By Megan Grigorian
Advent is here and we have got you covered with some delicious plant-based, communal recipes and meal options for the eyes and taste buds of many. Planning communal meals can become stressful when trying to tend to everyone’s dietary preferences—but that’s why DefaultVeg can be so effective. When you default to plant-based foods, you can easily craft a dinner for one, two, or a whole crowd with multiple needs (there are some gluten-free suggestions below as well for our GF friends).
If you’re up for cooking this year or trying a new recipe, here is a composed meal—side dishes, a main attraction, and a show-stopper dessert. These are tried, approved, and balanced North American classics that even new home cooks can execute. Make it all or choose one or two from the list to add to your table.
Sides
The green bean casserole is one of those American side dishes that sometimes gets a bad rap, but this plant-based, home-made adaptation is such a delicious, comforting dish that even mushroom skeptics fall in love with it. The creaminess from the plant butter (Earth Balance or Country Crock’s versions can be found at most US grocery stores now), the earthiness from the cremini mushrooms, and the crunchiness of the fried onions topping the dish make this a hearty, delicious accompaniment to any meal. This recipe has been tested and served many times by one of our team members and her non-vegan family. She testifies that it never disappoints!
Photo: Megan Grigorian
Flaky garlic cheese biscuits from the uber-talented Mississippi Vegan complement any meal, but are extra special around this time of year. Fluffy and flavorful, use them to sop up gravy or spread with a plant-based butter. Detailed recipe available here.
Photo: Mississippi Vegan
Orange-braised carrots and parsnips are a fresh, beautiful addition to a rich meal. These winter root veggies put the veg in DefaultVeg. This recipe by the Barefoot Contessa is free of any animal products, and offers delicious taste and warm comfort time and time again. It also comes together quickly and easily. And those parsley sprinkles at the end elevate your dish, making it shine all the more.
Main Attraction
If you want a meaty protein to be the center of your meal, a seitan roast is a great option for mimicking the option of non-plant-based meats. Seitan is found in most grocery stores and is surprisingly easy to prepare! This recipe from the Vegetarian Times eases you into using this protein, with a delicious result.
Photo: Vegetarian Times
Dessert
If you’re looking for a dairy-free dessert that is creamy, delicious, and pleasing to anyone with a sweet-tooth, this pumpkin cheesecake is it. *clap*clap* A mix between a rich pie and a fluffy cake, the cozy flavors of this treat are a pleasurable delight and the perfect end to a meal. It’d be a welcome addition to any DefaultVeg table, and has been enjoyed by people all over the food-choice spectrum. This fantastic and easy to follow recipe was adapted by the New York Times from Isa Chandra Moskowitz’s book Vegan Pie in the Sky. Remember to give yourself a day before you want to serve this, as it’s best if it sits overnight in the fridge.
Photo: Megan Grigorian
Other Options
Field Roast, Gardein, and Tofurkey all make delicious holiday stuffed roasts—from the $7 to 18 range—available at a wide selection of grocery stores. You may want to check online what is available near your town, as it varies from state to state.
This write-up from Kind Earth gives some mouth-watering holiday meal options for gluten-free folks. The recipes are simple, plant-based, and delicious.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and delicious party treat, @chefpriyanka has created a Green Chutney Candy Cane stuffed with plant-based goodness. The final result is impressive! Get a peek at the recipe on her social media pages (@chefpriyanka).
We are here to help with any of your DefaultVeg questions. Please use us as a resource as you’re navigating plant-based eating, for the holidays or any other time of year. If you’re going to be discussing Christianity and animals with family or friends for the first time, you might also want to check out our “Tough Conversations” webinar, available here, in which we provide some communication tools and personal experiences that will help you on your journey.
Have a blessed season to all, and happy eating.