A solar eclipse is an event not to be missed, where daytime brightness is briefly transformed into midnight as the moon passes in front of the sun. Astronomy buffs lucky enough to be in the path of this amazing site will surely add its viewing to their completed bucket list.
It’s a fun time, so why not turn it into a solar eclipse viewing party for fellow astronomy enthusiasts? It’s not difficult to make the celebration as amazing as the celestial main event with a couple of special touches. So after you purchase your solar watching glasses, decide what type of mouth-watering food should be served.
For vegans planning an eclipse gathering, deciding what to serve can be challenging. Typical party foods aren’t always plant-based and cruelty-free. But with a little forethought and creativity, you can put together a spread of delicious vegan bites and sips that will wow your guests as much as the eclipse itself.
1. Black Bean Nacho Bar
For easy vegan comfort food, set up a build-your-own nacho bar starring black beans. Provide crunchy tortilla chips and an array of toppings like chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, shredded lettuce, diced onion, jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, and vegan cheese or queso. The black beans can be prepared in advance then warmed in a slow cooker during the party. This protein-packed dish will fuel guests for eclipse viewing.
2. Vegetarian Chili
Another savory option that can be made in a slow cooker or instant pot is hearty vegetarian chili loaded with beans, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and spices. Top with cilantro, shredded cheddar-style vegan cheese, diced onion, or tortilla chips. Chili provides comforting warmth on what may be a cool day outdoors watching the sky.
3. Creepy Crawly Crudités
Get creative with a creepy crawly crudité display by serving dark purple cauliflower florets, broccoli, carrots, celery, and other veggies with a black bean hummus or vegan ranch dip. Shape pepper slices into crescent moons and position pitted black olives as pupils for an eclipse eye effect. Use your imagination to create cruciferous celestial bodies that look almost too cute to eat.
4. Cosmic Berry Shake
Blend up an out-of-this-world drink by layering a base of frozen mixed berries with soy or coconut milk and a banana. Top with fresh fruit like blueberries and raspberries floating in the “stratosphere” and swirl in some vegan yogurt to mimic galactic clouds. Insert reusable straws shaped like rockets for a whimsical backdrop to your eclipse experience. You can even add a dash of matcha powder for a moonlike green hue.
Hosting a stellar solar eclipse party requires thoughtful menu planning to accommodate vegan diets. But these plant-powered options prove that cruelty-free cooking can be easy, delicious, and fun. From loaded nachos to ominous-looking crudités, you can craft a spread that energizes guests for eclipse excitement. The key is using color, presentation, and a bit of creativity to tie the food to the astronomical occasion. Friends and family will be amazed not only by the natural wonder of the eclipse, but also by how tantalizing and satisfying vegan fare can be.
