French Onion Soup

French Onion Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette
  • 1/2 cup vegan butter
  • 5 large brown onions
  • 1 cup dry white wine
  • 5 cups vegan beef style stock
  • 4 sprigs thyme
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • Fave melty vegan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Method

  1. Thinly slice onions and add them to a pot with butter on a medium low heat.
  2. Stir for 30 mins or until onions are transparent then turn up the heat and stir until onions are dark golden. 
  3. Add garlic and pour over wine.
  4. Stir flour through for 1 minute, then add herbs and stock and stir through.
  5. Lower heat to a gentle simmer, cover pot and leave for 30-45 minutes.
  6. Ladle into an oven safe dish.
  7. Top with lightly toasted baguette and vegan cheese. 
  8. Grill until cheese is desired meltiness.

Chickpea Tuna

Chickpea Tuna

Ingredients

  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 2 tbsp vegan mayo
  • 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp capers
  • 1/4 cup red onion
  • 1/3 cup celery, chopped
  • Juice of 1/4 lemon
  • 2 tsp crumbled nori sheets

Method

  1. Mash chickpeas with a fork
  2. Add all the other ingredients to a bowl and mash
  3. Assemble on toast and enjoy

Lemon Blueberry Protein Pancakes

Lemon Blueberry Protein Pancakes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup protein powder (we use Botanika Blends)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup (or sub sugar)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 cup frozen blueberries

Method

  1. Combine the flour, protein powder, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2. In a smaller mixing bowl, combine the non-dairy milk, lemon juice, maple syrup and lemon zest.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes while you heat up a greased frying pan over low-medium heat.
  4. Gently stir the frozen blueberries into the batter.
  5. Scoop the batter onto a heated pan using a 1/4 cup measure. Cook for about 4 minutes until dry around the edges and bubbling in the middle, carefully flip, and cook on the other side for another 4 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
  6. Top pancakes with maple syrup, extra blueberries and lemon zest.

Caramelised Banana Protein Porridge

5 minute caramelised banana protein porridge

Ingredients

  • 1 tsp vegan butter
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • Cinnamon
  • Banana
  • ½ cup oats (with protein powder added – we use Botanika Blends)
  • ⅓-½ cup boiling water

Method

  1. Heat a small skillet over medium high heat.
  2. Add a small teaspoon of vegan butter, a tablespoon of maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon, and let it simmer until it’s bubbling.
  3. Slice up a banana and add the slices to the skillet in one layer. Let them cook for about one minute on each side or until golden and caramelized. Set aside to be used as topping.
  4. To make the protein oats: add 1/2 cup oats (and protein powder) and 1/3-1/2 cup boiling water (or until consistency you like). Let sit for 2 minutes.
  5. Top with the caramelised banana, and any of your other fav toppings (berries, nut butter, seeds…this porridge tastes great with everything!)
  6.  

Tofu Scramble

Tofu Scramble

Ingredients

  • 220g firm tofu
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp tumeric
  • 1/4 tsp cumin
  • 3 tsp dijon mustard
  • 4 tbsp soy milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Method

  1. Smash the tofu
  2. Add butter to pan on a medium heat until melted
  3. Add tofu and fold through butter
  4. Cook on medium-high for 2-3 min
  5. Add dry ingredients and cook till aromatic
  6. Add wet ingredients and cook for 5 mins
  7. Serve on toast
  8. Add any toppings, eg: sriracha and coriander

Social Enterprises to Support in Sydney

15 Social Enterprises to Support

In Sydney

Do good and feel good by supporting these incredible not‑for‑profits and social enterprises that are on a mission to change the world!

Kenshi Candles
Kenshi Candles is all about taking action and making a real difference in the world. They donate over 50% of their profits to charities and worthy causes that help people in need such as Fare Share and Possible Dreams Foundation. All their candles are hand-poured in Melbourne by Chin refugees from Myanmar. Plus they smell really good too!

