Starters and soups

Bruschetta with tomato and basil or Sheese and chutney

Leek and potato soup

Warm avocado halves with red onion, tomato and basil

Marinated mushrooms

Melon slices and grapefruit halves are also easy vegan starters.

Side dishes

I often prefer not to serve plain potato or vegetable side dishes. I think this is something do to with being so used to vegan cooking – to me, a vegetable is an ingredient, not something to be served on its own, so I try and find alternatives to the traditional bowl of boiled carrots or cabbage.

Roasted cauliflower and tomatoes

Roast potatoes

Lemon and herb courgettes

Leeks in cheesy sauce

Potato, cabbage and nutmeg bake

Sauces

Really nice tomato sauce

White sauce and cheese sauce