19 Last-Minute Vegan Festive Recipes from Around the World
Do you celebrate a holiday this time of year? From Hanukkah to Thanksgiving to Christmas to Diwali, there are a lot of traditional foods floating around this time of year – and we figure it’s a perfect opportunity to share delicious extra special vegan food from all around the world, whatever you may be celebrating – even if you’re just celebrating eating more plant-based food and wanting to show your friends how great it is!
So what do vegans eat on the holidays? What can you cook for a last-minute family gathering?
Here are 19 of our go-to festive recipes, some traditional and some not-so-traditional, all great for rich, delicious flavors and for sharing at big, cozy dinners with loved ones.
1. Hearty Vegan Holiday Roast
What do vegans make their meat from? And is there a vegan substitute for turkey? We can all enjoy delicious, satisfying meat replacements from a wide variety of plant-based ingredients, even on the holidays. This succulent roast is made with wheat gluten, or seitan, which has one of the most authentic meaty bites we’ve ever encountered. This vegan holiday roast is sure to impress any meat-loving dinner guests! We make a huge difference when we choose to leave animals like rescued turkey Thelma off our plates on the holidays.
2. Challah
Making and breaking bread together is a time-old tradition on all kinds of holidays around the world, and this beautiful braided bread often eaten on Jewish holidays is a delightful project to make and enjoy with family or loved ones. Just check out that golden shine!
3. Vegan Yorkshire Puddings
Despite their name, these traditional British puddings are a classic savory accompaniment to Christmas meals. Beautifully crunchy on the outside, and a handy little edible gravy-boat, these vegan Yorkshire puddings are bound to steal your heart.
4. Broccoli Quiche
The perfect way to add some green veg to festive meals, this broccoli quiche incorporates the goodness of broccoli and tofu, and the savory yum of the perfect pastry crust. This is also one to save for getting kids to eat their greens all year round!
5. Creamy Vegan Queso
What can the guests snack on while you’re putting the finishing touches to a perfect vegan holiday spread? Only the best vegan queso in town. The blend of smooth cashews, cheesy nutritional yeast, and creamy vegan milk makes for a simple, quick, and am-az-ing vegan cheese perfect for dipping.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers
Let’s keep it colorful and plant-based with these stuffed bell peppers. This is a vibrant centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor, and even nutrients!
7. Leek Pakoras
Pakoras are crispy South Asian spiced fritters classically sold by street vendors, which make a delicious and interesting addition to any family feast. Who could resist?
8. Homemade Vegan Sausages
Back to the main event with hearty and satisfying vegan sausages. Made without seitan and using just the surprising ability of nuts and mushrooms to magic up a vegan meat replacement that will have people coming back for more! These sausages are also easily adapted into sausage rolls, simply cover with puff pastry and bake to golden perfection.
9. Roasted Vegetables with Thyme
Of course, roast vegetables are an inexpensive and yummy staple at festive meals. Here is a recipe for the best roasted veggies, with thyme, salt, and pepper. Add or replace with rosemary for a slightly different seasonal take.
10. Homemade Vegan Ice Cream
Homemade ice cream without dairy and without an ice cream maker? Your wish is granted! This creamy, dreamy vegan ice cream uses coconut milk as the base and can be customized a million different ways. Chocolate, vanilla, cookie dough, Christmas ice cream with a fruity cinnamon-ginger-orange combo? You betcha! Just start the night before you want to serve it.
11. How about some pie with that ice cream?
Sweet, spiced, and with a classic crumbly pie crust, this vegan pumpkin pie is perfect for Thanksgiving, or any other wintery gathering.
12. Collard Greens
Delicious, nutritious leafy green veg for that calcium-hit. The perfect side dish to freshen up any heavy Christmas dinner or other festive occasion, and an often overlooked seasonal vegetable to bring into your regular rotation.
13. Smoky Portobello Tacos
Colorful, fresh and zingy, these vegan tacos are filled with portobello mushrooms, Spanish rice, and drizzled with jalapeño cashew sauce. Fun to assemble and even more fun to enjoy together!
A wonderful side, starter, or light lunch the day after! Legumes, including peas, are a great source of protein and iron, to keep you going until after the January sales…
15. Vegan Pot Pie with Biscuit Topping
Savory American biscuits top this ever-so-hearty bake. A scrumptious and simple recipe with lovely herby flavor and melt-in-the-mouth biscuit topping.
16. Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese
Comfort food at its finest, whatever the time of year. Silky smooth vegan cheese sauce and filling pasta are always a match made in heaven. Also a great easy dish to serve any picky eaters in the family!
What is a pide? An oval-shaped flatbread, akin to a Turkish pizza, which can be topped with (vegan) meat and cheese. This recipe gets its vegan meaty bite and umami kick from chunky mushrooms, peppers, smoked paprika, and tomato paste.
What to eat the morning after? This chickpea (garbanzo bean) flour omelette will give you strength and make for a bright and breezy vegan breakfast. Easy to sneak any leftover seitan sausage, collard greens, and cranberry sauce into too, mmm!
And the last stop in our world tour brings us to: rugelach. These delightful pastries have their origins in Jewish tradition and are popular in Israel, as well as with the Jewish diaspora worldwide. For this recipe simply find a vegan puff pastry in the store, wrap your tasty fillings inside, bake, and wow your dinner guests with these vegan delights!
Still looking for more holiday tips, ways to make flexible meals to satisfy vegan and non-vegan guests, or support to get through the holiday season as a new vegan? Join our next Challenge group!
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