Unfortunately, as you may have guessed, this original formula relies heavily on animal products. If only those early eaters knew it could be even better with a completely vegan approach! This Creamy Carbonara with Coconut Bacon recipe comes from The Vegan Pasta Cookbook by Rebecca Hincke. Plant- based carbonara tastes every bite as decadent but is much healthier, easier, and comforting for everyone to enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Dairy-Free Carbonara

Aside from being absolutely delicious, there are even more reasons to love this vegan carbonara recipe. Here are just a few!

• No raw eggs. There’s the ever-present danger of either overcooking the sauce, resulting in a curdled, scrambled egg texture, or undercooking them, which could increase the risk of salmonella. Don’t gamble with food poisoning, especially when there’s a much better alternative!
• Dairy-free. Lactose is notoriously difficult to digest, causing bloating, stomach upset, and much worse. That’s just no way to enjoy so-called “comfort food.”
• Quick and easy. Even a novice cook can get this gourmet meal on the table in 30 minutes or less.
• Gluten-free option. Don’t let food intolerances and allergies get you down; just use your favorite gluten-free noodle to make this a wheat-free treat.

Key Ingredients

What goes into a plant based carbonara, you ask? Minimal elbow grease, plenty of pasta, and some wonderfully creamy components.

Silken tofu: Instantly create a high-protein yet low-calorie base by blending silken tofu to a smooth, creamy consistency. You can find this in shelf-stable, aseptic packages or water-packed near the refrigerated produce area.

Non-dairy milk: Pick a milk, any milk, as long as it doesn’t come from a cow! Make sure it’s unsweetened and then go with your favorite, whether that’s almond, soy, hemp, oat, rice, or something else entirely.

Kala namak: Otherwise known as “black salt,” it’s a bit of a misnomer because the color is actually pink! This is the secret ingredient that creates an uncanny eggy flavor since it’s a kiln- fired rock salt infused with sulfurous aroma. You can find it in most Asian specialty markets or online.

Turmeric: Just a tiny pinch will add a sunny yellow color to anything, which helps create a convincing eggy appearance to this sauce.

White miso paste: Add volumes of umami in a tiny spoonful of this Japanese fermented soybean paste. White miso is very mild, almost sweet, and rather salty.

Spaghetti or bucatini: Any long pasta will do, but bucatini, which is essentially a narrow tube, is the deluxe option. It offers the most satisfying bite, and the open ends to allow the sauce to run through the entire length, rather than just cling to the outside.

Vegan Parmesan: Many people don’t realize that conventional Parmesan isn’t even vegetarian, let alone vegan. Traditionally, rennet is used to make the curds coagulate, which comes from the stomach lining of cows. Chose a cruelty-free option, available from many brands such as Violife, Daiya, and Follow Your Heart to bypass that issue entirely. You can also make your own Chipotle Vegan Parmesan Sprinkle from scratch using whole foods ingredients.

Coconut flakes or chips: Coconut chips will give you larger bacon bits, whereas shreds will create a finer sprinkle. Both will taste great though so you can’t go wrong with either choice!

Liquid smoke: A little bit goes a long way of this concentrated smoky flavor extract. It makes everything instantly taste like bacon, so it’s a great thing to keep in the pantry for when cravings hit.

How to Level-Up Your Vegan Pasta Carbonara

No one would complain if you stick with a simple, straight-forward tofu carbonara sauce, but you can enhance the dish with your own personal touches to make it different and exciting every time.

