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Inspiring vegan Christmas recipe ideas

by Marina Hopkins

published on 27 November 2018

Planning a plant-based Christmas menu this year? We’ve got you covered with our collection of fun and festive vegan recipes. With creative twists on Christmas classics, show-stopping main dishes, and utterly indulgent desserts, you’ll find everything you need for an all-out vegan feast.

Whole Roasted Celeriac

Whole Roasted Celeriac

by Sophie Gordon

With a flavoursome herb and mushroom gravy, this whole roasted celeriac is the perfect centrepiece for a festive feast.

From the book

Sophie Gordon

Parsnip Nut Roast

by Sophie Gordon

This moreish parsnip nut roast is the perfect vegan main course for any roast or festive celebration.

Ainsley Harriott's Mushroom, Kale and Chestnut Pies

Ainsley Harriott’s Mushroom, Kale and Chestnut Pies

This is Ainsley Harriott’s plant-based take on the comfort food classic, shepherd’s pie. Four individual pies made with buttery chestnuts, mushrooms, and kale, and topped with a creamy celeriac mash; the perfect way to make the most of winter produce.

Squash Gratin

Drew Barrymore’s Squash Gratin with Cashew Cream

by Drew Barrymore

Replacing the traditional cream or milk with a flavoursome cashew cream, this squash gratin recipe makes for an excellent main course or an equally sumptuous side dish.

Roasted Squash, Cauliflower, and Sage

Roasted Squash, Cauliflower, and Sage

by Roxy Pope & Ben Pook

With fresh sage, sweet pecan nuts, and bright, juicy pomegranate seeds, this squash and cauliflower traybake from Roxy Pope and Ben Pook would make a vibrant addition to any festive spread.

Vegan Spiced Roasted Carrots with Garlic White Bean Mash

Vegan Spiced Roasted Carrots with Garlic White Bean Mash

by Rachel Ama

These sweet and spicy roasted carrots are tossed with harissa and maple syrup, then served on smooth, creamy, garlicky white bean mash for a dynamic side dish. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for added crunch. 

Crispy Tamarind Sprouts with Peanuts and Shallots

Crispy Tamarind Sprouts with Peanuts and Shallots

Brussels sprouts are a quintessential part of any Christmas dinner, and every year we’re delighted to discover more and more exciting and delicious sprouts recipes that prove how versatile this contentious little vegetable truly is. This one-tin recipe fromThe Green Roasting Tin is the perfect example: it will add a bright dash of flavour to your Christmas table. 

Christmas Soup

Christmas Soup

Combining the very best of classic festive flavours, this Christmas soup from The Happy Pear: Recipes for Happiness is a fail-safe starter to serve on Christmas Day, guaranteed to warm you and all of your guests up on a chilly December afternoon.

Meera Sodha’s Winter Pilau with Beetroot, Cauliflower and Coriander Chutney

Meera Sodha’s Winter Pilau with Beetroot, Cauliflower and Coriander Chutney

from EAST

Coconut rice with roasted, spiced beets and cauliflower and bursts of chilli and pomegranate, served up with a hit of fresh coriander chutney make this a flavour-packed vegan side or main dish for Christmas. 

Chestnut and Cashew Wellington

Chestnut and Cashew Wellington

The clever Happy Pear duo never cease to impress us with their brilliant twists on traditional dishes. Their chestnut and cashew wellington is the perfect centrepiece for your vegan Christmas menu. With its flaky crust and indulgent chestnut cashew filling, the whole table will be asking for seconds.

Roasted Squash, Crispy Lentils, Pomegranate and Dukkah

Roasted Squash, Crispy Lentils, Pomegranate and Dukkah

Another flavoursome traybake designed to make life simpler for you on the big day – this recipe from one-tin maestro Rukmini Iyer combines sweet roast squash with crispy lentils and tangy pomegranate seeds.

Vegan Gravy

Vegan Gravy

You didn’t think we’d make a list of Vegan Christmas Recipes without including a vegan gravy, did you? The gravy recipe from The Happy Pear: Recipes for Happiness is a fool-proof recipe to accompany your vegan or vegetarian roast, and we highly recommend it with the chestnut cashew wellington above.  

Meera Sodha’s Sprout Nasi Goreng

Meera Sodha’s Sprout Nasi Goreng

from EAST

This umami-rich take on nasi goreng champions fried rice, marinated, shredded Brussels sprouts and pungent sauces for a comforting, big hit of flavour that will work wonderfully as part of the Christmas spread. 

Vegetarian Nut Wellington

Vegetarian Nut Wellington

by Elly Pear

With roasted nuts, dates and sweet leeks encased in flaky pastry, Elly Pear shares her clever reworking of a festive centrepiece. When making this vegan, swap in dairy-free pastry and leave out the egg wash. 

Vegan Mousse au Chocolat Raspberry Cake

Vegan Mousse au Chocolat Raspberry Cake

by Jérôme Eckmeier, Daniela Lais

Polish things off with a sensational vegan dessert, like this mousse au chocolat raspberry cake from Vegan Cakes and Other Bakes. It’s an easy recipe that needs time to chill, so it’s best made in advance, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy yourself on Christmas Day. 

Nadiya Hussain’s Banana Ice Cream Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote

Nadiya Hussain’s Banana Ice Cream Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote

This luxurious no-bake dessert from Nadiya Hussain is made up of a crumbly oat and nut base, a banana cheesecake filling, and a sweet, tangy blueberry topping. This one is guaranteed to appeal to vegans and meat-eaters alike.

Boozy Caribbean Pear Cake

Boozy Caribbean Pear Cake

by Roxy Pope & Ben Pook

If you’re forgoing the traditional Christmas pudding, but still want a dessert that packs a boozy punch, this Caribbean-inspred pear cake is the recipe you’ve been looking for. Flavoured with rich, warming spices and a generous amount of dark rum, it ticks all the boxes.

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