Every year on November 1st, people around the world celebrate World Vegan Day. It is a chance to recognise how much plant-based eating has evolved and to appreciate the benefits it brings to our health and the planet.
Veganism has moved from a niche idea to a mainstream choice. More people are reducing animal products for reasons that include sustainability, wellbeing and curiosity about new flavours. What is exciting is how creative vegan food has become. It is no longer limited to a simple salad or soup. Menus now feature dishes like jackfruit burritos, roasted aubergine with tahini dressing and vibrant Buddha bowls packed with grains, vegetables and seeds.
Good vegan food begins with good ingredients. Vegetables, pulses, grains, herbs and nuts offer endless possibilities for chefs and home cooks. They bring texture, colour and life to a dish. Cooking without animal products encourages experimentation and balance. Spices, herbs and citrus are used to build layers of flavour, creating dishes that are as exciting as they are nourishing.
Choosing plant-based dishes helps lower carbon emissions and makes menus more inclusive. We take pride in designing meals that inspire and satisfy everyone, whether they follow a vegan lifestyle or are simply open to trying something new.
Comfort food has always been close to the heart of British cooking, and vegan food fits right in. Familiar dishes can be transformed with plant-based ingredients that still deliver warmth and comfort. A lentil shepherd’s pie, oat porridge with caramelised fruit or a rich chocolate cake made with avocado are all perfect examples of food that feels indulgent but remains wholesome.
Nutrition is another reason why more people are exploring vegan eating. A balanced vegan diet can provide everything the body needs to stay healthy and full of energy. Pulses and tofu offer plant-based protein, while fruits and vegetables supply essential vitamins and minerals. Wholegrains such as brown rice and barley add fibre and keep you feeling full for longer. The result is food that nourishes as well as delights.
If you are new to vegan food, small steps can make a big difference. Try using oat milk in your morning coffee or swap a meat dish for a vegetable curry once or twice a week. These small changes are easy to enjoy and often lead to new discoveries.
Cooking at home is a simple way to explore vegan flavours. Below is a quick recipe that shows how easy it can be to create something satisfying with only a few everyday ingredients.
Recipe: Creamy Coconut and Chickpea Curry
This recipe is comforting and full of colour. It is ready in about 30 minutes and perfect for a midweek meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garam masala
- 400g can chopped tomatoes
- 400g can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 200ml coconut milk
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh coriander, to serve
Method
- Warm the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until golden.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger, then add the cumin, turmeric and garam masala. Cook for one minute to release the flavours.
- Add the tomatoes and chickpeas, followed by the coconut milk. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Stir through the spinach until it wilts. Add lime juice and season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with steamed rice or warm flatbread and top with fresh coriander.
This dish shows that vegan cooking is full of potential. It is rich, satisfying and made with ingredients that are kind to both body and planet.
At Inspire Catering, we believe that food should bring people together. World Vegan Day is not just a celebration of what we eat but of how we think about food. It invites us to be more creative, more mindful and more connected to what ends up on our plates. Whether you are a lifelong vegan or just beginning to explore, take this opportunity to fill your plate with flavour and colour. Plant-based food is proof that eating well can be good for everyone.