Darcy St. Project
Darcy St. Project will give you something to smile about. Every week they give hundreds of meals away to several shelters, food pantries, and charities across Sydney. They also provide hospitality training to those who may be homeless, unemployed, or socially excluded, so that they are empowered to make these meals. Visit their cafe in Macquarie Park or their CBD Espresso Bar.

Two Good Co.
Two Good Co. really are too good. For every meal purchased, they give an identical one to a local women’s refuge for domestic violence survivors. They also hire women from the shelters to make these meals and provide them training to help them secure long-term employment. Make an order, make a difference. It’s that easy.

Heart Cafe, Bondi
“Real food, great coffee, with love” ‑ that’s the motto at Heart Cafe. They not only serve delicious, high‑quality coffee and healthy food (with scrumptious vegan options) but return hope to the lives of unemployed young people by supporting them into paid hospitality traineeships. It doesn’t get better than that!

Beekeeper Parade
Beekeeper parade is using business to inspire change. They upcycle clothing and textile waste into durable and stylish backpacks and small goods. They then use some of the profits to fund places for children overseas to study English. Purchase a pack and support the planet.

Colombo Social, Enmore
Colombo Social is a social enterprise kitchen, serving up soulful Sri Lankan food while providing employment opportunities for Asylum Seekers. For every person who orders ‘Amma’s banquet menu’ (there is a vegan set menu), they will provide a meal to an asylum seeker in need. How good!

Curated with Conscience
Curated with Conscience is a purpose‑driven business aiming to normalise the practice of ethical procurement. They have a range of vegan gift boxes packed with products from talented Australian makers, social enterprises, and ethical brands doing good in the world. Show them some love and surprise a friend with a delivery.

Harvest Bites by OzHarvest
Harvest Bites is a collab between OzHarvest and Sydney’s best chefs. Each week they team up to create restaurant‑quality meals (with delicious vegan options) for you to enjoy at home. Every purchase from Harvest Bites allows OzHarvest to deliver at least 40 meals to people in need. Two thumbs up from us!

Go Kindly
Go Kindly is an Australian-made, ethically sourced pillow & bedding company with a social purpose. They provide meaningful employment for under‑represented women and donate 50% of their profits to supporting women experiencing homelessness and housing stress. A pillow for you, a bed for a woman in need.

Bread & Butter Project
The Bread & Butter Project is Australia’s first social enterprise bakery. They invest 100% of their profits in training people seeking refuge and asylum in Australia to become qualified bakers. You can find their beautiful bread, such as their vegan night rye sourdough at select Woolworths Metros and Harris Farm Markets. Time to break some bread.

Ho.Mie
Homie is a not‑for‑profit streetwear label on a mission is to support young people affected by homelessness or hardship. They offer eight‑month paid retail internships for disadvantaged youth and also run VIP days where young people can visit their store and shop for free. Check out their online store.

Conscious Step
Conscious Step thinks that doing good isn’t good enough. So they’re doing better. Not only does every sock purchase empower the causes you care about, but they’ve built a clean supply chain that protects the environment and ensures fair pay and safe conditions for their producers. An ordinary purchase but an extraordinary purpose.

Lentil As Anything
Lentil As Anything is more than just a delicious vegan restaurant. They have a daily changing menu where customers can pay‑as‑you‑feel: through a financial contribution or volunteering. There’s a seat for everyone at their table.

EcoPads
EcoPads is a social enterprise supporting women and girl’s education, empowerment, and environmental projects. For each pad purchased, a pad is donated to a girl that lacks access to sanitation. They stand for women’s health, choice, and pride. Better for you and better for the planet.

Mettle
Mettle is a national gift delivery service employing women who are experiencing homelessness. They equip survivors of domestic and family violence with the skills, confidence, and financial security required to secure employment. Their products are organic, vegan friendly, and locally sourced, and are all packed with love.

