Vegan appetisers for Christmas parties

En Navidad solemos tener muchos compromisos con familiares y amigos/as. Reuniones, aperitivos, comidas, cenas, tapeos… Siempre entorno a la comida y al disfrute con nuestra gente. Algunos de esos compromisos los acogemos en casa, y claro, hay que preparar comida. ¿Y si nuestros invitados son veganos, vegetarianos o celíacos 🤔? Pues que la cosa se complica si no tenemos aperitivos veganos para fiestas u gluten-free options que ofrecerles.

You already know that at Generation B we are experts in original and delicious healthy food, and as this time of year can be a bit stressful with so many gatherings and meals, we want to help you out. We have selected some of our favourite vegan appetisers in case you have guests with these preferences. 

And other 100% healthy gastronomic options that are sure to ease your doubts and possible culinary worries . 

Vegan appetiser suggestions for this festive season

Given that our gastronomic philosophy at Generation B focuses on fresh, natural, nutritious and sustainable products, bear in mind that these suggestions are not only vegan, but also rich in nutrients and easy to prepare.

We have selected three vegan appetisers for Christmas parties that are low to medium in difficulty. They are festive classics, but with a plant-based and healthy twist, ideal for surprising your guests :

1️⃣   Aperitivo: Hummus de Remolacha y Romero

This choice will give us a colourful, nutritious and very easy-to-make vegan appetiser. It will be ready to serve in just 15 minutes. 

2️⃣   Aperitivo: Mini Brochetas Caprese Veganas

Elegant, fresh and balanced, this dish is the perfect counterbalance to the other hearty options we'll be eating this Christmas. And again, it's very easy to make, taking no more than 10 minutes.

3️⃣   Aperitivo Paté Falso de Foie con Chutney de Manzana

And we've saved the most elaborate vegan appetiser for these holidays for last . An option we would consider gourmet, with an intense flavour but without cruelty. 

It won't take us forever to prepare, around 30 minutes, but we have to be focused so as not to miss any steps and end up with one of those vegan party appetisers that people will remember fondly.

How to make these vegan appetisers for Christmas celebrations

Let's take a closer look at how to make these vegan options to share at our Christmas lunches and dinners. 

☑️ Beetroot and Rosemary Hummus (The Colour of Christmas)

We call it ‘the colour of Christmas’ because of its characteristic vibrant red colour, which goes perfectly with our Christmas decorations.  

Hummus is a staple vegan appetiser and a superfood rich in fibre, iron and folate. In addition, rosemary gives it a very wintery and sophisticated aroma that sets it apart from traditional hummus. Of all the vegan party appetisers we recommend, this is the easiest and quickest to prepare.

Ingredients (serves 6-8)

• 200g cooked chickpeas (one cup).
• 100g cooked and peeled beetroot (approximately one medium beetroot).
• 2 tablespoons tahini (sesame paste).
• Juice of half a lemon.
• 1 small clove of garlic.
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO).
• 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• A sprig of fresh rosemary (leaves only).
• Water or chickpea liquid (to adjust the texture).

Preparation method:

Step 1: Mix: 

Place the chickpeas, beetroot, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt and rosemary leaves in a high-powered blender or food processor.

Step 2: Blend:

Start blending. Gradually add the extra virgin olive oil and one or two tablespoons of water or the liquid from the chickpeas until you obtain a creamy, smooth texture.

Step 3: Serving:

Serve in a bowl and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, sesame seeds and a small sprig of rosemary. Serve with crudités (carrots, celery) and wholemeal toast or crackers.

☑️ Mini Vegan Caprese Skewers (elegance and freshness)

Skewers are the quintessential vegan finger food appetiser . The Caprese version (tomato and mozzarella) is very popular, but replacing it with vegan ‘cheese’ made from cashews or tofu maintains the creaminess and reduces saturated fat. 

It is worth noting that they provide vitamins and antioxidants and are visually very appealing. In other words, an excellent vegan appetiser for parties. 

Ingredients (for 12 skewers)

• 12 cherry tomatoes.
• 12 vegan mozzarella balls (made from coconut, rice or cashews) or cubes of firm tofu marinated in balsamic vinegar.
• 12 fresh basil leaves.
• For the balsamic dressing: 2 tablespoons of Modena balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of maple or agave syrup (optional, for a thicker glaze).
• Freshly ground black pepper.

Preparation

Step 1: Assembly:

Insert the following into each skewer, in this order: 1 cherry tomato, 1 folded basil leaf and 1 vegan mozzarella ball (or tofu cube).

Step 2: Dressing:

In a small bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar (and syrup, if using).

