There are plenty of reasons to go vegan. You might do it for the animals, for your health, or the environment. But even the most die-hard vegans need some comfort food now and then. Going vegan doesn’t have to mean giving up all of your favorite comfort foods. There are plenty of vegan versions of classic comfort foods that you can enjoy just as much, if not more, than the original recipes. From mac and cheese to pizza to chocolate chip cookies, these foods are sure to satisfy your cravings for something delicious and comforting.
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Mac And Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is delicious, but unfortunately, it’s also the poster child for unhealthy comfort food. Boxed mac and cheese is full of processed ingredients and saturated fats. The cheesy sauce that makes mac and cheese so satisfying is very heavy on the cheese and butter, with very little else. But it doesn’t have to be that way. You can make your own vegan mac and cheese at home with whole wheat pasta and a cheesy sauce made from vegetables and legumes, such as cauliflower or white beans.
Tacos
Tacos are another favorite comfort food that can be difficult to veganize. Not only are tacos made with meat, but traditional taco shells are usually fried in animal fat before being filled with ground beef and cheese for a delicious but unhealthy dish. You can avoid saturated fat by making your own vegan tortillas at home or buying them from a health food store or vegan-friendly restaurant instead of using taco shells. And you can use ingredients like walnuts, black beans, and avocado to make tasty homemade vegan taco filling. It will leave you just as satisfied as the real thing without all of the extra calories and cholesterol that come from eating traditional versions of tacos.
Pizza
Pizza is another comfort food favorite that can be difficult to veganize. It’s not uncommon for vegans to make pizza at home with a crust made of vegan bread, tomato sauce (no cheese), and veggies like olives or peppers. But there are plenty of vegan pizzerias where you can order without having to worry about the ingredients. You might even find yourself preferring your homemade vegan pizza over the real thing!
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Chocolate chip cookies are another go-to comfort food that vegans should avoid. Traditional chocolate chip cookies rely on eggs and dairy products like butter or milk, putting them off-limits for vegans. But it’s possible to make your own vegan version at home with simple substitutions like soy milk and vegan margarine in place of the dairy ingredients.
Burgers
The veggie burger is an excellent alternative if you’re looking for something more substantial than just toast with jam. Unfortunately, most vegetarian burgers contain eggs or dairy, making them off-limits for vegans. You can use soy crumbles to make your own homemade vegan burgers that are just as satisfying without the cholesterol and saturated fat in traditional versions of this classic comfort food.
Spaghetti
Italian food is the perfect comfort food for anyone who loves a warm, filling dish that can be paired with a side of salad or garlic bread. Unfortunately, traditional Italian dishes like spaghetti and meatballs rely on meat products to provide flavor while using egg noodles instead of vegan spaghetti. You can use seitan instead of beef while making your own vegan version at home that’s just as tasty without the saturated fat and cholesterol found in traditional recipes.
Conclusion
Veganism is becoming more and more popular, with people making the switch for various reasons. But even the most die-hard vegans need some comfort food now and then. Going vegan doesn’t have to mean giving up all of your favorite comfort foods. There are plenty of vegan versions of classic comfort foods that you can enjoy just as much, if not more, than the original recipes. From mac and cheese to pizza to chocolate chip cookies, these foods are sure to satisfy your cravings for something delicious and comforting.
