The best, most cheerful time of the year is coming up! And if there is one thing we all associate with festivities, it’s food! But for those who are plant-based and vegan, it can be tricky to find out what dishes will work for this lifestyle. That’s why there is no better time than now to dive into this list of comfort food recipes to start making this festive season!
Why Go Vegan This Holiday Season?
Vegan or plant-based conversations usually swing in two different ways. Extreme love for it or extreme hate. Most of the time, people who have tried but don’t love the idea of plant-based recipes haven’t had the right dish. Vegan cooking doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to lack flavour. You can have many flavours and healthier alternatives in many dishes.
Going vegan this holiday season, or at least partially vegan, has so many benefits. The first that can resonate with most people is that it cuts calories. Many of the dishes listed below offer a healthier alternative to the original. They may have fewer calories, less fat, and carbs. Even substituting one of these dishes can significantly impact your holiday eating.
Eight Vegan Festive Dishes You’ll Love
Below are eight comfort food dishes that are a big hit with the vegan community. A big part of veganism and going plant-based is also has a lot of aligned values with using fresh and local ingredients. Heading to our local farms supports sustainability and economic growth.
These recipes take processed food out of the equation leading to healthier recipes. However, the definition of processed food is changing with advanced food technology.
Bowery Farming experts explain to us that “Consumers also benefit from better quality of food.” And that inspired us to come up with these quality recipes listed below. Let’s check them out.
Spicy Vegan Gumbo
Photo by The Nut-Free Vegan
If you are looking for a little soul food this holiday season, then look no further than this flavour-packed spicy vegan gumbo. Beyond Meat saves the day here with its lightly seasoned chicken strips and Tofurkey’s andouille sausage. It also boasts yummy strong flavours thanks to thyme, garlic, and the kick of red pepper flakes!
Check out the full recipe here.
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Photo by Keeping The Peas
Air fryers are all the rave these days and make vegetables into the crispy goodness that we love. This easy recipe is the perfect snack or appetiser and only requires a few ingredients. Italian seasoning paired with panko bread crumbs is what gives this its crisp, tasty flavour!
Check out the full recipe here.
Hearty Bean Chili
Photo by Cookie + Kate
Chili is the ultimate fall soup. This fibrous dish is a simple recipe that can keep your stomach warm and full on cold days. While this recipe uses kidney beans, chickpeas, and a load of vegetables, it’s easily customisable to add to your favourites. And for those who love a flavour kick in the end, add a light vegan sour cream!
Check out the full recipe here.
Healthy Gluten-Free Cornbread
Photo by Healthier Steps
Nothing goes better with a good chili dish than some warm cornbread. This vegan recipe uses sweeteners like agave, almond milk, and coconut oil to offer a vegan solution. Organic oat flour and cornmeal tie the recipe together. In no time at all, you have the perfect holiday staple.
Check out the full recipe here.
Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash
Photo by Vegan Huggs
The holidays are the season dedicated to our favourite squashes! Veggie lovers can rejoice. The best part is the stuffing uses quinoa as one of the bases. While you can use a variety of vegetables, this particular recipe uses sautéed onions, celery, mushrooms, and warm spices!
Check out the full recipe here.
Meatless Meatloaf
Photo by Minimalist Baker
Meatloaf may be one of the most missed holiday dishes upon going vegan. Having said that, miss it no more because this is one of the best meatless meatloaves out there. The tomato glaze is the perfect finishing touch to the flavour brought on by the lentils, sweet potato, and mushrooms. The texture and consistency is impressive compared to traditional meatloaf.
Check out the full recipe here.
Plant-Based Green Bean Casserole
Photo by Keeping the Peas
The traditional green bean casserole is a heavy dairy-loaded dish that most love. It’s not the healthiest, but with some alternative plant-based substitutes, you get the goods without all the dairy. This recipe uses vegetable broth and dijon mustard to make its consistency. With fresh chopped mushrooms and crisps, it’s just as good, if not better, than the original.
Check out the full recipe here.
Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
Photo by My Darling Vegan
This staple is light and fluffy yet thick and creamy. The recipe is 100 percent plant-based because it uses no dairy. For instance, coconut milk is part of the success in making it sweet and light! Cinnamon and nutmeg spices are what give it its traditional flavouring that we love.
Check out the full recipe here.
Hit Up The Instructions
When it comes to vegan cooking, it’s important that we follow the instructions carefully. The ingredients can be substituted in and out to add your own spin to every dish. But ensuring it’s cooked for the right time at the right temperature is how we can match the consistency to some of its non-vegan versions.
If you are new to plant-based cook or veganism, try the recipes as they are. Then, spice the dish with your own variation when you nail down the original dish. These holiday classics are great for the whole family and a big hit with many already!
Looking for even more vegan recipes you can whip up in the kitchen? Check out Plant Faced Clothing’s Vegan blog to discover our favourite vegan foodies, bloggers, recipes, and more!
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