As the days grow longer and the scent of blooming flowers begins to fill the air, spring whispers a familiar invitation: it’s time to fire up the grill.
Seasonal traditions are the perfect time to reflect on how our everyday choices—what we eat, how we cook, and how we gather—can align more closely with the values we hold dear: sustainability, simplicity, and community. That’s why we’re thrilled to share a fresh plant-based recipe from Columbus’s own Del Sroufe, a passionate vegan chef and friend of Simply Living, who’s making it easier (and tastier) than ever to go green on the grill.
Why Plant-Based BBQ?
Before we dig into the sauce (don’t worry, we’re getting there!), let’s talk about the why behind plant-based barbecue.
The food system is one of the largest contributors to climate change, and industrial animal agriculture is at the heart of many of its problems:
- It requires massive amounts of land, water, and energy.
- It generates greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide.
- It fuels deforestation and biodiversity loss around the globe.
Choosing a plant-based diet—even just a few days a week—is one of the most impactful ways individuals can reduce their environmental footprint. In fact, research shows that plant-based diets use 76% less land, 50% less water, and generate up to 50% fewer emissions than diets heavy in meat and dairy. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or flare.
Enter: Easy Date Barbecue Sauce
This sauce is a game-changer. It’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re slathering it on grilled tofu skewers, veggie burgers, jackfruit sandwiches, or even roasted cauliflower steaks, Del’s Easy Date Barbecue Sauce delivers that satisfying, sticky-sweet BBQ flavor—with no added sugar, no cholesterol, and a big dose of yes, please.
The Stars of the Show:
- Dates – naturally sweet, fiber-rich, and packed with minerals
- Smoked paprika and chili powder – adding depth and that classic BBQ kick
- Apple cider vinegar – for a touch of tang
- Tomato paste and mustard – rich, savory base notes
Ingredients
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato purée
- 2 cups Date Paste, more or less to taste
- 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider or red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring often, for 10 minutes.
- Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
Nutritional Information:
Per serving (¼ cup): 105 calories, 28 g carbohydrates, 1.3 g protein, 0.3 g total fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 45 mg sodium, 3.1 g fiber, 23 g sugar
Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.
Spring is for Grilling—and Growing
As you roll out the grill this spring, why not also roll out a few new habits? Try hosting a plant-based cookout with your friends and neighbors. Visit your local farmers market to source seasonal veggies. (Better yet, grow your own!) Share your favorite vegan recipes (like this sauce!) and swap stories about your journey toward simpler, more sustainable living.
You don’t have to be 100% vegan to make a difference. Every small shift—every meatless Monday, every veggie-forward picnic—adds up to something bigger: a cleaner planet, healthier communities, and a deeper connection to the rhythms of the earth.
Looking for More Inspiration?
We’ll be sharing more of Del Sroufe’s recipes on our blog throughout the year. From fresh spring soups to hearty plant-based mains, his culinary creativity will keep your table vibrant and your values nourished.
Sign up for our biweekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more of Del’s recipes, sustainability tips, and upcoming community events.
Happy grilling. And remember—every bite is a chance to build the world we want to live in.
