Vegans? Recipe help

[walden]

What do you use as a substitute for cream, especially in chilled soups?

Preferably not soy-based as the soy products I've taste-tested so far seem to have an unpleasant after-taste. It may just be me.

More details: I'm trying to find a chilled soup for a largish dinner party including vegans, vegetarians and a few omnivores that I can make earlier in the day. It can't be tomato or red/green pepper based (guest allergies) so gazpacho is out.

It must be vegan so everyone can eat it. The rest of the menu is under control and will include a number of vegan and vegetarian options all clearly identified as such. (The meat-eaters have been warned that they may want to have a hamburger before they arrive!)

I've tried converting my existing recipes for vichyssoise, fennel, cucumber, and watercress chilled soups. Cutting out all animal products is fine, actually really good, taste-wise until I try to get that final "creamy" finish. Then, yuck!

Any other ideas or chilled soup recipe suggestions you could share?

Thanks.

 

[LisaR]

For the creaminess in soup, I usually puree part of the soup, adding a cooked potato or two or some squash if it isn't really a creamy type soup to begin with.

Here is the best vegan site out there. It may give you some ideas.

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

 

[punkin]

Instead of soy, you can try rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk. There are a lot of possibilities, but the truth is, it will never taste as good as cream.

 

[katie26]

I once made a vegan potato-leek soup for a group of friends that included a vegetarian and a person who couldn't tolerate dairy. I don't have an exact recipe, but I started by sauteeing the sliced leeks and some onions in olive oil with a bunch of fresh thyme, then adding peeled, cubed potatoes and just enough vegetable stock to cover, then boiling until everything was nice and tender. A little salt and pepper, then I pureed the soup until it was perfectly smooth.

I had expected to be disappointed in the result without any cream or half and half or even sour cream, but I was pleasantly surprised! We served it hot, but I'm sure you could serve it chilled.

You could also try making a chilled vegan borscht.

Oh! Or a chilled fresh pea soup. This recipe looks easy and vegan: http://smartcookingonabudget.blogspot.com/2011/04/signs-of-spring-chilled-fresh-pea-soup.html

 

[walden]

For the creaminess in soup, I usually puree part of the soup, adding a cooked potato or two or some squash if it isn't really a creamy type soup to begin with.

Here is the best vegan site out there. It may give you some ideas.

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

Wow, that is a wonderful site. Thanks! The zuccini and basil soup thickened with chickpeas looks sounds gorgeous. I'm tempted to make some to see how it tastes chilled!

Instead of soy, you can try rice milk, almond milk, coconut milk. There are a lot of possibilities, but the truth is, it will never taste as good as cream.

LOL, at the bolded. Hmmm. I have a can of coconut milk but it is low-fat. A full-fat fresh version definitely might work!

I once made a vegan potato-leek soup for a group of friends that included a vegetarian and a person who couldn't tolerate dairy. I don't have an exact recipe, but I started by sauteeing the sliced leeks and some onions in olive oil with a bunch of fresh thyme, then adding peeled, cubed potatoes and just enough vegetable stock to cover, then boiling until everything was nice and tender. A little salt and pepper, then I pureed the soup until it was perfectly smooth.

I had expected to be disappointed in the result without any cream or half and half or even sour cream, but I was pleasantly surprised! We served it hot, but I'm sure you could serve it chilled.

You could also try making a chilled vegan borscht.

Oh! Or a chilled fresh pea soup. This recipe looks easy and vegan: http://smartcookingonabudget.blogspot.com/2011/04/signs-of-spring-chilled-fresh-pea-soup.html

Many thanks. The potato/leek soup you describe sounds just like my modified vichyssoise recipe. I guess vichyssoise is just fancy French for potato and leek soup. Try it cold. Vichyssoise is always served cold and is absolutely delicious with a dash of heavy cream.

The vegan borscht is a very good idea, if my DH would only eat beets. He thinks beets are truly EVIL.

That fresh pea soup also looks great. I'd be tempted to add a bit of mint to that recipe.

This dinner party is not until August. It is DH's work-related and a bit more formal than I usually like when I entertain. I have a feeling we'll be eating and taste-testing various vegan chilled soups every night until then!

Thanks everyone and keep the idea coming.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I can't be certain about Vegans, but if their cuisine is similar to Klingon's, then Targ milk is probably a good substitute.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Almond milk is my favorite. I also like coconut, but I think it gives a distinct flavor to dishes that you may not want. I don't get that with almond milk.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

I can't be certain about Vegans, but if their cuisine is similar to Klingon's, then Targ milk is probably a good substitute.

Really? You're comparing a vegan diet to a fictional alien one? I would say something more then that, but I don't want to get any points.

