4 Fun Vegetarian Finger Foods for Movie Nights
I know what you’re thinking: popcorn is vegetarian; potato chips are vegetarian; french fries and onion rings are vegetarian. Pizza is vegetarian.
Yes, but they’re also super unhealthy for you — except that air-popped popcorn…yum.
And while you can serve up sliced veggies and baby carrots, movie nights and other get-togethers deserve something a little more… fun.
These 4 flavorful finger foods for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will be your new fun go-to snacks.
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
These are quick and easy to make and can also easily serve as a meal. You can make them as hot or mild as you like with the addition of jalapeño pepper slices. Dress it up with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can of corn, rinsed and drained
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- Jalapeño peppers to taste (jarred or fresh sliced)
- 1 tsp of cumin
- 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese — mix of cheddar and jack works nicely
Here’s what you do:
Step 1: Mash the black beans with a potato masher or the back of a large spoon.
Step 2: In a pan, heat some olive oil and cook the onions until they turn translucent.
Step 3: Add the mashed beans, cumin, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper slices. Mix well and heat through. Add cheese and mix until the cheese is gooey. Turn off the heat.
Step 4: Brush one side of a tortilla with oil and place it in a non-stick frying pan on medium heat. Spoon your bean and cheese mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Then fold over the tortilla and cook until brown, then flip and cook the other side.
Step 5: Cut into triangle wedges and serve!
Garbanzo-Stuffed Mini Peppers
With a cool crunch and a burst of spice, these two-bite finger foods are a perfect replacement for your bag of chips. They come together in just a few minutes and you can make a tray of them in just minutes.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tsp of cumin seeds
- 1 can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ cup of fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsps of water
- 3 tbsps of cider vinegar
- ¼ tsp of salt
- 16 miniature sweet peppers, halved lengthwise
Here’s what you do:
Step 1: In a dry skillet, toast the cumin seeds until aromatic. Transfer to a food processor and add the rest of your ingredients except the peppers. Pulse until blended.
Step 2: Spoon the mixture into the pepper halves and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Serve and enjoy!
Chickpea Fritters with Sweet and Spicy Sauce
If you are jonesing for something fried, here’s a healthier, tastier alternative to those buffalo wings you saw in the freezer aisle at the grocery store.
While the ingredient list is long, the cooking is actually quite easy with just three steps.
Here’s what you’ll need:
For the sauce
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsps of sugar
- 1 tbsp of honey
- ½ tsp of salt
- ½ tsp of pepper
- ½ tsp of crushed red pepper flakes
For the fritters
- 1 can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp of salt
- ½ tsp of garlic powder
- ½ tsp of ground ginger
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Oil for frying
Here’s what you do:
Step 1: In a bowl, mix the 6 sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate
Step 2: In a food processor, place the chickpeas and seasonings and process until finely ground. Add egg and baking soda and pulse until blended. Transfer to a bowl and stir in cilantro and green onion.
Step 3: In a deep-sided cast iron pan or a Dutch oven, heat 3 inches of oil to 375°. Shape mixture into tablespoon-sized balls and add to oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Serve with the sauce and enjoy!
The Best Bean Dip Ever
Okay, so you need chips. I need chips, too. I admit it. But when I eat some chips, I want the best bean dip ever right beside them.
You mix in 8 simple ingredients and let your slow-cooker do the work.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can of vegetarian refried beans
- 1 cup picante sauce
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup sour cream
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp ground cumin
Here’s what you do:
Step 1: Mix the ingredients together in your slow-cooker and heat on high for 2 hours. Mix once or twice while heating. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.
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