Preparing for Bonfire Night with Vegan-Friendly Recipes

Bonfire Night, or Guy Fawkes Night, is one of the UK’s most exciting and atmospheric autumn traditions. On 5th November, families gather around crackling bonfires, watching fireworks light up the night sky, while enjoying delicious seasonal food. The chilly autumn air, the glow of the fire, and the smell of comforting food make for a magical evening.

While traditional Bonfire Night treats often include meat-based options like hot dogs or sausage rolls, there are plenty of fantastic vegan alternatives that are just as satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or planning to join a local Bonfire Night event, these vegan-friendly recipes will help you prepare a festive and mouth-watering spread that everyone will enjoy.

Here are some simple, crowd-pleasing vegan recipes to add to your Bonfire Night menu this year.

1. Vegan Hot Dogs with Caramelised Onions

Hot dogs are a classic Bonfire Night staple, but you don’t have to miss out just because you’re vegan. There are plenty of plant-based sausages available in supermarkets these days that taste great and are perfect for grilling over the fire or cooking on the hob.

Ingredients:

• 6 vegan sausages (choose your favourite brand)
• 6 hot dog buns
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• Mustard, ketchup, and vegan mayo for serving

Method:

1. Cook the vegan sausages according to the package instructions, either grilling them on the barbecue or frying them in a pan.
2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the sliced onions. Cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions soften and turn golden.
3. Add the balsamic vinegar and sugar, and continue to cook for another 5-10 minutes, until the onions are caramelised and sticky.
4. Toast the hot dog buns, then assemble the hot dogs with the sausages, caramelised onions, and your choice of condiments.

Tip: For extra flavour, try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or mustard seeds to the onions as they cook. Serve with a side of chips or a crunchy salad.

2. Spicy Vegan Chilli

Nothing warms you up on a chilly Bonfire Night quite like a hearty bowl of vegan chilli. This dish is packed with plant-based protein, beans, and vegetables, and it’s easy to make in advance and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red pepper, chopped
• 1 tin black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tin chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• 300ml vegetable stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add the chopped red pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and chilli powder. Stir well and cook for another couple of minutes to release the flavours.
3. Add the black beans, kidney beans, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, and vegetable stock. Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the chilli for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve in bowls, topped with chopped coriander and a squeeze of lime juice, and pair with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.

Tip: For extra warmth, serve the chilli in reusable mugs to keep your hands toasty while enjoying the fireworks.

3. Vegan Toffee Apples

No Bonfire Night celebration is complete without a sweet treat, and toffee apples are an iconic Bonfire Night favourite. These sticky, crunchy delights are surprisingly easy to make vegan, and they’ll be a hit with both adults and children alike.

Ingredients:

• 6-8 apples
• 400g caster sugar
• 100ml water
• 1 tbsp golden syrup
• 1 tsp vinegar (cider vinegar works well)
• Wooden skewers or lolly sticks

Method:

1. Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them. Insert a wooden skewer or lolly stick into the top of each apple.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, golden syrup, and vinegar. Heat gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to the boil. Do not stir – instead, swirl the pan gently to mix the ingredients.
4. Boil the mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches 150°C on a sugar thermometer (the hard crack stage).
5. Carefully dip each apple into the toffee mixture, tilting the pan to coat the apple fully. Let any excess drip off, then place the apples on the prepared baking tray to cool and harden.

Tip: For a fun twist, you can roll the freshly dipped apples in crushed nuts or sprinkles before they set.

4. Roasted Chestnuts

Roasting chestnuts is a classic Bonfire Night tradition that’s perfect for chilly outdoor celebrations. Not only are they simple to prepare, but they’re also naturally vegan and incredibly tasty. Roasted chestnuts have a sweet, nutty flavour that pairs perfectly with a warm drink.

Ingredients:

• 500g fresh chestnuts
• Pinch of salt

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (or prepare a barbecue or fire pit if you’re cooking outdoors).
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully score a small cross into the flat side of each chestnut. This will prevent them from bursting during cooking.
3. Spread the chestnuts out on a baking tray or wrap them in foil if you’re cooking them over an open fire.
4. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes (or cook over the fire for 15-20 minutes), turning them occasionally, until the shells have peeled back and the nuts inside are tender.
5. Let the chestnuts cool slightly before peeling off the shells. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and enjoy while warm.

5. Spiced Apple Cider (Non-Alcoholic)

To keep everyone warm and in the festive spirit, serve up a delicious spiced apple cider that the whole family can enjoy. This non-alcoholic version is packed with the flavours of autumn, making it the perfect warming drink for Bonfire Night.

Ingredients:

• 1 litre apple juice
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 star anise (optional)

Method:

1. Pour the apple juice into a large saucepan and add the cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange slices, maple syrup, and star anise (if using).
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
3. Let the cider simmer for 15-20 minutes to allow the spices to infuse, then strain the cider into mugs and serve warm.

Tip: For an extra touch of fun, serve the cider in insulated mugs so it stays warm while you’re outside enjoying the fireworks.

6. Vegan S’mores

S’mores are a classic bonfire treat that no one should miss out on, and the good news is, they’re easy to make vegan! With just a few simple swaps, you can enjoy this gooey, chocolatey delight around the fire with your family. Whether you’re toasting marshmallows over a fire pit or using your oven, vegan s’mores are a perfect addition to your Bonfire Night feast.

Ingredients:

• Vegan marshmallows (such as Freedom Mallows or Dandies)
• Vegan chocolate squares (look for dark chocolate or vegan milk chocolate)
• Vegan digestive biscuits (many standard digestives are vegan, but check the label)

Method (Over a Fire):

1. Skewer a vegan marshmallow on a stick or roasting skewer.
2. Hold the marshmallow over the fire, rotating it slowly until it turns golden and gooey in the centre. Be careful not to burn it (unless you like it extra crispy!).
3. Place a square of vegan chocolate on a digestive biscuit, then place the toasted marshmallow on top.
4. Sandwich the marshmallow and chocolate with another digestive biscuit, pressing down gently to melt the chocolate.
5. Enjoy your warm, gooey vegan s’more!

Method (In the Oven):

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (fan).
2. Place half of your digestive biscuits on a baking tray and top each one with a square of vegan chocolate and a vegan marshmallow.
3. Bake for 3-5 minutes, or until the marshmallow is golden and the chocolate begins to melt.
4. Remove from the oven and quickly sandwich each one with another digestive biscuit.
5. Let them cool slightly before digging in (if you can resist the temptation!).

Tip: For extra indulgence, you can add a layer of vegan caramel spread or peanut butter between the chocolate and the marshmallow for a delicious twist.

Conclusion

Bonfire Night is all about gathering together, enjoying the warmth of the fire, and indulging in seasonal treats. With these vegan-friendly recipes, including the irresistible addition of vegan s’mores, you can ensure that everyone at your celebration is catered for. From savoury hot dogs and chilli to sweet toffee apples and s’mores, your Bonfire Night spread will be both comforting and inclusive for all.

Enjoy the magic of the evening, the crackle of the fire, and the laughter of your loved ones while savouring these delicious vegan dishes!