Parliament on King Street
Food made with love and offered with kindness is what Parliament on King is all about. They work with refugee and asylum seeker chefs, who make dishes from their homelands (like vegan eggplant and chickpea curry) which are available to purchase on FoodSt.They also feed the homeless and those in need at their cafe, for free. We support them 100%.

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Social Enterprises to Support in Melbourne

15 Social Enterprises to Support

In Melbourne

Do good and feel good by supporting these incredible not‑for‑profits and social enterprises that are on a mission to change the world!

Kenshi Candles
Kenshi Candles is all about taking action and making a real difference in the world. They donate over 50% of their profits to charities and worthy causes that help people in need such as Fare Share and Possible Dreams Foundation. All their candles are hand-poured in Melbourne by Chin refugees from Myanmar. Plus they smell really good too!

Free to Feed
Free to Feed is a social enterprise providing meaningful employment opportunities for asylum seekers in Australia. You can purchase their BRAVE MEALS to eat at home which are made by their talented chefs. The cuisine changes monthly and there’s always a vegan option to choose from. Big yes from us!

The Beautiful Bunch
Beautiful flowers by beautiful people… The Beautiful Bunch is a floral delivery service bringing joy through flowers. They provide training and employment to women from refugee backgrounds who create these spectacular bouquets. Send some beauty out into the world by ordering a bunch.

Sibling by Kinfolk
Sibling Cafe is a not‑for‑profit cafe that believes in eating well, for good. Each week they deliver food relief to vulnerable Victorians and also have an in‑house training program that supports volunteers from all walks of life. Go pick up a coffee or dine in to try their delicious vegan options, like this warm apple crumble porridge.

Beekeeper Parade
Beekeeper parade is using business to inspire change. They upcycle clothing and textile waste into durable and stylish backpacks and small goods. They then use some of the profits to fund places for children overseas to study English. Purchase a pack and support the planet.

For Change Co.
For Change Co is a social enterprise with the vision of eliminating youth homelessness in Australia. In addition to their own Hospitality Training Program, they partner with Launch Housing to provide sustainable housing solutions and a rent subsidy program for young people. Visit any of their cafes where 100% of profits are donated to this mission: Home.One in Brunswick and Home.Two in Parkville.

Curated with Conscience
Curated with Conscience is a purpose‑driven business aiming to normalise the practice of ethical procurement. They have a range of vegan gift boxes packed with products from talented Australian makers, social enterprises, and ethical brands doing good in the world. Show them some love and surprise a friend with a delivery.

Streat
‘Tastes good, does good’ ‑ that’s the motto at Streat. They believe everyone should get the opportunity to thrive and provide support and real work experience to hundreds of disadvantaged young people. Fresh food and coffee are their means, but stopping youth homelessness and disadvantage is their end. Go pick up a bite from their Cromwell St Cafe.

Go Kindly
Go Kindly is an Australian-made, ethically sourced pillow & bedding company with a social purpose. They provide meaningful employment for under‑represented women and donate 50% of their profits to supporting women experiencing homelessness and housing stress. A pillow for you, a bed for a woman in need.

The Little Social Cafe
The Little Social Cafe is a social enterprise cafe empowering young people to lead meaningful lives. They provide young people with hands-on mentoring in hospitality and life skills. Customers have the opportunity to sprinkle kindness into someone else’s day by purchasing a drink or snack for someone experiencing homelessness. Go visit their bespoke coffee bar and pay it forward.

Ho.Mie
Homie is a not‑for‑profit streetwear label on a mission is to support young people affected by homelessness or hardship. They offer eight‑month paid retail internships for disadvantaged youth and also run VIP days where young people can visit their store and shop for free. Check out their online store.

Conscious Step
Conscious Step thinks that doing good isn’t good enough. So they’re doing better. Not only does every sock purchase empower the causes you care about, but they’ve built a clean supply chain that protects the environment and ensures fair pay and safe conditions for their producers. An ordinary purchase but an extraordinary purpose.

