10 Vegan Holiday Recipes | Plant Based Feast Ideas

Want To Spread Cheer and Good Plant-Based Eats This Season?

Welcome to a culinary journey that combines the joy of the holiday season with the goodness of vegan cuisine. This collection of 10 exciting vegan recipes has been curated to add a plant-based twist to your festive celebrations. Whether you're a seasoned vegan or just curious about incorporating more plant-based meals into your holiday feasts, these recipes are designed to delight your taste buds and nourish your body.

A Brief History of Veganism in Holiday Cooking

Before we delve into the delectable recipes, let's take a moment to appreciate the roots of veganism in holiday cooking. Traditionally, festive meals have been centered around meat and dairy, but the rise of veganism has led to a creative reimagining of these classics. Embracing plant-based ingredients not only aligns with ethical and environmental values but also introduces a burst of flavors and textures that can rival any traditional holiday spread.

Lentil Bolognese Recipe

History

The Lentil Bolognese is a vegan take on the classic Italian dish, Bolognese sauce. Originating from the Bologna region in Italy, the traditional version is a meat-based sauce served with pasta. The vegan adaptation replaces meat with protein-rich lentils, offering a hearty and satisfying alternative.

Ingredients and Measurements of Lentil Bolognese Recipes

Health Benefits of Lentil Bolognese Recipes

• Lentils: High in protein, fiber, and various essential nutrients.
• Vegetables: Packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene.

Instructions of Lentil Bolognese Recipes

1. Sauté: In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onions, carrots, and celery until softened.
2. Add Garlic: Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Lentils: Stir in lentils, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, red wine, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
4. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.
5. Serve: Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning, and serve over your favorite pasta.

Frankie's (Bombay Burritos) Recipes

History

Frankie's, also known as Bombay Burritos, is a popular street food in Mumbai, India. This vegan version maintains the authentic flavors while replacing meat with a medley of spiced vegetables, creating a portable and flavorful holiday treat.

Ingredients and Measurements of Frankie's (Bombay Burritos) Recipes

Health Benefits of Frankie's (Bombay Burritos) Recipes

• Whole Wheat Tortillas: High in fiber and essential nutrients.
• Vegetables: A rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Spices: Provide various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Instructions of Frankie's (Bombay Burritos) Recipes

1. Prepare Filling: In a pan, sauté cumin seeds, add onions, and cook until translucent. Add tomatoes, mixed vegetables, spices, and cook until vegetables are tender.
2. Assemble: Warm tortillas, spread mashed potatoes, add the vegetable mixture, sprinkle fresh coriander, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Roll: Fold the sides and roll tightly into a burrito.
4. Serve: Cut in half and serve with your favorite chutney or sauce.

Coconut Rice Bowls Recipe

History of Coconut Rice Bowls Recipe

Coconut rice, a staple in many Asian cuisines, is celebrated for its fragrant aroma and creamy texture. This vegan adaptation enhances the dish with colorful vegetables and a delightful blend of spices, making it a perfect addition to your holiday table.

Ingredients and Measurements of Coconut Rice Bowls Recipe

Health Benefits of Coconut Rice Bowls Recipe

• Basmati Rice: A good source of energy and low in fat.
• Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess and provides healthy fats.
• Vegetables: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.

Instructions of Coconut Rice Bowls Recipe

1. Rinse Rice: Wash basmati rice until the water runs clear.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, sauté cumin seeds, add onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add Vegetables: Stir in mixed vegetables, bell pepper, and green beans.
4. Cook Rice: Add rice, coconut milk, turmeric powder, salt, and cook until rice is tender.
5. Garnish: Toast cashews and garnish the rice bowls before serving.

Vegetable Biryani Recipe

History of Vegetable Biryani Recipe

Biryani, a fragrant and flavorful rice dish, has its roots in the Indian subcontinent. The vegan version replaces meat with a variety of vegetables, creating a vibrant and aromatic centerpiece for your holiday feast.

Ingredients and Measurements of Vegetable Biryani Recipe

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| Mint Leaves | A handful, chopped | | Cilantro | A handful, chopped | | Ghee or Vegan Butter | 2 tbsp | | Salt and Pepper | To taste |

Health Benefits of Vegetable Biryani Recipe

• Basmati Rice: A good source of energy and low in fat.
• Mixed Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Spices: Provide various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Instructions of Vegetable Biryani Recipe

1. Cook Rice: Rinse basmati rice and cook it with biryani masala until it's 70% cooked.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a pot, sauté cumin seeds, add onions, green chilies, and ginger-garlic paste.
3. Layering: Layer partially cooked rice over the vegetables. Add tomatoes, mint, cilantro, cashews, and ghee.
4. Dum Cooking: Seal the pot and cook on low heat until the rice is fully cooked.
5. Serve: Garnish with additional mint and cilantro before serving.