• Veg out! Toss in sautéed mushrooms, green peas, roasted asparagus, cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, or any of your other favorite veggies to add more color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Bring the heat. For those who like it hot, try adding a drizzle of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dollop of harissa for a spicy finish.
• Crunch time. Add more textural contrast by adding a handful of crunchy chickpeas, sliced almonds, or crushed kale chips on top.
• Pair with a side salad. If you want to get your greens but keep them separate, this dish pairs beautifully with a simple spinach or arugula salad dress with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

How to Use Leftover Carbonara Sauce

If you’re making the dish in advance, it’s a great idea to prepare the sauce and keep it separately in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. It’s so delicious all by itself though, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it without noodles:

• Spread on top of pizza as an easy white sauce
• Poured over a vegan “eggs” Benedict instead of the typical hollandaise sauce
• Mix in fresh dill and lemon zest to create a party-ready dip or dressing
• Swirl into creamy soups for a truly luxurious spoonful
• Stir it into cooked rice to make a shortcut risotto

Dairy-free Carbonara FAQs

More Deliciously Dairy-Free Pasta Recipes

• Creamy One-Pot Pasta
• Instant Pot Pasta With Vegan Meatballs
• Walnut Pesto Pasta
• Creamy Hummus Pasta With Sun-Dried Tomatoes
• One-Pot Vegan Enchilada Pasta

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Dairy-Free Carbonara (Made With Silken Tofu)

Whether you’re staying in for date night or just want a comforting and tasty meal, this dairy-free carbonara will hit the spot! Creamy, egg-y, and topped with a nice element of crunch from savory coconut bacon, this is one pasta dish you’ll never get tired of.

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword dairy-free carbonara, egg-free carbonara, vegan carbonara, vegan pasta dish

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 40 minutes minutes

Servings 3 servings

Calories 632kcal

Author Rebecca Hincke

Ingredients

For The Sauce:

• 10½ ounces silken tofu, drained 297 grams
• ¼ cup unsweetened nondairy milk (oat, soy, or almond) 60 ml
• ¼ teaspoon kala namak
• ¼ teaspoon flaked sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
• 2 teaspoon of white miso paste 12 grams

For The Pasta:

• 10 ounces dried spaghetti or bucatini 283 grams
• 4 tablespoons vegan Parmesan, grated (optional) 25 grams
• 1 cup pasta cooking water (as needed) 240 ml

For The Coconut Bacon:

• ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes or chips 90 grams
• 2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce 30 ml
• ½ tablespoon of olive or vegetable oil 8 ml
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• Pinch sea salt

To Serve:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

• For the sauce, in a blender, combine the tofu, nondairy milk, kala namak, sea salt, garlic powder, turmeric, and white miso paste, and blend until smooth.
• Put the pasta on to cook in a pot of boiling, salted water. Cook to al dente, then drain and reserve 1 cup (240 ml) of pasta cooking water.
• Transfer the pasta back to the pot and add in the Parmesan (if using) and sauce. Stir together over low heat, until the Parmesan has melted and the sauce is thick and gooey, adding pasta cooking water as needed to loosen the sauce to your liking (you may not need to use all of it).
• Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Add the coconut to a mixing bowl. Whisk together the tamari, olive oil, maple syrup, liquid smoke, paprika, pepper, and salt, and pour it over the coconut. Stir everything together, until the coconut is fully coated in the sauce, then spread the pieces evenly on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The more you can separate the coconut pieces, the more they will crisp up while cooking.
• Bake them for about 20 minutes, until well toasted and crispy, stirring the pieces every 5 minutes to get an even toast and keep them from burning. Transfer to a bowl to cool before using.
• Serve and top with Coconut Bacon and salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1153mg | Potassium: 585mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 164IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 4mg

This dairy-free carbonara recipe was reprinted with permission from The Vegan Pasta Cookbook by Rebecca Hinke. Copyright © 2022 by Page Street Publishing Co. Photography by Rebecca Hinke. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved. Many thanks to Jessica Sabbagh and Sarah Hudson for recipe testing.

The post Dairy-Free Carbonara (Made With Silken Tofu) appeared first on World of Vegan.

This rustic stew, brimming with eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, offers deeply flavorful notes enriched with olive oil, garlic, and a medley of fresh herbs. It’s a dish that rewards patience, making it perfect for a relaxed weekend cooking session.

