The winter months can be tough, especially when it comes to sticking to a healthy diet. All of the holiday treats and comfort foods can be hard to resist. It's easy to let your healthy eating habits go out the window during the winter months. But with these delicious vegan comfort food recipes, you don't have to!
These vegan comfort food recipes are not only hearty and satisfying, but they're also healthy and will help you stay on track this winter.
From creamy vegan potato soup to black bean enchiladas, we've got something for everyone!
1. Vegan Mac and Cheese
There is not one specific vegan mac and cheese recipe, but rather a variety of different recipes that all have a few common elements. Most vegan mac and cheese recipes use either Daiya cheddar cheese or nutritional yeast as the main cheese replacement.
Additionally, some recipes include vegetable broth, garlic, and sometimes tomatoes for added flavor. One popular vegan version of mac and cheese uses a cashew-based sauce that is simmered until it thickens.
Another recipe uses an easy homemade “cheddar” sauce made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
A final variation swaps out the dairy cheese for a mixture of broccoli florets, roasted red peppers, nutritional yeast flakes, and breadcrumbs.
2. Vegan Baked Spaghetti
There is nothing quite like a delicious plate of Vegan Baked Spaghetti. This dish is made with white pasta, vegetables, and a creamy sauce.
The best part about Vegan Baked Spaghetti is that it can be made in 30 minutes and is perfect for any meal. Not to mention, it's also low in calories and cholesterol-free.
If you're looking for a healthy and hearty meal, look no further than Vegan Baked Spaghetti.
3. Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Enchiladas
Vegan Buffalo Jackfruit Enchiladas are a savory and delicious vegan dish that is sure to please. The enchiladas are made with jackfruit as the main ingredient, and they come together quickly and easily in a skillet.
They are then served with a creamy sauce made from cashews, nutritional yeast, and spices. These enchiladas will have your taste buds dancing all night long!
4. Vegan Mushroom Stew
Mushroom stew is one of the most comforting winter meals. It's hearty, filling, and easy to make. This vegan mushroom stew is a delicious and hearty dish that will warm you up on a cold day.
The ingredients are simple, and all you need is some basic pantry items. You can make this stew in the oven or on the stovetop.
Whichever method you choose, it will be ready in about 30 minutes. This vegan mushroom stew is perfect for any time of year. It's hearty and warming, perfect for chilly days or long winter evenings.
Whether you're cooking it in the oven or on the stovetop, this vegan mushroom stew will be ready soon enough, and it'll be sure to fill you up with its deliciousness.
5. Vegan Lentil Meatballs
They are made with lentils, rice, and vegetable broth and can be served as a main course or as part of a vegan dinner menu.
The lentil mixture is easy to make, and the balls can be cooked for minutes in a skillet. They are also gluten-free and vegan, making them an ideal choice for any dietary preference.
6. Vegan Pumpkin Bread
Vegan Pumpkin Bread is a delicious and fluffy bread that is made with pumpkin puree and almond milk. It’s a great choice for those who are looking for festive fall bread that doesn’t contain any animal products.
This bread is also gluten-free, so it can be enjoyed by anyone who wants to try out a vegan version of their favorite bread.
7. BBQ Chickpea Pizza
BBQ Chickpea Pizza is a vegan pizza that features chickpeas as the main ingredient.
The pizza is made by blending cooked chickpeas with spices and seasonings, then spreading the mixture on a crust and topping it with your favorite toppings.
Some popular BBQ Chickpea Pizza toppings include barbecue sauce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and shredded vegan cheese. This pizza is great for those who want something meat-free or who are looking to cut down on their meat intake.
8. Vegan Pot Pie
A vegan pot pie is a type of pie that is made primarily from plant-based ingredients. These pies typically include potatoes, various types of beans or lentils, and either shredded carrots or celery as the main ingredient.
They are often made in a savory or sweet style and can be filled with anything from meatless mince to mashed sweet potatoes.
9. Vegan Sweet Potato Casserole
This delicious dish is perfect for any holiday or special occasion and can be made in just a few minutes. Sweet potatoes are blended with simple syrup and spices, then baked until tender and golden.