Lentil As Anything
Lentil As Anything is more than just a delicious vegan restaurant. They have a daily changing menu where customers can pay‑as‑you‑feel: through a financial contribution or volunteering. There’s a seat for everyone at their table.

EcoPads
EcoPads is a social enterprise supporting women and girl’s education, empowerment, and environmental projects. For each pad purchased, a pad is donated to a girl that lacks access to sanitation. They stand for women’s health, choice, and pride. Better for you and better for the planet.

Mettle
Mettle is a national gift delivery service employing women who are experiencing homelessness. They equip survivors of domestic and family violence with the skills, confidence, and financial security required to secure employment. Their products are organic, vegan friendly, and locally sourced, and are all packed with love.

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Sydney Vegan Picnic Boxes

Vegan Picnic Boxes

In Sydney

Picnic season is upon us! Whether you are feasting in the park with friends, enjoying a long lunch with the family at home, or tucking into a picnic box all by yourself, these picnic boxes are here to help celebrate the season.

Swallow Coffee Traders
Looking to try something different? Why not order yourself one of these epic VEGAN Picnic Boxes from Swallow Coffee Traders You’ll get a taster of their Grilled Chick’n Panini, Plant-based Burrito, Roast Veggie Panini, Crumbed Chick’n Wrap, Vegan Croissant, and Assorted Vegan Treats. This one feeds 4 and can be ordered by calling 95561576. Good for you and good for the earth!

La Petite Fauxmagerie
Do your weekend the right way by getting yourself a Spring Cheese Tasting Plate from La Petite Fauxmagerie. You’ll get to try 3 kinds of cheese that change each week and are paired with seasonal fruit and crackers. Order online now for pick-up on Saturdays (Inner West LGA only).

Vegan Delights by Shirley
Sun’s out, pork buns out. Treat your tastebuds to a Plant-Based Tasting Box from Vegan Delights by Shirley These boxes are packed with spring rolls, mini ‘pork’ rolls, Peking ‘duck’ wraps, rice paper rolls, Bahn mi, bao buns, noodles and salad + coconut pudding and sticky rice for dessert. An absolute feast! DM them to order for Saturday delivery.

Plant Power
Food tastes better when you’re enjoying it on a picnic blanket so we suggest treating yourselves to one of the Picnic Dessert Boxes from Plant Power. It’s filled with surprises including lamingtons, macarons, donuts, cookies, brownies, pie, pavlova and more! They’ve also got a Gluten-free Dessert Box. Send them a message to make an order where they’ll deliver all over Sydney.

Oh My Days
Bring on Spring with the epic Weekend Picnic Hamper boxes from Oh My Days. You’ll get to nibble on your choice of 2 OMD classic pastries, cheese & meat, trio of dips, oat cream cheese, lavosh, bread, fresh focaccia + 2 cold drinks. To order, call them on (02) 9552 2390 or send them a DM.

Comeco
Weekend picnics…that’s how we roll. Any sushi fans must get themselves one of the Vegan Sushi Platters from Comeco. This large platter comes with a selection of 6 sushi rolls, inari, capsicum nigiri sushi, and corn mayonnaise gunkan ship nigiri sushi. You must order 2 days in advance for pick up – just send them a DM to order.

Grazing by CM
There’s nothing better than eating a good meal under blue skies. Take your next brunch or dinner date to the park with a Vegan Platter Box from Grazing by CM. You’ll get a selection of vegan cheeses, dips, fruit, veg, pickles, crackers, falafels, chocolate, and more. Good for you and good for the earth!! Available for pick-up or delivery, just DM them to order.

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Melbourne Vegan Picnic Boxes

Vegan Picnic Boxes

In Melbourne

Picnic season is upon us! Whether you are feasting in the park with friends, enjoying a long lunch with the family at home, or tucking into a picnic box all by yourself, these picnic boxes are here to help celebrate the season.

