Vegan Charcuterie Extravaganza: A Plant-Powered Start to Your Amazing New Year

As the clock ticks down to a brand-new year, elevate your celebration with a Vegan Charcuterie Extravaganza starring a vegan pita bread and protein-packed hummus delight!

Usher in the next chapter of your life with style and flavor. It’s not just saying goodbye to the previous year but saying goodbye to traditional charcuterie norms and embracing a plant-based palette that not only tantalizes your taste buds but also aligns with the spirit of renewal and compassion.

Setting the Stage: Stylish Serving Spaces

Welcome the new year with flair by selecting chic serving platters or boards as the backdrop for your plant-powered feast. Consider contemporary slate tiles, elegant marble slabs, or warm wooden platters that set the stage for a visually stunning spread.

Stars of the Show: Vegan Pita Bread & Protein-Packed Hummus

Vegan Pita Bread

Ingredients

• 3 ½ cups flour (plus a little for kneading)
• 1 ½ cups lukewarm water
• 1 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon Sunwarrior Sea Salt
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions

1. In a bowl mix the water with sugar and yeast and let stand for 5-10 minutes until yeast blooms and becomes frothy.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and sea salt. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in the activated yeast mixture and olive oil.
3. Mix the ingredients until a dough forms.
4. Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Add more flour if necessary to prevent sticking.
5. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you have a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat up.
7. Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
8. On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.
9. Place the rolled dough circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let them rise for another 15-20 minutes.
10. If using a pizza stone, transfer the rolled dough onto the hot stone. Otherwise, bake on the baking sheet.
11. Bake for 5-7 minutes or until the pitas puff up and the edges are golden brown.
12. Allow the pita bread to cool on a wire rack.

Now your vegan pita bread is ready to be enjoyed! Serve it with your favorite hummus, falafel, or stuffed with fresh veggies and vegan tzatziki sauce. For a fun twist, you can add chopped green onion or garlic to the dough.

Next we have our protein-packed hummus. Boost your protein intake with our deliciously creamy and nutritious recipe!

Protein-Packed Hummus Delight

Ingredients

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Sunwarrior Sea Salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Sunwarrior Nutritional Yeast
• 2 scoops Sunwarrior Classic Plus protein, unflavored
• 2-4 tablespoons water (as needed for consistency)

Directions

1. In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the nutritional yeast and protein powder to the food processor. Process again until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. While the food processor is running, gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The water helps to make the hummus smoother and creamier.
4. Taste the hummus and adjust the seasonings if needed. You can add more lemon juice, salt, or spices according to your preference.
5. Once the hummus reaches your desired texture and flavor, transfer it to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little olive oil and sprinkle with some extra hemp seeds and paprika for garnish.
6. Serve the protein-packed hummus with fresh vegetables, whole-grain crackers, or pita bread. It also makes a great spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Enjoy this protein-rich hummus as a nutritious snack or a satisfying addition to your meals. It's a versatile and flavorful option that will keep you fueled and nourished throughout the day.

Savor the Sides: Avocado, Broccoli, and Beyond

Elevate your taste experience with an eclectic mix of marinated olives, sliced avocado, broccoli, and so much more! Let your taste buds embark on a journey that mirrors the diverse possibilities of the coming year. Add sun-dried tomatoes, beets, carrots, or red peppers for a burst of vibrant hues.

Sweet Beginnings: Fruits and Jams

Strike a sweet note amidst the savory symphony. Fresh grapes, sliced apples, and sliced pears provide a refreshing contrast. Pair these with fruit preserves, chutneys, or vegan honey to introduce a touch of sweetness to your New Year celebration. The interplay between sweet and savory is a delightful prelude to the year ahead.

Aesthetic Flourishes: Garnishes and Greenery

Transform your Vegan Charcuterie Extravaganza into a visual masterpiece with the addition of fresh herbs and greenery. Sprigs of rosemary, thyme, cilantro, or parsley not only enhance the aesthetics but also represent the fresh start and growth the new year promises.

Arrangement Elegance: Welcoming the New Year in Style

Craft a visually appealing arrangement that invites your guests to savor every moment. Experiment with varying heights and textures to create a visually dynamic spread. Group similar items together for easy access, leaving plenty of space for a feast that is as accessible as it is indulgent.

A Vegan Charcuterie Extravaganza is a fitting tribute to the year past and a delicious welcome to the new one. Sunwarrior wishes you a Happy New Year filled with abundance and joy!