Vegan writer, Sophie Clarke, shares her top tips for how you can partake in a cultural celebration that typically revolves around meat as the centrepiece.
Easter festivities traditionally mean big, mouth-watering roast dinners in my family and in many households around the world. It’s a time for bringing people together, laughing with loved ones and recognising the important things in life. And what better way to do this than sitting around a table with good food and company?
Well, I couldn’t have agreed more – until I went vegan. All of a sudden, that traditional lamb with lashings of mint sauce didn’t seem so appetising anymore. “How could this be a celebration of peace, love and joy?” I asked myself.
The main difficulty that I’ve faced transitioning to veganism – more so than finding enough plant-based recipes or craving cheese – is that veganism, in my opinion, can be counter-cultural. In other words, it goes against everything we’ve been taught to accept as normal by our parents, grandparents and society at large.
So, to manage expectations and create an enjoyable experience this Easter, read on for my top tips as a vegan dinner guest.
1. Discuss the event ahead of time
It may be an uncomfortable conversation when you don’t want to be difficult or cause extra cooking for your host, but discussing your dietary needs ahead of time will be a conversation you’re glad you had.
When you approach people with vulnerability and potential solutions, you may be surprised by how generally favourable a response you receive. From here, you can then discuss the best ways to ensure everyone is catered for on the day.
Considering my grandparents weren’t all that enthusiastic when I first broached the subject of going vegan, I’ve been all the more appreciative that nan has gone out of her way to look up new recipes and prepare meat-free versions of my favourite meals. However, if you’re not this lucky, it might be worth offering to cook some of your own dishes ahead of time and bring them with you to simply reheat on the day.
2. Think about easy vegan swaps you can suggest
When you think about all the accompaniments to a roast dinner – steaming roast potatoes, parsnips, Brussels sprouts, carrots and peas – it’s all deliciously plant-based. This is great news because it means that you can mostly load up your plate like normal.
The difficulties usually come in the form of animal fat being drizzled on potatoes, sprouts being tossed in butter and meat juices being stirred in the gravy. What your fretting family may not realise is that there are some easy swaps for these things.
Goose fat can be replaced with sunflower oil (and some lovely woody herbs, such as thyme and rosemary), and there are vegan gravy and vegan butter alternatives available. If you’re careful to check the label, then even stuffing (my favourite) can be given the green light.
3. Offer to help with cooking on the day
To oversee any vegan dishes that need preparing in the kitchen and to assist with any plant-based swaps, help offered in the kitchen is not only going to win you big brownie points, but it also means that you have some control over the food you’ll be eating.
In my own experience, it can even be a bonding opportunity to talk more openly about your food choices. When you’re in the middle of a bustling kitchen, conversations arise more naturally as you find yourself talking passionately about new ingredients or showing off your new-found creative skills with plant-based recipes.
4. Bring plant-based dishes with enough to share
I think that there is an underlying battle in most people, deep down, when it comes to the ethics of eating animals. But what stops them from making changes largely boils down to taste. People have a preconceived notion that vegan food is bland and boring (aka ‘rabbit food’). But this couldn’t be further from the truth!
If you bring a homemade nut roast with you to the Easter celebrations, then cook a big enough dish for anyone to help themselves. It’s satisfying when people have to admit that it’s actually pretty tasty (and even sneak back for seconds).
For me, caring about other sentient beings will always be more important than the short-term gratification of my tastebuds. But I understand that many people put off making changes to their diet because they struggle with the thought of living without meat or dairy. Showcasing the rich variety of vegan cuisine is a way to start combating this and open the eyes of those closest to you.
5. Don’t make a big fuss about it on the day
I know, if you’re anything like me, what you really want to start dishing out is a good list of vegan documentaries your family should watch. But try to remember that your Easter feast is more about sharing precious moments with your nearest and dearest – not the best moment to get on your soap box.
Of course, if conversations naturally arise, then there’s no harm in having a calm and considered discussion. But try not to be accusatory, jump to the defence or hijack the day. Simply the act of sitting at the table and making different dietary choices is a powerful statement that no one can ignore.
Is It Your Turn to Host a Plant-Based Easter?
Food sustains us on a basic level, but it also nourishes us culturally. From Easter celebrations to social gatherings within the community, food is far more than the food we put in our mouths. When it comes to my grandmother’s way of expressing love, it’s arguably even a love language.
To encourage cultural change, perhaps this might also be a good moment to think about hosting next year. If your family is willing, you could use the opportunity to share with them how yummy plant-based food can be.
Don’t forget to check out some seriously delicious dinner party recipe inspiration, and remember that although they may seem small, your actions have ripple effects. Introducing veganism to your loved ones in an encouraging way is a powerful act that helps pave the way for positive change at large.
About the author:
Sophie is the creator of Intentional View, a website with weekly articles exploring the intersection of mindfulness, productivity, minimalism and veganism.
The views expressed by our bloggers are not necessarily the views of The Vegan Society.