 

[Miss Peach]

You might try this product---

http://www.mimiccreme.com/

Cathy

 

[fall08CP]

Totally depends on what you're making. With the exception of baked goods, I don't take regular recipes and sub animal products out because I don't want people to compare to the "real thing". Soy milk has grown on me, but I can understand why others don't love it. I would look for recipes that don't rely on any sort of "milk" product- the omnivores may enjoy these more anyways because they won't notice anything missing/different.

I'm a huge fan of angela @ ohsheglows.com/recipes I've found her to be consistently delicious and my omnivore family agrees!

Finally, thank you for being conscious of vegans. I would never expect anyone to accommodate my lifestyle, so I normally eat ahead. If I can even find one vegan dish at a dinner party I am thrilled. Best of luck- I love vegan cooking, allows so much creativity!

 

[mjkacmom]

For the creaminess in soup, I usually puree part of the soup, adding a cooked potato or two or some squash if it isn't really a creamy type soup to begin with.

Here is the best vegan site out there. It may give you some ideas.

http://blog.fatfreevegan.com/

Thank you for the website. I decided to try vegan about 3 hours ago! I hate taking medication for high blood pressure, and have a few stomach isssues, that I've been seeing a GI for. I thought eliminating animal products would help. Going to miss my cheese (meat, not so much).

Should be interesting, since one of my kids is on a strict gluten free diet as it is! At least I already have a top of the line rice cooker.

 

[LaraK]

We can't do any kind of dairy due to food allergies in our house. We have found that not all soy products are made equal. If you want to add soy into your diet, try different brands. We like the Tofutti. We've found that the cheeses (including cream cheese) and sour creams are more palatable than the other brands. This is coming from a six year old palate.

 

[walden]

Almond milk is my favorite. I also like coconut, but I think it gives a distinct flavor to dishes that you may not want. I don't get that with almond milk.

Thanks, I'll try almond milk too.

You might try this product---

http://www.mimiccreme.com/

Cathy

Also thank you. Another great suggestion.

Totally depends on what you're making. With the exception of baked goods, I don't take regular recipes and sub animal products out because I don't want people to compare to the "real thing". Soy milk has grown on me, but I can understand why others don't love it. I would look for recipes that don't rely on any sort of "milk" product- the omnivores may enjoy these more anyways because they won't notice anything missing/different.

I'm a huge fan of angela @ ohsheglows.com/recipes I've found her to be consistently delicious and my omnivore family agrees!

Finally, thank you for being conscious of vegans. I would never expect anyone to accommodate my lifestyle, so I normally eat ahead. If I can even find one vegan dish at a dinner party I am thrilled. Best of luck- I love vegan cooking, allows so much creativity!

Good advice and I hear you, but don't praise me. I've been very veggy (I do eat dairy and eggs) for 30 years or so, so I respect vegans. I also have a reputation as a really good veggy cook. Probably undeserved.

What is rocking my boat on this one is that my absolute favorite vegan tried-and-true recipes seem to include either or both tomatoes and peppers -- and two of the vegan guests are allergic to those ingredients.

I'm not faulting them because I can't talk -- I'm quite allergic to celery -- not death-threateningly so, but even a hint of it makes me up-chuck within a couple of hours. Many, many veggy recipes include celery!

Thank you for the website. I decided to try vegan about 3 hours ago! I hate taking medication for high blood pressure, and have a few stomach isssues, that I've been seeing a GI for. I thought eliminating animal products would help. Going to miss my cheese (meat, not so much).

Should be interesting, since one of my kids is on a strict gluten free diet as it is! At least I already have a top of the line rice cooker.

Yes that website is fantastic. I loved browsing there.

We can't do any kind of dairy due to food allergies in our house. We have found that not all soy products are made equal. If you want to add soy into your diet, try different brands. We like the Tofutti. We've found that the cheeses (including cream cheese) and sour creams are more palatable than the other brands. This is coming from a six year old palate.

I hear you and lactose intolerant DH likes Tofutti. I hate it and it was my first reject due to the aftertaste. As I said, ithe "after-taste" thing may just be me and my palate. Many other people seem to find it palatable and often yummy.

Thanks everyone again. I'm going to be testing out many of the suggestions above.

 

[shortbun]

I think I'd make two soups, one for the vegans-gaspacho and one for the non vegans. You have lots of restrictions-no beets, no gaspacho, no dairy. No matter what you do, someone is not going to eat your soup.

 

[walden]

I think I'd make two soups, one for the vegans-gaspacho and one for the non vegans. You have lots of restrictions-no beets, no gaspacho, no dairy. No matter what you do, someone is not going to eat your soup.

