What smells come to mind when you think of Christmas food ? You probably don't think of vegan Christmas dinner , do you? Years of tradition often bring dishes like roast goose and duck, fish, or sausages into the dining room. Raclette is also very popular. A vegan Christmas dinner isn't possible? It's possible, I say!
Last year, my goal was to convince my family that you can indeed conjure up a feast without meat and still enjoy great taste. They were skeptical, but were proven wrong.
Many vegan food blogs provide you with creative alternatives to traditional, meat-based dishes this time of year. Last year, I turned to my favorite bloggers , Isa & Julia , from the fantastic blog " Zucker&Jagdwurst."
I knew nothing could go wrong with these recipes! Today I'd like to share with you the recipes I've tried and tested myself.
Meat at Christmas – not really a tradition?
Why is it that many people associate the Christmas feast with meat? It certainly doesn't come from Christianity , where Advent was declared a time of Lent. Meat was not allowed to be eaten, and it was also frowned upon on Christmas Eve itself. In Italy, too, it's unusual to serve meat on December 24th; festive roasts are nonexistent. The number of vegetarians and vegans has been growing for years, so it's time to explore vegan cuisine for the holidays!
My tried and tested vegan Christmas menu
Before we started on the appetizer, we placed fresh bread with vegan spreads on the table to satisfy our initial hunger. I have an insider tip for you: These are the spreads from the "Essendorfer Genussschmelzerei."
Last year, we had "Black Greek," "Wild Garlic Horseradish," and "Cabbage Against Stupidity" (yes, that's really the name!) on our table. All delicious and highly recommended. You can also search for vegan spreads in the shop.
Cauliflower and apple soup with cinnamon nuts
Admittedly, there's not much to see of the cinnamon nuts; they've disappeared. Isa & Julia's approach looks more professional. But I can tell you: This soup is packed with flavor, and you certainly won't be able to tell that it does n't contain any animal products !
For a quick check of your supplies, I'll give you a rough idea of the ingredients.
You need: onion, garlic clove, leek, cauliflower, red apples, oil, nutmeg, turmeric, vegetable broth, vegetable cream, salt and pepper, peeled hazelnuts, agave syrup and cinnamon
For the exact quantities and the full recipe, visit Isa and Julia’s website.
I have linked the recipe here .
Vegan goulash with pan dumplings & red cabbage
It had to be something hearty for the main course. A dish that wouldn't let you miss the meat, even if you were a meat lover. What could be better than goulash with traditional red cabbage and dumplings ? For me, especially red cabbage and dumplings, a taste I associate with childhood Christmases. Admittedly, I was initially skeptical that the goulash would hold its own, but after the first bite, I was instantly in love – and so was my family!
For a quick check of your supplies, I'll give you a rough idea of the ingredients.
You need: breadcrumbs, onions, parsley, plant-based milk, flour, salt and pepper, nutmeg, olive oil, red cabbage, apple, white wine vinegar, blackcurrant jelly, bay leaf, cloves, sugar, soy shreds, mustard, gherkins, tomato paste, red wine, vegetable broth
For the exact quantities and the full recipe, visit Isa and Julia’s website.
I've linked the recipe for you!
Vegan baked apple crumble with marzipan crumbles
You don't have to miss out on the sweet end to the festive meal with a vegan Christmas dinner! When the smell of baked apples and marzipan wafts through the house, even the worst Christmas Grinch won't be able to hold back and will finally succumb to the festive spirit, we promise!
For a quick check of your supplies, I'll give you a rough outline of the ingredients here.
You need: Apples, cinnamon, cardamom, ground almonds, lemon juice, orange juice, dried cranberries, vegan vanilla ice cream, marzipan, oat flakes, coconut sugar, coconut oil, salt
For exact measurements and detailed cooking instructions, visit Isa and Julia's website. I've included a link to the recipe .
Have you perhaps already celebrated a vegan Christmas ? What were your experiences? I'd love to hear your stories!
Best regards
Your Natalie