Glou Wine Bar
The wait is over! YOLANDA X Glouhase finally launched their picnic packs! All 10 dishes + 2 wines are vegan and can be ordered to serve 2 or 4. You can also choose between a fully refundable zero waste option and an offset option which includes a donation to Biodiverse Reforestation Australia and a refundable deposit on their wine bottles. Pre-orders online only – tap the link in their bio to find out more.

Free to Feed
Make your next picnic meaningful by ordering a vegan Mezze Grazing Box from Free to Feed. These legends are all about empowering employment to refugees and people seeking asylum through shared food experiences. Their mezze box is curated with housemade focaccia, olives, spiced nuts, dolma, dips, and falafels. Celebrate culture, good food, and togetherness by ordering yourself one on their website.

Little Things Cafe
Bring on Spring with the epic picnic boxes from social enterprise cafe Little Things Cafe. Their Vegan Box for 2 features a vegan BLAT, mushroom sausage rolls, vege sticks, beetroot hummus, 2 choc nut cookies, and 2 drinks (hot, sodas, or juice). 100% of profits from these goodies boxes are donated to World Vision Australia. Call them on 98941336 by 2pm for next day pickup.

TuanTuan
Food tastes better when you’re enjoying it on a picnic blanket so we suggest treating yourselves to one of the Vegan Picnic Sets from Chinese Brasserie TuanTuan. It comes with an appetiser, main, ice milk tea + a seasonal fruits and flower bouquet. DM them to make an order or call 03 9995 5407.

Mr and Mrs Andersson
Weekday picnics…that’s how we roll. Any sushi fans must get themselves one of the Vegan Sushi Platters from Mr and Mrs Andersson Cafe It comes with Avocado cucumber takuan inari uramaki, Takuan Maki, Seaweed cucumber rolls, Spicy avocado Uramaki rolls, and Purple sweet potato croquette uramaki. PS: If you’re celebrating a birthday, be sure to order one of their specialty sushi cakes too!!

Just Falafs
Friday feast! A sunset dinner sounds pretty good to us, especially when with one of Just Falaf’s Big Awesome Family Packs! It comes with 16 falafels, your choice of two large salads, hummus, beetroot dip, fresh pitas + dessert. Too good to pass up!

Lona Misa
Level up your next picnic with the very special Lona Misa Al Aire Libre picnic packs. The box for 2 is available every Thursday to Sunday and includes guacamole, oyster mushroom ceviche, pumpkin zapallo, crumble + optional paired wines. You can even upgrade your picnic experience by renting a picnic basket, plates, blanket, and glasses. Cheers to that!

Platters by EM
There’s nothing better than eating a good meal under blue skies. Take your next brunch or dinner date to the park with a Vegan Platter Box from Platters by Em. There are 4 sizes to choose from and you’ll get a selection of vegan cheeses, dips, fruit, veg, pickles, crackers, falafels, pretzels, nuts, sweets, and more. Good for you and good for the earth!!

Tía Con
What’s your weekend looking like? Get organised & order yourself a vegan picnic platter from Tia Con. It’s packed with spring rolls, rice paper rolls, satay sticks, bao & banh mi. An absolute feast!

Bmby
Who said you can’t have a picnic at home 🏠  Experience the magic of Thai cuisine with the Chef’s Picnic Box from Bmby. It’s filled with traditional Thai dishes and desserts including mar hor pineapple & cashew, lui suan spring rolls, kao yum, fried taro & black bean, fried tofu & tao tueng dessert soup. It’ll feel just like a picnic in Phuket. Order via the link in their bio.

Serotonin
If you love food and nature as much as any true Melbournian, but don’t own a picnic set – Serotonin @serotonindealer has everything you need. Their new Picnic Box for 2 includes a Plant-based Salmon Bagel, No Brainer Burrito, Crispy Cauliflower Wings, Positive Pancakes & LOTS MORE. Plus, borrow their picnic basket + blanket FREE of charge. Order via the link in their bio or via their takeaway window.