Too funny. You nailed it! Lots and lots and LOTS of restrictions. That is why I asked for help. Oh boy. I'm so doomed on this darn dinner!

I like to cook and I like to entertain, but surely it is more about socializing and the conversation than it is about the food. I also like to be a relaxed host and enjoy myself.

LOL. I don't fault you for missing it, but if you read above you will see it is not just "vegans" and "beets," or "allegies" and "dairy". One of the vegans can't eat tomatoes, one of the carnivores can't eat tomatoes or peppers. Gaspacho was out as a vegan option from the very first post. I make a mean vegan gaspacho! That was the easy option. This dinner is a challenge.

I'm cursed. No matter what I do or try with this one there is probably a huge risk that someone is either going to vomit or politely not eat.

With 12 "picky" eaters with sundry dietary restrictions someone is bound to be dissatisfied! I refuse to cook 12 different meals! The meat eaters are already a bit resentful, but I did give them fair warning that this will be a meatless meal. They could have said no to the invitaton.

If I totally mess up, I'm hoping for the "politely not eat," as I can't possibly satisfy everyone. As a good and conscientious host, I'm trying my best not to blatantly tread on anyone's dietary needs, preferential requirements or allergic toes. I'm picky myself.

Two soups? You have to be kidding! This is just the first course in a private home! It is a formal dinner for 12, and I will be working my butt off to get two separate vegan/vegetarian entrees and about 6 sides on the table later. And be a charming host. I am not a restaurant or slave labor. They are going to have to eat politely what I provide.

No-one will die of malnutrition if they have to skip a course or avoid a dish.

They are going to get a yummy desert of exotic fruits and vegan pastries. Please don't tell my guests but those will be catered! I have my limits.

Honestly, is it just me?

Isn't it just good manners if you are a guest faced with something you don't like/possibly can't eat to politely pretend to eat while pushing it around your plate.

The polite host (me) will equally politely ignore the left overs on your plate but make a private note never to serve that dish to you again.

It is not really about the food, it is about the company, isn't it? Please say yes!

As I said, I think I'm completely doomed with this particular gathering. However hard I try.

 

[LisaR]

Too funny. You nailed it! Lots and lots and LOTS of restrictions. That is why I asked for help. Oh boy. I'm so doomed on this darn dinner!

I like to cook and I like to entertain, but surely it is more about socializing and the conversation than it is about the food. I also like to be a relaxed host and enjoy myself.

LOL. I don't fault you for missing it, but if you read above you will see it is not just "vegans" and "beets," or "allegies" and "dairy". One of the vegans can't eat tomatoes, one of the carnivores can't eat tomatoes or peppers. Gaspacho was out as a vegan option from the very first post. I make a mean vegan gaspacho! That was the easy option. This dinner is a challenge.

I'm cursed. No matter what I do or try with this one there is probably a huge risk that someone is either going to vomit or politely not eat.

With 12 "picky" eaters with sundry dietary restrictions someone is bound to be dissatisfied! I refuse to cook 12 different meals! The meat eaters are already a bit resentful, but I did give them fair warning that this will be a meatless meal. They could have said no to the invitaton.

If I totally mess up, I'm hoping for the "politely not eat," as I can't possibly satisfy everyone. As a good and conscientious host, I'm trying my best not to blatantly tread on anyone's dietary needs, preferential requirements or allergic toes. I'm picky myself.

Two soups? You have to be kidding! This is just the first course in a private home! It is a formal dinner for 12, and I will be working my butt off to get two separate vegan/vegetarian entrees and about 6 sides on the table later. And be a charming host. I am not a restaurant or slave labor. They are going to have to eat politely what I provide.

No-one will die of malnutrition if they have to skip a course or avoid a dish.

They are going to get a yummy desert of exotic fruits and vegan pastries. Please don't tell my guests but those will be catered! I have my limits.

Honestly, is it just me?

Isn't it just good manners if you are a guest faced with something you don't like/possibly can't eat to politely pretend to eat while pushing it around your plate.

The polite host (me) will equally politely ignore the left overs on your plate but make a private note never to serve that dish to you again.

It is not really about the food, it is about the company, isn't it? Please say yes!

As I said, I think I'm completely doomed with this particular gathering. However hard I try.

I wouldn't have taken on this task. I would have had everyone over but I would have made it an informal dinner so it would be easier to offer a variety of things that might not always go together perfectly. I wouldn't have done it this way to satisfy my guests but instead to make life much easier on myself. I think you are going above and beyond what I would expect anyone to do.

