It’s that time of year again – Christmas is just around the corner! If you’re looking for healthy vegan recipes to celebrate with, you’ve come to the right place. This article will share some of our favorite recipes for a delicious and festive holiday meal. From appetizers to desserts, we’ve got you covered! So get ready to enjoy a delicious and healthy vegan Christmas feast!
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Benefits of A Healthy Vegan Christmas
For many, Christmas is a time to indulge in rich food and decadent desserts. However, this often comes at the expense of our health. Christmas is a festive time of year, but it can also be when we feel sluggish and bloated from overeating. This is where a vegan Christmas can be beneficial. By choosing healthy plant-based foods, we can still enjoy all the traditional flavors of Christmas without overindulging. A vegan diet can also help to improve our energy levels, making us feel more alert and productive during the holiday season. In addition, a vegan diet is kinder to the environment than a meat-based diet, so you can enjoy your Christmas knowing that you are helping to protect the planet. So, whether you are considering going vegan or simply looking for healthier Christmas options, a vegan Christmas is definitely worth considering.
Vegan Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a delicious and versatile vegan ingredient, making them the perfect starting place for your Christmas feast. These stuffed mushrooms are easy to prepare and have tons of healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup vegetable broth
-1/4 cup barley
-1/4 cup quinoa
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 large onion, chopped
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1 teaspoon dried thyme
-Salt and pepper to taste
-8 ounces mushrooms, any variety, stems removed
-3 tablespoons nutritional yeast flakes
-3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves
Instructions:
1. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the barley and quinoa. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the thyme and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the cooked grains and nutritional yeast flakes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to combine.
3. Spoon the mixture into each mushroom cap. Place the mushrooms on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes until heated. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Vegan Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are essential to any Christmas dinner, but traditional mashed potatoes often have tons of butter and cream. With this vegan version, you can enjoy the classic flavors without all the extra calories.
Ingredients:
-2 pounds Russet potatoes
-1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 tablespoon vegan butter
Instructions:
1. Cut potatoes into small pieces and boil them until fork tender.
2. Drain potatoes and add milk, salt, olive oil, and vegan butter.
3. Mash them until they are creamy and serve warm.
Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic holiday dish but contains a lot of fat and calories. With this vegan version of the comfort food favorite, you get all the same flavors without the extra guilt.
Ingredients:
-1 pound macaroni noodles
-1 cup vegetable broth
-1 cup Daiya cheddar cheese
-salt and pepper to taste
-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-1/4 teaspoon paprika
-1/4 cup nutritional yeast flakes
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, adding the vegetable broth and Daiya cheddar cheese when done.
3. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast flakes, and paprika.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to a baking dish and top with more cheese, if desired.
5. Bake until brown and bubbly, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.
Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes
Nothing says Christmas like chocolate, and these vegan chocolate cupcakes are the perfect treat. Moist and delicious, they’re a hit with kids and adults alike.
Ingredients:
-1 cup all-purpose flour
-1/2 teaspoon baking powder
-1/4 teaspoon baking soda
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
-1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
-1 tablespoon oil (canola, vegetable, or peanut)
-3 tablespoons water
-1/3 cup organic cane sugar
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Whisk together the oil, water, and applesauce in a separate small bowl.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
- Then, fold in the chocolate chips. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in tough cakes.
- Scoop the batter evenly among the muffin cups.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the muffin tin for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Vegan Christmas Pudding
Nothing says Christmas like traditional holiday pudding, but finding a vegan version can be challenging. That’s why this delicious vegan Christmas pudding recipe is the perfect solution!
Ingredients:
-1/2 cup cooked quinoa
-1 cup almond milk
-1/2 cup raisins
-1/4 cup candied ginger, chopped
-1/4 cup golden raisins
-1/4 cup slivered almonds
-3 tablespoons arrowroot starch
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. Mix cooked quinoa, almond milk, raisins, candied ginger, golden raisins, slivered almonds, arrowroot starch, vanilla, and salt. Mix well and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Bake for 20 minutes or until firm to the touch. Let cool before serving.
These Healthy Vegan Christmas Recipes Will Be A Hit!
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for a simple dessert or something more elaborate, there are plenty of delicious and healthy vegan Christmas recipes sure to please everyone. These dishes will be a hit at any holiday party, from chocolate cupcakes to macaroni and cheese. So why not try them out this year?
