As the holiday season approaches, it’s a common struggle for vegetarians to navigate through the traditional meat-centric environment. However, embracing a plant-based approach to festive meals can be both delicious and inclusive. In this article, we explore the top five meat-free dishes that promise to add a burst of flavor and vibrancy to your holiday menu!
- Mushroom Wellington
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The Mushroom Wellington is a play on the classic Beef Wellington. Loaded with a rich umami flavor, this dish is perfect in a classic puff pastry. For anyone trying out vegetarian cooking for the first time, this is a great transitionary dish that keeps many great meat-based flavors while venturing out into some great plant-based alternatives. Mushrooms, in particular, come in many varieties and carry many health benefits and unique flavors. A Mushroom Wellington can help introduce you to the wonderful world of mushrooms while staying true to classic holiday traditions.
- Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Quiche
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Again using the power of a flaky pastry, this quiche balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. From the richness of the butternut squash and cheese to the refreshing spinach and fresh herbs, the Butternut Squash and Spinach Quiche is always a hit with my family. Given that quiches can incorporate meat or vegetables, it is another great invitation for more meat-based relatives to enjoy some great vegetarian cooking. You can even try your hand at a vegan version using ingredients such as nutritional yeast and tofu.
- Tofurkey
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Personally, I love a good ol’ tofurkey, especially during the holidays. While the company makes plant-based meat all year round, it shines brightest around the holidays with its plant-based roasts. The dishes are salty, moist, and large enough to share with the whole family. Prepping a tofurkey is also super simple as it comes already assembled and just in need of a few hours in the oven.
- Vegan Lasagna
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Wow your guests with this deliciously rich vegan bolognese recipe. It does not shy away from a super creamy bolognese with cashew ricotta and vegan mozzarella. If you’re looking to go a little crazy this holiday season, I’d definitely recommend this recipe. It truly is the rich, cheesy pasta of your dreams.
- Stuffed Acorn Squash
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This recipe is perfect to play with some traditional holiday flavors in an innovative way. Acorn squash is a hearty squash that can be paired with many warm flavors such as baked apples and wild rice. There are so many ways to make this dish you own. Around the holidays you can even fill it with some stuffing or with so many other fun combinations. This recipe in particular incorporates seitan, cranberries, mushrooms, walnuts, and so many other great ingredients. Try this recipe out when you’re ready to move away from more traditional holiday substitutes towards some exciting new options. It may just be your new favorite dish!
In conclusion, navigating the holidays as a plant-based eater can be a culinary adventure rather than a dreaded challenge. This holiday season, let your menu showcase the many possibilities of plant-based eating, and create memories that everyone at the table will cherish.