets are here to stay.

Whether you’re a vegan yourself or you have vegan friends or family members, chances are at some point you’re going to want to cook amazing food to entertain and we’ve got you covered.

Chef Rudi Liebenberg and the team at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel have whipped up a selection of vegan canapés, perfect as snacks for your dinner party. Then, a jam-packed harvest table-style meal that is full of positively mouthwatering vegan dishes. Check out these recipes for your next vegan dinner party.

Vegan Canapés for Entertaining

Dragon Carrot Crackers with Tomato Tartare

These crackers are super easy to make and so much better than store-bought. Top them with a zingy and fresh tomato tartare as a great little bite-sized snack. The crackers are super versatile and will work with other tasty toppings like hummus or baba ghanoush.

Recipe for Dragon Carrot Crackers with Tomato Tartare

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Cauliflower Latkes topped with Vegan Tzatziki and Dill Marinated Baby Marrow Ribbons

This pretty vegan canapé is a great low carb version of a regular latke. Make them small and bite-sized for a tasty mouthful. The dill marinated baby marrow adds great depth of flavour and once you master that vegan tzatziki you’ll be putting it on everything!

Recipe for Cauliflower Latkes topped with Vegan Tzatziki

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Vegan Brinjal Biltong

We love this idea for a vegan version of biltong using brinjal instead of meat. The spice combo used is similar to what would be used to cure biltong giving it that signature flavour. Not only is this a great snack for a party, it’s also great for when you’re on the go or even sitting at your desk!

Recipe for Vegan Brinjal Biltong

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Harvest Table – Vegan Recipes for Entertaining

Vegan Courgette Frittata

A frittata is one of those endlessly versatile dishes that can work for breakfast, lunch or dinner. It’s not only easy to make but it’s filling for a crowd and looks beautiful served right out of the oven in the pan it is cooked in. This one uses courgettes but you can add any veggies that you like to change the flavour. A solid recipe that you’ll make over and over.

Recipe for Vegan Courgette Frittata

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Roasted Carrots with Carrot Granola and Carrot Purée

If anything says harvest table it’s this beautiful carrot dish. Simple looking but so packed with flavour. Oven roasted baby carrots are full of sweetness and are just divine served atop carrot purée. The addition of a carrot granola brings crunch to the dish and makes it a surefire win.

Recipe for Roasted Carrots with Carrot Granola and Carrot Purée

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Cauliflower Steaks with Cashew Cheese Sauce

If you thought your mom’s cauliflower cheese was good, then this one will definitely blow your socks off. Cauliflower is perfect for slicing into thickish steaks which will caramelise beautifully in a pan. Top with this cashew cheese sauce and a sprinkling of vegan ‘Parmesan’ cheese and trust us you won’t even notice there’s no dairy. So yum!

Recipe for Cauliflower Steaks with Cashew Cheese Sauce

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Mushroom Kebabs with Flatbreads and Cashew Aioli

There are few veggies that have quite the same umami flavour as mushrooms, they really are the veggie that keeps on giving. Versatile, easy to work with and so yum. In this recipe, mixed mushrooms are skewered, basted and grilled to perfection and served with a side of flatbreads and a delicious cashew aioli. The addition of pickled mushrooms adds a hit of vinegar that perfectly balances the dish. Even better if you can grill on the braai!

Recipe for Mushroom Kebabs with Flatbreads and Cashew Aioli

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Vegan Grain and Pulse Salad

Grains and pulses are great for texture as well as for a good hit of protein. This salad is a one bowl wonder – once your grains and pulses are cooked, throw everything together in a bowl with the dressing ingredients as well and mix. It’s a tasty dish that works as a main meal or as a side and is even better the next day.

Recipe for Vegan Grain and Pulse Salad

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Burnt Butternut Mash

When you have the word burnt in a recipe title it can sound off-putting but that is definitely not the case here. The idea is to take the butternut as far as possible in term of caramelising, as that’s where the amazing flavour comes from. So good, it’s almost like dessert!

Recipe for Burnt Butternut Mash

Charred Broccoli and Baby Gem Salad

A good harvest table needs greens and that’s where this salad shines. You’ll need to roast garlic to form the dressing but the rich, toasty flavours are worth it. This salad is best if the greens get good char on them, so use a griddle pan if you can.

Recipe for Charred Broccoli and Baby Gem Salad

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Dessert

Vegan Passion Fruit & Coconut Tart, Vanilla Coconut Sorbet with Mango & Mint Salad

The title may sound daunting but don’t let that put you off. This tart is actually quite easy to make and marries fresh tropical flavours. If you don’t have an ice cream churner to make the sorbet, you can try this no-churn vegan ice cream, which will work perfectly. A fine way to end an amazing meal.

Recipe for Vegan Passion Fruit & Coconut Tart

Thinking of switching to a vegan lifestyle? Read more about it HERE. Check out our list of easy vegan substitutes when cooking. Also, see our list of best vegan restaurants in Cape Town.