The resulting dish is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether you're serving it as a standalone meal or as part of a larger holiday feast, this sweet potato casserole will be a hit!
10. Red Lentil Curry
Red Lentil Curry is a popular Indian dish made with lentils and spices. It is a tasty and healthy meal that can be enjoyed by all. Lentils are versatile legumes that are high in fiber and protein.
They cook quickly, so they make an ideal choice for a quick, easy meal. Red Lentil Curry is made with garlic, ginger, and cumin.
These spices give it a rich flavor that will tantalize your taste buds. The curry can also be spiced up further with hot peppers if you prefer. The finished dish will be creamy and flavorful, perfect for any winter evening meal!
11. Cowboy Casserole
Cowboy Casserole is a dish that is typically made from ground beef, onions, and corn. It is then mixed with bread crumbs and eggs and subsequently baked in a casserole dish.
Although the ingredients for cowboy casserole vary depending on the recipe, they all share one common trait- their taste is hearty and satisfying.
Cowboy Casserole can be served as a main course or appetizer, and its simple ingredients make it an easy dish to prepare. If you're in the mood for something hearty and filling, give cowboy casserole a try!
12. Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Cookies
Gluten-Free Vegan Pumpkin Cookies are soft, spongy cookies that are perfect for pumpkin lovers and non-pumpkin lovers alike. These cookies are made without any gluten, so they're great for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
They're also dairy-free, so they're a great option for vegan and vegetarian friends. The pumpkin flavor is subtle but detectable, and the cookies are topped with a few semi-sweet chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
13. Vegan Minestrone Soup
It is made with a variety of vegetables, beans, and grains, all cooked together until tender. The result is a delicious and nutritious soup that can be enjoyed by anyone who is looking for a healthy and filling meal.
Some of the ingredients that are typically used in Vegan Minestrone Soup include butternut squash, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, celery, cannellini beans, and olive oil.
These ingredients combine to create a hearty and flavor-packed soup that can be enjoyed either cold or hot. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy dinner option or an afternoon snack, Vegan Minestrone Soup is sure to please.
14. Chickpea Tuna Salad
Chickpea tuna salad is a vegan and gluten-free dish that is simple to make and packed with flavor. Chickpeas are combined with ripe avocado, crisp lettuce, and a light vinaigrette.
The result is a delicious and healthy salad that's perfect for a summertime picnic or potluck. Chickpea tuna salad is popular in countries like India and Greece, where it's often served as a main course or as part of a mezze plate.
In India, chickpea tuna salad is often made with spices like cumin and chili powder, while in Greece, it features fresh lemon juice and garlic.
Whether you're making this vegan dish at home or grabbing it on the go, there are few things better than enjoying some delicious Chickpea Tuna Salad on a warm day!
15. Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Wings
Sticky Sesame Cauliflower Wings are a delicious and nutritious way to get your protein. They’re made with cauliflower, sticky sesame sauce, and chicken wings.
The cauliflower is cooked until it is soft, then it is wrapped in sticky sesame sauce and chicken wings. The wings are then baked until they are crispy. This dish is perfect for a healthy snack or an appetizer.
16. Vegan Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Mediterranean Quinoa
In this dish, vegan stuffed sweet potatoes are combined with a Mediterranean-inspired quinoa filling. The potatoes are then baked until soft and fluffy, making them the perfect healthy and hearty meal.
The vegan stuffing in these sweet potatoes is made of roasted red pepper, sundried tomatoes, and garlic, giving them a delicious and robust flavor.
The quinoa filling is a perfect complement to the savory potato filling, providing a balanced and healthful meal option.
These vegan stuffed sweet potatoes are sure to be a hit with any vegetarian or vegan eater. They make a great addition to any meal plan, as they are both nutritious and flavorful.
17. Vegan Chocolate Cake
It is typically lighter in color than traditional chocolate cakes but just as flavorful. Vegan chocolate cake can be made with either cocoa powder or beet sugar, which gives it a slightly different flavor than typical cakes.
Some variations of vegan chocolate cake include using bananas or applesauce as the main ingredient, which makes it even more moist and flavorful.
