How to make a merry vegan festive spread
Vegan Christmas recipes are increasingly popular as more people choose plant-based eating. Here’s how to tweak your traditional festive feast.
Research estimates there could be as many as 2.5 million Aussies ditching meat and embracing animal-friendly food.
Just because you or your guests choose to forgo some of the classics such as turkey or ham, does not mean the holiday feast can’t be delicious.
Fortunately, there are lots of easy vegan Christmas options that will have the whole family salivating.
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Why have a vegan Christmas?
David Lee from The Plant Based Chef says there are some simple reasons people may choose to go vegan to celebrate.
Of course, firstly, it’s good for animals and the environment.
It’s also been proven that a balanced plant-based diet is better for you.
Another big reason to go vegan is to reduce the cost of Christmas, Lee explains.
“Proteins are costly,” he says.
“At the moment, turkey, chicken ham, these are all very expensive, and if you look at it per kilo when you’re cooking for a lot of people, it really adds up.”
Some research suggests cooking vegan could slash your grocery bill by around one-third.
Val The Vegan Chef founder Valeria Boselli says cooking vegan is also super easy.
“These days, there are so many incredible ingredients you can find,” Val says.
“A while ago you had to find a special shop that has items like tofu, but that’s in the local supermarket now, so it’s really changed.”
Best vegan Christmas menu ideas
Make a nut loaf
“We always do a nut loaf,” Lee says.
“It’s quite a popular option.
“It’s like a nut stuffing.
“We usually put some cranberries or something like that in it and then roast that it.
“It’s delicious, and there is plenty of nut roast recipes out there.”
Serve it up with some roast potatoes and pumpkin, and you have a perfect alternative to the more traditional Christmas Day feast.
Get on the barbecue
Firing up the barbie is a must for many, and even if you ditch meat, there are some tantalising options.
Why not try barbecuing some portobello mushroom steaks?
Eggplant, capsicum and zucchini also go well over the coals steak-style or as marinated kebabs.
Valeria says to try asparagus, tofu and seitan – a high-protein meat substitute made of wheat gluten.
“These are really good because they’re ready-made,” she says.
“You can marinate them and then just chuck them on the barbecue and cook them the way you like.
“Also, for seitan, or tofu, I also really like adding a bit of chimichurri.”
Summer salads are in
Since we live in Australia and Christmas Day is typically stinking hot, salads are a refreshing, light option.
“You could try a cabbage salad with vinegar and oil or a tomato salad,” Lee says.
“These are really simple, tasty, and classic.
“I always like to do a big green salad, which is very fresh, and then an alternative salad like a noodle Asian-style crispy, crunchy salad as well.”
Having a party?
Try a crispy lettuce salad board that guests will love.
Try something new
Most Aussies have a set idea about Christmas lunch being all about the roast veggies and turkey, but why not take influences from other cultures to celebrate?
“I think a vegan lasagne is a really great idea because it’s tasty and easy, and you can prepare it in advance,” Valeria says.
She recommends boosting a salad’s flavour using truffle oil and a balsamic glaze, and to check out Asian-inspired recipes for a texture and flavour hit.
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