Common Meals Guide
Everything you need to create a complete
plant-based meal for your community.
The importance of Common Meals
In his architectural and community-building guides—most notably Cohousing Communities:
Designing for High-Functioning Neighborhoods and his foundational work Cohousing:
A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves (co-authored with Kathryn McCamant)—Charles Durrett
emphasizes that common meals are the single most important activity for building and maintaining
a high-functioning community. He often remarks that while the Common House is the physical heart of a community, the shared kitchen and dining room are its soul.
What Makes a Good Cohousing Common Meal?
A great common meal is more than good food. It brings people together around a table,
accommodates different needs, and runs smoothly with volunteer help. The best common
meals are hearty, colourful, and inclusive, offering enough variety so everyone finds something
satisfying. They use affordable, accessible ingredients and can be prepared by cooks of varying skill levels.
A Simple Formula for a Balanced Plant-Based Dinner
A well-balanced plant-based dinner follows a simple pattern: a protein-rich centrepiece (legumes, tofu,
tempeh), a whole grain or starchy base (brown rice, quinoa, pasta, potatoes), plenty of vegetables (roasted, steamed, or in salads), a flavourful sauce or dressing, and a simple dessert or fruit. This formula
works for any group size and ensures nutritional completeness.
How to Scale Recipes
Scaling plant-based recipes for groups requires more than simple multiplication. Spices and seasonings should be scaled to about 75% for large batches. Cooking times may increase for bigger volumes. Liquid ratios in soups and stews need adjustment. Always taste and adjust as you go. Our recipes include scaling notes for 12, 24, and 40 servings. Try out our Recipe Scaler.
Planning for Allergies and Preferences
In any cohousing community, you’ll find nut allergies, gluten sensitivities, soy avoidance, and other dietary needs. The best approach is to label dishes clearly, keep common allergens on the side when possible, and always have at least one dish that is free of the top allergens. Communication with your community before cooking is essential.
Volunteer-Friendly Prep Timeline
