Welcome back to the kitchen for another exciting season of the Big Family Cooking Showdown! Season 2 has brought us a vibrant array of vegan recipes that are perfect for feeding a crowd without compromising on flavor or nutrition.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your family’s routine, these recipes are designed to impress. From hearty mains to delightful sides and even desserts, the diversity and creativity showcased in this season’s vegan dishes are simply inspiring.
This blog post dives into some of the standout vegan recipes from the show, giving you detailed guidance on how to recreate these dishes at home. Expect wholesome ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and plenty of tips to customize each recipe to your family’s taste buds.
Ready to bring the excitement of the Big Family Cooking Showdown into your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
These vegan recipes from Big Family Cooking Showdown Season 2 are not only delicious but also nutrient-packed and family-friendly. They highlight the best of plant-based cooking by combining fresh vegetables, wholesome grains, and rich flavors that appeal to all ages.
Whether you’re aiming to reduce meat consumption or simply want to try something new, these dishes offer a satisfying alternative.
Key reasons to try these recipes:
- Healthy and balanced meals that provide protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Recipes designed to serve large groups — perfect for family dinners and gatherings.
- Creative uses of common ingredients that transform simple foods into crowd-pleasers.
- Easy to customize to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Ingredients
Recipe | Key Ingredients |
---|---|
Hearty Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie |
|
Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad |
|
Chocolate Avocado Mousse |
|
Equipment
- Large saucepan or pot
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or blender (for mousse)
- Ovenproof baking dish (for shepherd’s pie)
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
Hearty Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them in salted water until tender (around 15 minutes).
- While potatoes cook, heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the onions and garlic until translucent and fragrant.
- Add diced carrots and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in the lentils, tomato paste, and vegetable broth. Let simmer for 25 minutes until lentils are tender and liquid has reduced.
- Season the lentil mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mash the boiled potatoes with a bit of olive oil or vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
- In an ovenproof dish, layer the lentil mixture, then spread the mashed potatoes evenly on top. Sprinkle peas over the mashed potatoes.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and slightly crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad
- Cook the quinoa according to package instructions; typically, 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water, simmered for 15 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, diced bell pepper, cucumber, and parsley.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well combined.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
- Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a blender or mixing bowl.
- Add cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed.
- Chill the mousse in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For added protein in the lentil shepherd’s pie, mix in some chopped walnuts or cooked mushrooms for a meatier texture.
Variation: Swap quinoa in the salad for couscous or bulgur wheat for a different grain experience.
Healthy twist: In the mousse, add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra omega-3 and fiber.
Pro tip: You can prepare the quinoa salad a day ahead, as it tastes even better after resting overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Carbohydrates | Fat | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hearty Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie | 350 kcal | 18g | 45g | 7g | 12g |
Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad | 280 kcal | 12g | 40g | 6g | 10g |
Chocolate Avocado Mousse | 220 kcal | 3g | 20g | 15g | 6g |
Serving Suggestions
The Hearty Vegan Lentil Shepherd’s Pie pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. For a vibrant side, try the Collard Green Casserole to add some extra greens to your plate.
The Spicy Chickpea and Quinoa Salad works great as a light lunch or as a side dish for barbecue or grilled vegetables. Consider pairing it with some homemade vegan bread or pita for a satisfying bite.
For dessert, the Chocolate Avocado Mousse is a guilt-free treat that can be garnished with fresh berries or chopped nuts. If you’re in the mood for more sweet indulgence, check out the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a creamy complement.
Conclusion
The Big Family Cooking Showdown Season 2 vegan recipes showcase how plant-based cooking can be both nourishing and utterly delicious. These recipes are designed to bring families together around the table with meals that satisfy every craving — from savory mains to decadent desserts.
What’s truly remarkable is how accessible these dishes are, using everyday ingredients and straightforward techniques.
By trying these recipes, you’re not only expanding your culinary repertoire but also embracing a lifestyle that’s better for your health and the planet. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or a small gathering, these vegan dishes offer vibrant flavors and wholesome nutrition that everyone will appreciate.
Happy cooking!
For more fantastic recipes to complement your vegan meals, explore our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or indulge in the rich flavors of the Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe for a special occasion dessert.
📖 Recipe Card: Big Family Cooking Showdown Season 2 Vegan Chickpea Curry
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan chickpea curry perfect for feeding a big family. This dish combines aromatic spices and creamy coconut milk for a comforting meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chili powder; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and diced tomatoes, stir to combine.
- Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 40 g
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