We are vegan, two of us are also gluten free and my son has more allergies than I can list. I would never, ever expect anyone to accommodate us. We would bring our own food, eat before we arrived, or arrive after the dinner portion of the evening was over. In some cases, we would just decline if the whole evening was centered around food.

You are taking on a lot and I would hope your guests realize all the effort you have put into this and that they greatly appreciate your hard work. I always remember that I am there for the company not the food. I hope the host isn't offended if I only eat salad just like I am not offended when she serves things I can't/won't eat. Good luck!

 

[CPT Tripss]

Really? You're comparing a vegan diet to a fictional alien one? I would say something more then that, but I don't want to get any points.

Relative of Spock are you?

Vega is one of the brightest stars we see.

 

[Eeyore5]

Too funny. You nailed it! Lots and lots and LOTS of restrictions. That is why I asked for help. Oh boy. I'm so doomed on this darn dinner!

I like to cook and I like to entertain, but surely it is more about socializing and the conversation than it is about the food. I also like to be a relaxed host and enjoy myself.

LOL. I don't fault you for missing it, but if you read above you will see it is not just "vegans" and "beets," or "allegies" and "dairy". One of the vegans can't eat tomatoes, one of the carnivores can't eat tomatoes or peppers. Gaspacho was out as a vegan option from the very first post. I make a mean vegan gaspacho! That was the easy option. This dinner is a challenge.

I'm cursed. No matter what I do or try with this one there is probably a huge risk that someone is either going to vomit or politely not eat.

With 12 "picky" eaters with sundry dietary restrictions someone is bound to be dissatisfied! I refuse to cook 12 different meals! The meat eaters are already a bit resentful, but I did give them fair warning that this will be a meatless meal. They could have said no to the invitaton.

If I totally mess up, I'm hoping for the "politely not eat," as I can't possibly satisfy everyone. As a good and conscientious host, I'm trying my best not to blatantly tread on anyone's dietary needs, preferential requirements or allergic toes. I'm picky myself.

Two soups? You have to be kidding! This is just the first course in a private home! It is a formal dinner for 12, and I will be working my butt off to get two separate vegan/vegetarian entrees and about 6 sides on the table later. And be a charming host. I am not a restaurant or slave labor. They are going to have to eat politely what I provide.

No-one will die of malnutrition if they have to skip a course or avoid a dish.

They are going to get a yummy desert of exotic fruits and vegan pastries. Please don't tell my guests but those will be catered! I have my limits.

Honestly, is it just me?

Isn't it just good manners if you are a guest faced with something you don't like/possibly can't eat to politely pretend to eat while pushing it around your plate.

The polite host (me) will equally politely ignore the left overs on your plate but make a private note never to serve that dish to you again.

It is not really about the food, it is about the company, isn't it? Please say yes!

As I said, I think I'm completely doomed with this particular gathering. However hard I try.

I think you have plenty of food. As someone with multiple food allergies I am thrilled when the host makes sure there is a couple things I can eat. I do not expect to be able to eat every item served. Just make sure those with allergies know if what dishes are safe/not safe especially if it is not clear that the allergen is present. One of my allergies is shellfish. The host at one meal knew it and was very good about warning me what I couldn't eat but forgot that fish sauce has shellfish in it. I was a but surprised when I had an allergic reaction to a vegetable stir fry since I didn't know about the fish sauce.

 

[MelanieC]

What do you use as a substitute for cream, especially in chilled soups?

I sub cashews made into a cashew cream. So good. I use cashews and other nuts in creamy sauces, dressings, etc.

http://talronnen.ca/recipes/cashew-cream/

Cashew cream is seriously a life changer I don't always soak overnight either.

I just made a coleslaw using cashew's yesterday and it was scrump-dilicious. Tasted EXACTLY like the non-vegan version I remembered.

Also almond, rice (or soy if you drank it) works in some soups and recipes. We had a potato soup recipe that almond or soy milk works perfectly in.

 

[LuvOrlando]

have you experimented with beans as a thickening agent at all? I cook with beans a lot and they dry my dishes and turn them creamy all the time inadvertently so I would start there. My personal favorite are cannelini beans but chick peas are good too. I'd sauté them a bit then turn them into a paste in the chopper or cuisinart and then add the paste as needed, they do take time to suck out the moisture and make things creamy so you'll need the time to let them sit but they are yummy in a non invasive way, the chick peas would probably have a more distinctive taste.

have you considered goya lentils, that stuff is yummy and can be served chilled as a salad when the lentils are still fully formed or as a soup when hot, the kids will even eat them as a dip with Tostitoes, a big pot will last days here. Goya pea soup is another multiple day event, its eaten as a soup and also as a dip with corn chips.