Christmas is a time for joy, gratitude, and feasting but the mere thought of hosting a vegan guest can sometimes send shivers down your spine. Fear not! Embracing a plant-based twist for your Christmas dinner can be an exciting culinary adventure rather than a daunting task. Let’s unravel the myths, sprinkle in some ideas, and demystify the art of hosting a vegan guest this holiday season.
Accommodating a vegan at your table isn’t as challenging as it may seem. It’s all about creativity and exploring the myriad of delightful options available. Contrary to popular belief, vegans don’t subsist solely on lettuce and carrots. In fact, according to recent studies by Veganuary, a staggering 87% of vegans crave a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings!
Now, let’s dive into the culinary realm and explore some fantastic vegan-friendly options that can grace your Christmas table:
Creating the perfect vegan Christmas dinner
Catering for a vegan doesn’t mean sacrificing flavour or tradition or for that matter, changing what you have on your dinner place. In fact, according to a survey by The Vegan Society, over 70% of vegans said that Christmas dinner is an absolute favourite as long as it is well well-researched and the thought is there. It’s all about the little tweaks.
Creating delicious vegan-friendly side dishes
Who doesn’t love a multitude of side dishes on Christmas day! Most classic side dishes can be easily made vegan by using plant-based ingredients. For instance, swap butter for dairy-free alternatives in mashed potatoes and squash, roast your veggies with olive oil and herbs, and opt for vegetable broth instead of animal-based stock in gravies and sauces.
Vegan Christmas puddings fit for a banquet
You don’t have to skip the sweet treats for your vegan guests. Vegan baking has been taken to a new level with plenty of sweet treats now tasting better than their counterparts. Indulge in delectable desserts like vegan mince pies, gingerbread cookies, or a luscious dairy-free chocolate Yule log smothered in dairy-free ice cream. You can also swap out your traditional custard for a vegan version which honestly tastes just as good.
The main event – vegan Christmas dinner mains
For those who love statistics, a survey conducted by Plant Based News found that 63% of vegans relish a good nut roast at Christmas, while 42% adore a flavourful vegetable Wellington. These dishes are favourites for many reasons — nut roasts are hearty and packed with flavour, while a well-made vegetable Wellington showcases a beautiful medley of seasonal vegetables wrapped in flaky pastry.
Some other thoughts for what could grace your vegan table include:
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill bell peppers with quinoa, beans, corn, and spices. Bake until tender for a colourful and flavorful dish.
- Vegan Shepherd’s Pie: Use lentils or mushrooms as a base and top with creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting main course.
- Roasted Vegetable Medley: Think caramelised Brussels sprouts, maple-glazed carrots, and rosemary-infused potatoes. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also bring an explosion of flavours to the table.
Vegan gravy SOS!
To be honest, Bisto Gravy is vegan and tastes great but if you want to make something that’s delicious and made from scratch, then simmer onions, mushrooms, vegetable broth, and herbs for a rich and savoury gravy to drizzle over everything.
Communication
It’s worth noting that communication is key. Reach out to your vegan guest beforehand to understand their preferences or any specific dietary needs. They might appreciate the gesture and even offer suggestions or recipes that they love, making your task easier and the meal more enjoyable for everyone.
Experiment and Embrace Creativity
Explore new ingredients and techniques. The holiday season is the perfect time to experiment with plant-based dishes that might become family favourites!
Remember, hosting a vegan for Christmas dinner is an opportunity to expand your culinary horizons and create cherished memories. Embrace the challenge with enthusiasm, and you might discover a newfound appreciation for plant-based cuisine.
To wrap it up, relax and enjoy the festive season! With a dash of creativity, a sprinkle of goodwill, and a hearty nut roast, your Christmas dinner will be a resounding success, pleasing both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Here’s to a joyful and inclusive holiday season filled with love, laughter, and delicious vegan eats!
Vegan frozen meals from Hey Fresto!
If you’re looking for some quick and tasty meals this festive period, our Hey Fresto! vegan frozen meals will hit the spot. We have a range of vegan dishes that are ready in minutes.