Gingerbread Recipe

History of Gingerbread Recipe

Gingerbread has a long history dating back to medieval Europe, where it was initially seasoned with spices such as ginger and cinnamon. This vegan adaptation of the classic gingerbread recipe maintains the rich, warm flavors, making it a delightful addition to your holiday dessert table.

Ingredients and Measurements of Gingerbread Recipe

Health Benefits of Gingerbread Recipe

• Whole Wheat Flour: Contains more nutrients and fiber than refined flour.
• Molasses: Rich in iron, calcium, and other minerals.
• Spices: Provide various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Instructions of Gingerbread Recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mix molasses, brown sugar, melted vegan butter, and non-dairy milk.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together flour, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine and Bake: Mix wet and dry ingredients until a dough forms. Roll out the dough, cut into shapes, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
5. Decorate: Let the gingerbread cool, and then unleash your creativity by decorating with icing.

Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

History of Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

Stuffed bell peppers have a rich culinary history worldwide. This vegan version replaces the traditional meat filling with a flavorful mix of quinoa, black beans, and spices.

Ingredients and Measurements of Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

Health Benefits of Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

• Quinoa: A complete protein source.
• Black Beans: High in fiber and protein.
• Bell Peppers: Rich in vitamins A and C.

Instructions of Vegan Stuffed Bell Peppers

1. Prepare Peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. Cook Quinoa: Rinse quinoa and cook according to package instructions.
3. Mix Filling: In a bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, onion, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stuff Peppers: Fill each bell pepper with the mixture.
5. Bake: Place in a baking dish, pour tomato sauce over peppers, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes.

Vegan Mushroom Risotto

History of Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Risotto, an Italian classic, gets a vegan makeover with the addition of savory mushrooms. This dish is a celebration of creamy Arborio rice and earthy flavors.

Ingredients and Measurements of Vegan Mushroom Risotto

Health Benefits of Vegan Mushroom Risotto

• Arborio Rice: High in carbohydrates and low in fat.
• Mushrooms: A good source of vitamins and minerals.
• Thyme: Contains antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.

Instructions of Vegan Mushroom Risotto

1. Sauté Vegetables: In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. Add mushrooms and cook until tender.
2. Toast Rice: Add Arborio rice and cook until lightly toasted.
3. Deglaze with Wine: Pour in white wine and cook until mostly evaporated.
4. Add Broth: Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring frequently until rice is creamy.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in nutritional yeast, vegan parmesan, thyme, salt, and pepper. Serve hot.

Vegan Thai Green Curry

History of Vegan Thai Green Curry

Thai Green Curry is a staple in Thai cuisine, known for its vibrant flavors. This vegan version replaces traditional fish sauce with soy sauce and incorporates a variety of colorful vegetables.

Ingredients and Measurements of Vegan Thai Green Curry

Health Benefits of Vegan Thai Green Curry

• Tofu: High in protein and a good source of iron.
• Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats and a creamy texture.
• Vegetables: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Instructions of Vegan Thai Green Curry

1. Sauté Tofu: In a pan, sauté tofu until golden brown. Set aside.
2. Prepare Curry: In the same pan, stir in green curry paste, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, and lime juice.
3. Add Vegetables: Add mixed vegetables and cook until tender.
4. Cook Noodles: Cook rice noodles separately according to package instructions.
5. Serve: Combine noodles with curry, top with tofu, Thai basil, and sliced red chili. Season with salt and pepper.

Vegan Spinach and Artichoke Dip

History of Vegan Spinach and artichoke Dip 

Spinach and Artichoke Dip, a beloved appetizer, is transformed into a vegan delight by using plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Ingredients and Measurements of Vegan Spinach and artichoke Dip 

Health Benefits of Vegan Spinach and artichoke Dip 

• Spinach: Rich in iron, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Artichokes: A good source of fiber and essential minerals.
• Nutritional Yeast: Adds a cheesy flavor and is fortified with B vitamins.

Instructions of Vegan Spinach and artichoke Dip 

1. Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix thawed spinach, chopped artichokes, vegan cream cheese, vegan mayo, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, vegan mozzarella, salt, and pepper.
2. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Serve: Let it cool slightly before serving with tortilla chips or sliced veggies.

Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

History of Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

Tikka Masala is a popular Indian dish that traditionally features chicken. This vegan adaptation uses chickpeas as a protein source, creating a hearty and flavorful meal.

Ingredients and Measurements of Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

Health Benefits of Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

• Chickpeas: High in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
• Coconut Milk: Provides healthy fats and a creamy texture.
• Spices: Offer various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Instructions of Vegan Chickpea Tikka Masala

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a pan, sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add Chickpeas: Stir in chickpeas, garam masala, paprika, turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
3. Tomato Coconut Sauce: Pour in tomato puree and coconut milk. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
4. Finish and Serve: Stir in fresh cilantro, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve over rice or with naan.