Recently, The Healthy Food Guide reached out to our head chef Louisa for advice catering for plant-based eaters this Christmas.
With turkey typically taking centre stage, and so many other dishes to think about, veggie options can sometimes seem like, well, an afterthought. But there’s no reason for plant-based options to come second. Often, our favourite holiday dishes can be made vegan, even creamy sides and indulgent puds. We’ve got a delicious recipe for an updated nut roast and some other ideas for mains, so keep reading for Louisa’s favourite tricks and tips.
Tip 1: UPDATE THE VEGGIE MAIN
Take your nut roast up a level with our sugar-free homemade cranberry sauce. Here’s a recipe for both. Or think beyond the traditional nut roast, to more adventurous options like this show-stopping whole roasted harissa cauliflower. You can actually buy a readymade version from the supermarket but it’s super easy to make yourself and will taste fresher and more festive. It makes a dramatic addition to the table and is fun to carve for guests.
Tip 2: MAKING A MEATY MEATLESS GRAVY
Many vegan ingredients activate our umami receptors and give us a sensation of meatiness or cheesiness while being entirely vegan (mushrooms are a great example of this). If you add some umami-rich ingredients such as miso paste, tamarind or black garlic to sauces and gravies, they will taste as luxurious and filling as a meat-based gravy, but without any of the animal products. For extra richness, stir in a bit of plant-based milk or cream at the end. Be sure to add a little at a time though, these ingredients pack a flavourful punch!
Tip 3: DON’T FORGET ABOUT PROTEIN
A carb-heavy vegan Christmas dinner is sure to feel unsatisfying, so it’s important to ensure you include enough protein in your dishes. Thankfully many festive ingredients, such as nuts, pulses, seeds and chestnuts, contain important proteins and fats. A small handful will do, and add a rich, toasted flavour to recipes. Unless you’re ready for sore fingers and lots of peeling, be sure to buy chestnuts in ready-prepared pouches – we like the ones from Merchant Gourmet.
Everyone can enjoy a vegan stuffing, provided it’s delicious: we recommend this chestnut, mushroom and caramelised onion stuffing: mix roughly chopped chestnuts, ready-to-eat lentils, sautéed chopped mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes and onions slowly cooked with balsamic vinegar. Blitz together with some herbs and serve as small stuffing balls baked alongside your roasted veg.
Tip 4: SENSIBLE SWAPS FOR DAIRY
Dairy-free
Tip 5: CREAMY SAUCES AND PUDS
Do cauliflower cheese, dauphinoise potatoes, or custard feature on your menu? You can create a creamy béchamel sauce with dairy-free butter and almond, soya or oat milk. Just make sure to buy unsweetened! Add a pinch – or ten – of nutritional yeast flakes for a cheesy flavour.
You can often substitute the creamy texture of dairy for nuts. If you’ve got a bit of extra time, a delicious and satisfying nut cream will earn you some serious appreciation from dinner guests.
Tip 6: A LIGHT-AS-AIR, VEGAN CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
What contains healthy fats and an indulgent, creamy texture? Avocados, of course! Actually a fruit, you can use a ripe avocado instead of double cream for a moreish chocolate mousse. Try our recipe for silky smooth chocolate avocado pots that are extra creamy, with added coconut milk.
Tip 7: VEGAN-FRIENDLY LEFTOVERS, FROM BRUNCH TO BOXING DAY
Make filling sweet potato röstis topped with avocado and tomato salsa to get your brunch off to a tasty start. Fresh ginger gives these sweet potato röstis a zingy kick.
For the classic boxing day curry, chop up your leftover sprouts and veg and stir-fry with crushed garlic, grated fresh ginger, garam masala and finely chopped chilli to taste. Stir in a can of coconut milk and the juice of 1/2 lime, and you’re done!
Looking for healthy vegan recipes to
Mindful Chef recipe boxes provide you with the tools to cook delicious nutritious meals, in under 30 minutes. Each box contains recipe cards and quality pre-portioned ingredients from small award-winning British farms.
Why not check out our range of Vegan Ready Meals today?