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Lockdown Meals for Mates or Dates in Melbourne

Lockdown Meals

For Mates or Dates in Melbourne

Don’t let Delta ruin all the FUN! Have yourself a very merry MATE or DATE night from the comfort of your couch by ordering takeaway from some of our favourite small businesses. Here are our top 10 suggestions:

Neko Neko
WEEKEND SORTED! Neko Neko Fitzroy has created the vegan sushi platter of your dreams. It’s got Quinoa Gyoza, Mushroom Tempura, Smoked Tofu Katsu, Sushi Rolls, Croquettes, Agadeshi Tofu, and Miso Shepherd’s Pie. Honestly, what more could you want. Pre-order for pick up on Fridays and Saturdays by calling 0438043333! PS: They’ve also got vegan MAKE IT AT HOME RAMEN available every day.

Shiworae
Send some lockdown love to your friends and fam by ordering them a Home KBBQ set from Shiworae. It includes 2 choices of marinated ‘meat’, rice, a variety of 10 different banchan (traditional side dishes), and lots more! They’ve also got the sweetest dessert boxes of their Hwa Gwa Ja (Bean flower cake) which are all specially crafted by hand. DM them with any enquiries or to make an order.

Marko
Get dinner sorted this weekend with a Marko at home feast! Keep your eyes on their page for their weekly menu that has featured past hits including melted chickpeas with harissa and sage, or stuffed vegetable bellies with warm rice. Order via the link in their bio and check to see if you can get delivery to your suburb (otherwise pick up is available).

Rice Paper Scissors
WFH = WOK From Home. Rice Paper Scissors At Home Experiences are everything you could want right now and more. Their delivery radiuses are updated weekly so they can spread the joy of licking sticky peanut satay sauce off your hands far and wide. Order via the link in their bio.

Lona Misa
PSA: Time to get your orders in… Due to popular demand, Lona Misa is now offering At Home takeaway from Mon-Sat. Patatas bravos, peri peri cauliflower, chocolate tart…bring it on! Place your order online for pick-up or delivery.

Good Love
Treat the boredom and treat yourself in lockdown with a comforting meal pack from Good Love. Their latest weekend delivery pack included a Mac n cheese bake, Garlic flat bread,, Dessert, Wine, and even some merch! All delivered to your door so your only job is to eat it all up! Watch their page to see their next release and DM them to make an order.

Bio by Doc
Known for their unpretentious, uncomplicated, all GF and VEG menu, Bio by Doc dinner packs are something you should be very excited about.⁠⁠ Build your own feast including Italian classics like arancini and tiramisu, or let the chefs take care of you with a set menu. Order via Providoor.

Ballards
A feast fit for a king or queen. Ballards have created the ultimate Mexican fiesta for you to enjoy at home. Nachos, enchiladas, salsa, salad and dessert if you fancy. Watch their page to see when pre-orders open and look forward to having a GUACin’ good night!

Hochi Mama
From Mama’s kitchen to your LD 6.0 tables! Hochi Mama are here to get you through the weekend with their Hochi Hampers. Dish on all the comfort food you need like Mama’s vegan duck wraps, cashew tofu curry, and lycheezy DIY cocktail. Hit the link in their bio to pre-order for either curbside pick-up or FREE delivery within 5km. They’re also on UberEats.

Too Good Talker
Thing to do in Melbourne right now: order an Asian Street Food Feed Me Box from Too Good Talker (+ some takeaway cocktails). Their Vegan Box includes the likes of Vegetarian Spring Rolls, Roti Bread w/ Peanut Satay, Edamame, Mushroom Dumplings, Tofu Bao Buns, Mushroom + Tofu Mapo, and Coconut Sago. Follow their page to see where they’ll be popping up next!

Green Acre
Have the ultimate Mate or Date night with a pizza party from our friends at Green Acre. They’ve got a special deal every Thursday where you can snag any 2 pizzas, a starter, and alcohol for a bloody good price! Ring 9381 5763 to order.

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