Step 3: Presentation: 

Place the skewers on a serving dish and drizzle lightly with the balsamic glaze. Finish with a touch of black pepper. Serve immediately. Delicious!

☑️ Fake Foie Gras Pâté with Apple Chutney (El Toque Gourmet)

Remember: This is the star vegan appetiser for the Christmas holidays . 

It practically replicates the texture and umami flavour of liver pâté, but using lentils and walnuts or cashews. It is a protein-rich option, full of healthy fats, offering a gourmet and comforting experience that your guests will never forget. The chutney provides a sweet and sour counterpoint.

Ingredients (for the pâté, serves 8-10)

• 1 cup cooked lentils (brown or pardina).
• 1/2 cup roasted walnuts or cashews.
• 1 small chopped onion.
• 2 cloves of garlic.
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg.
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (for cheese flavour).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• For the apple chutney: 2 apples, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons coconut sugar or panela, a pinch of cinnamon.

Preparation

Step 1: Make the pâté:

In a frying pan, sauté the onion and garlic in extra virgin olive oil until transparent. Add the thyme, nutmeg, salt and pepper.

Step 2: Blend: 

In a food processor, combine the lentils, walnuts/cashews, nutritional yeast and onion and garlic mixture. Blend until you have a very fine, creamy texture. If necessary, add a tablespoon of water.

Step 2: Refrigerate: 

Transfer the pâté to a container, cover it, and leave it to rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours so that it takes on consistency and flavour.

Step 3: Make the chutney: 

Cut the apples into small cubes. Now, simmer them with the vinegar, sugar and cinnamon for about 15-20 minutes, until the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened.

Step 4: Serve: 

Serve the cold pâté on toast or blinis, topped with a small spoonful of apple chutney.

A pairing that fits with our vegan options

We would say that a natural sparkling wine is the best choice. It is not easy to choose an accompanying drink because, in reality, these vegan party appetisers that we have shown you have very different flavours (the sweet earthiness of beetroot, the fresh acidity of tomato and the fatty umami of pâté). Therefore, we need a versatile wine that acts as a ‘bridge’ and cleanses the palate between bites.

The option, as we say, is a natural sparkling wine. A recommendation we like at Generation B: Corpinnat Rosado Brut Nature wine. 

It has an elegant acidity and fine bubbles that are perfect for ‘cutting’ through the fat and creaminess of the faux foie gras pâté and beetroot hummus, preparing the palate for the next bite.

Of course, being a rosé, it provides a little more tannic structure than a white wine. This is key to sustaining the intense umami flavour of the pâté and the herbal touch of rosemary in the hummus.

A sparkling wine, in short, is a loyal companion for any Christmas celebration. There are hundreds of options, but always opt for the highest quality if possible, and if it is local, all the better.

Buscar alguna opción en nuestra carta en plataformas online.

Another more daring alternative: Natural orange wine

If you want to surprise your guests, we suggest a more sophisticated option: orange wine. This drink will enhance the earthy and complex flavours of your vegan party appetisers.

Orange wines (white wines fermented with their skins, like a red wine) have a complexity and tannins that are fantastic for dishes with flavours that are difficult to pair. The slightly oxidative and tannic profile fits perfectly with the earthy sweetness of beetroot hummus and the umami intensity of pâté.

Why natural wine? Because it's a very trendy option that perfectly represents Catalonia's modern and ecological wine scene.

Vegan tapas and appetisers at Generation B

If you don't want to cook at home and prefer to play it safe with vegan tapas for your appetisers, we recommend taking a look at our healthy online menu (https://generationb.es/la-carta/at Generation B .

Recommendations:

☑️Tropical tofu

Pickled pineapple, pickled papaya, baked tofu and walnuts.

☑️Hummus platter

Aubergine pâté, roasted pepper pâté, pumpkin hummus, beetroot hummus, turmeric and sesame crackers.

☑️Greek salad

Marinated feta, cucumber, cherry tomato mix, pesto sauce.

Conclusions

Let's not stress out if we have to organise several Christmas gatherings at home, because there are many healthy and easy-to-prepare options for appetisers and main courses. This also applies to vegans, vegetarians, and coeliacs. Nowadays, this is no longer a problem. 

We've recommended some options that we've tried ourselves and they were a resounding success , but the variety is almost endless when it comes to vegan appetisers for parties. 

And as we said, if you don't want to complicate things, rely on us! Our vegan tapas, such as tropical tofu, hummus platter, or Greek salad, are excellent choices for friends and family. We deliver them to your home, ready to enjoy. We look forward to seeing you!