Family Christmas dinners can sometimes be a bit of a headache, especially for those who have special dietary requests. Family members may not offer to make any vegan style dishes for Christmas dinner or maybe they’re just not sure what to make. If you’ve been landed with sorting out your own vegan Christmas food then there are loads of restaurants offering delivery on the big day, so take a look here to save yourself some time and maybe cheat a little. If you’re up for preparing some great food for yourself, here are some essentials to add to your list.
Whole Roasted Cauliflower
There’s no reason you should miss out on a classic roast because you’re eating vegan style. Use this recipe made with thyme and paprika as an alternative to the classic roast turkey, which will be just as tender and delicious.
1. Mix garlic, paprika and thyme leaves into a paste and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Zest a lemon in a separate bowl.
2. Trim outer cauliflower leaves and cut off stalk. Rub over with the paprika paste and drizzle with sherry and lemon juice. Cover and put in the oven for 1 hour and 20 minutes at 180° removing the cover for last 20 minutes.
3. Add plum tomatoes, lemon zest and thyme leaves and bake for a further 10 minutes.
4. Add almonds to a frying pan and fry over medium-low heat. Add these to the cauliflower and serve with rice or greens.
Original recipe here.
Sage and Onion Stuffing
Stuffing is usually an essential part of any Christmas dinner so don’t miss out on tradition, enjoy your own vegan stuffing with this very simple and quick recipe.
1. Fry some onions in vegan margarine until golden brown then add sage, seasoning and breadcrumbs.
2. Mix with yeast extract and water and roll into small balls.
3. Brush with oil and bake for 20 minutes at 200°/gas mark 6
Original recipe here.
Herb Roasted Potatoes
Roast potatoes are the classic accompaniment for a roast dinner and this recipe made with herbs is the perfect side dish for your vegan Christmas dinner too. You could also try adding extra lemon to this for a burst of extra flavour.
1. Cut potatoes into halves and toss with salt, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, oregano and pepper.
2. Bake for 25 minutes at 425°F
3. Turn potatoes and bake for a further 5-10 minutes.
Original recipe here.
Spiced Red Lentil, Tomato and Kale Soup
If you’re looking for a nice idea for a starter then have a go at making this soup recipe, which will be bursting with different flavours. There are a variety of spices included here but you could always add others to suit your taste.
1. Sauté onions, garlic and oil for 5-6 minutes over medium heat. Add in celery and continue for a few more minutes
2. Stir in bay leaf and spices (cumin, chili powder, coriander, paprika and cayenne)
3. Stir in a can of tomatoes, vegetable broth and lentils. Bring to boil and simmer for 20-25 minutes uncovered.
4. Stir in kale and season
Original recipe here.
Aubergine Boats
Great as a side dish, this is a good option for your main Christmas dinner. You can also adapt this recipe according to what you like so add some vegan grated cheese on top or even a few spices to finish it off.
1. Simmer two whole aubergines in a pan of water for 10 minutes. Drain them and chop off the ends. Slice them in half lengthways and scoop out the flesh but leave enough around the sides so they don’t collapse
2. Chop the flesh and fry with onion for about 5 minutes. Add garlic and mushroom and continue frying. Stir in tomato puree, passata and oats and stir over low heat until oats are soft.
3. Remove from heat and add bouquet garni, salt and pepper. Fill aubergine skins with the mixture. Bake for 15 minutes.
4. Prepare a tomato sauce while they are cooking and serve aubergines topped with the sauce.
Original recipe here.
Vegan Double-Crust Spiced Apple Pie
What Christmas dinner would be complete without dessert? Have a look at this recipe, which will have your whole family wanting a piece too.
1. Roll out a large piece of dough into a circle. Press dough into a pie plate and put in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. Roll out remaining dough for top crust.
2. In a bowl, combine apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg and allspice and transfer to bottom crust, gently pressing the apples into the pastry.
3. Place top crust over apples. Cut steam vents into the top of the pie, brush with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
4. Bake at 220° for 25 minutes then at 180° for a further 50-60 minutes until top in browned.
Original recipe here.
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