Secret Weapon: 13 Vegan Sides That’ll Make Mom Think You’re a Master Chef ‍

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Secret Weapon: 13 Vegan Sides That’ll Make Mom Think You’re a Master Chef ‍

Ever thought you could trick your mom into thinking you’re a master chef? Just whip out your secret weapon: 13 vegan sides that scream gourmet without the fuss. With each dish, you’ll watch her eyebrows rise in surprise and approval—no cooking school needed! It’s all about simple tricks with plants that make dinner look like a five-star affair. Trust me, she’ll be begging for your secrets by dessert.

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet.
Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Egg Rolls

Vegan egg rolls in a wooden tray.
Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Forget everything you know about egg rolls because these bad boys are about to redefine your snack game. Egg Rolls are the crunchy, tangy envelopes of joy that’ll have you questioning why you ever settled for less. They’re the snack you never knew you needed, until now. Doing the deliciousness dance with every bite, they’re here to party.
Get the Recipe: Egg Rolls

Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

A bowl of Thai jasmine rice and chili peppers.
Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Say goodbye to sticky, overcooked grains because Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice is about to level up your dinner game. This rice is like the blanket of comfort food you didn’t know you needed, making everything it touches turn to gold—well, metaphorically. It’s the soft, fragrant bed that your curries and stir-fries have been dreaming of.
Get the Recipe: Fluffy Thai Jasmine Rice

Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

A bowl of asparagus and white bean risotto.
Asparagus and White Bean Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

If you’re looking for a way to impress without the stress, Asparagus and White Bean Risotto has got your back. This dish is the cooking equivalent of hitting the jackpot—creamy, comforting, and unexpectedly filling. It whispers sweet nothings of elegance to your dinner table, proving that yes, you can have your risotto and eat it too.
Get the Recipe: Asparagus and White Bean Risotto

Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Vegan chicken nuggets in a bowl with dip.
Vegan Chicken Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

For those nights when you need a little comfort without the cluck, Vegan Chicken Nuggets swoop in to save the day. They’re so convincing, you’ll find yourself peeking to make sure no chickens were charmed in the making. This is snack time revolutionized, making plant-based the new comfort classic.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Chicken Nuggets

Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Sweet corn risotto in a skillet on a wooden cutting board.
Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Just when you thought risotto couldn’t get any better, along comes Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto to prove you wrong. It’s like a sunny day for your palate, combining the sweetness of corn with the subtle touch of leeks. What you get is a bowl of pure joy, proving once again that risotto is the canvas of kitchen creativity.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Corn and Leek Risotto

Vegetable Casserole

A baked casserole with a golden breadcrumb topping, garnished with fresh herbs.
Vegetable Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Meet the dish that’s set to dethrone soup as the reigning champion of comfort food: Vegetable Casserole. It’s a colorful medley that bakes up all cozy, making you feel hugged from the inside. Every forkful is a celebration of what happens when vegetables come together, proving that sometimes, more is indeed merrier.
Get the Recipe: Vegetable Casserole

Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Close-up of a plate of rice garnished with chopped herbs and slices of lime.
Easy Cilantro Lime Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

In a world of complex dishes vying for your attention, Easy Cilantro Lime Rice is the humble, zingy side that quietly steals the show. It’s the refreshing high note in the symphony of your meal, proving that sometimes, simple is not only better—it’s everything. This rice will have even the most discerning foodies coming back for seconds.
Get the Recipe: Easy Cilantro Lime Rice

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Let’s face it: Cauliflower has finally made it big time. Mostly because it decided to dress up as nuggets. When these Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets hit the scene, even your meat-loving uncle will be sneaking seconds. Just crispy enough to spark joy and just tender enough to win hearts, they’re a game-night staple no TV can compete with.
Get the Recipe: Tasty Vegan Cauliflower Nuggets

Air Fryer Asparagus

Air fried asparagus with garlic and parmesan on a white plate.
Air Fryer Asparagus. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Whoever thought veggies were boring clearly never gave asparagus a chance to shine in an air fryer. Enter Air Fryer Asparagus: the green stalks of glory that come out so good, they’ll make you want to write love sonnets about them. They’re the perfect sidekick for any meal, turning plate-dodgers into veggie lovers one crunchy bite at a time.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Asparagus

Vegan Green Bean Casserole

A casserole dish filled with creamy vegan green bean casserole topped with breadcrumbs and chopped parsley, with a serving spoon.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Ready to give your holiday table a green makeover? Vegan Green Bean Casserole is the dish that’ll have both vegans and meat-eaters reaching for seconds. It’s creamy, it’s crunchy, and it’s about to become your new festive favorite, making you wonder how you ever celebrated without it.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Green Bean Casserole

Crispy Avocado Fries

Close-up of crispy, breaded Air Fryer Avocado Fries on a white plate.
Crispy Avocado Fries. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Avocado decided to go on a little adventure and came back as Crispy Avocado Fries. These green sticks of wonder are the ultimate proof that avocados really can do it all. They’re the kind of snack that makes you do a double-take, wondering where they’ve been all your life. Perfect for dipping, snacking, and falling in love at the first bite.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Avocado Fries

Vegan Birria Tacos

A plate of tacos with a sauce on it.
Vegan Birria Tacos. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

Who said you need meat to experience the deep, rich flavors of traditional birria? Vegan Birria Tacos are here to kick that notion to the curb with a punch of spices and all the juicy goodness you can handle. It’s like a fiesta on a plate, and guess what? You’re always on the guest list.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Birria Tacos

Baked Mushroom Rice

A plate of mushroom baked rice served next to a cast iron skillet.
Baked Mushroom Rice. Photo credit: Two City Vegans.

Step aside, bland side dishes, because Baked Mushroom Rice is coming through! It’s the ensemble cast of flavors you didn’t know your dinner was missing, turning ‘meh’ into ‘more, please’ with every bite. Consider it the cooking plot twist that’ll have everyone at the table asking for the recipe.
Get the Recipe: Baked Mushroom Rice

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