Ratatouille’s charm lies in its versatility. Serve it as a hearty main alongside quinoa or polenta fries, or let it shine as a rich topping on crisp crostini, complemented by a dollop of vegan ricotta. But why stop there? Explore its potential by tucking it into a warm pita with a drizzle of tahini or dollop of hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired wrap. You can use it as a robust filling for vegan lasagna, layered with plant-based béchamel sauce. Stirring it into pasta for a quick, nutritious meal, perhaps with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan, is another excellent choice!

Every bite of this ratatouille brings a taste of southern France right to your kitchen. Next up, we’ll guide you through making this delightful dish. From choosing the best vegetables to simmering them to perfection, we’ll cover all the essentials. Gather your ingredients and let’s start.

Here’s to a dish that’s as much about enjoying the flavors as it is about celebrating the essence of French cooking. Bon appétit!

Why You Should Make This Ratatouille

Thinking about trying this classic ratatouille recipe? You’re in for an amazing experience. This dish is more than a simple medley of vegetables; it’s an explosion of flavor and a feast for the eyes. Let’s explore more reasons why you’ll fall in love with this ratatouille!

• Full of Flavor: Savor the rich layer of flavors in each bite of our ratatouille. With a balanced blend of garlic, tomato sauce, olive oil, and fresh herbs, each vegetable shines, offering a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
• Versatility at Its Best: Ratatouille is a chameleon in the kitchen. Perfect as a main dish, a colorful side, or a unique addition to meals, it pairs wonderfully with grains, shines as a topping on bread, and can even be a flavorful filling for sandwiches or lasagna.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Ideal for those busy weeks, ratatouille is a make-ahead marvel. It tastes even better the next day, making it a smart, delicious choice for meal planning and quick dinners.
• A Touch of French Cuisine: Experience the joy of French cooking with this authentic Provence-inspired dish. Ratatouille brings the essence of French culinary tradition to your table, no passport required!
• Naturally Inclusive: Embracing a range of dietary needs, this ratatouille is vegetarian, vegan, and free from gluten, soy, and nuts. It’s a wholesome dish that everyone can enjoy, whether at a large gathering or a quiet meal at home.
• Simple Ingredients, Incredible Outcome: Who knew simplicity could taste so exceptionally good? Common vegetables and pantry staples unite to create an beautiful dish. Ratatouille proves that you don’t need fancy ingredients to enjoy a truly remarkable meal.

Essential Ingredients

These key ingredients all work together to create a beautiful, cozy ratatouille. Let’s go over some of them, as well as offer some substitutions.

Red Onion: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall savoriness of the dish. If you don’t have red onions, yellow onions make a good substitute, offering a similar texture but a slightly stronger flavor.

Tomato Sauce: Acts as the base of the ratatouille, providing moisture and a rich, tangy taste. If tomato sauce isn’t available, crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or even a good quality marinara sauce can be used as alternatives.

Eggplant: Brings a unique, hearty texture to the ratatouille, absorbing flavors beautifully.

Zucchini: Offers a light, slightly sweet flavor and a tender texture. In case zucchini is not available, summer squash is a great alternative, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile.

Red Bell Peppers: Provide a sweet and slightly earthy flavor, adding a pop of color and crunch.

Plum Tomatoes: These are less watery and more flavorful than other varieties, making them perfect for ratatouille. If plum tomatoes aren’t available, any other fresh, ripe tomatoes will do, though they may release more liquid into the dish.

Fresh Thyme: This herb adds a subtle, earthy flavor that complements the vegetables.

Lemon, for Garnish: Adds a fresh, zesty finish to the dish, brightening up the flavors in the dish.

How To Make Vegan Ratatouille

Making this vegan ratatouille is a labor of love that offers amazing aromas, and fun assembly of all the vegetables. Here’s how we make it!

Start by Preheating Your Oven: Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking.

Step One: Prepare the Sauce. In a saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped garlic and half a head of finely sliced red onion. Cook them together until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2 minutes.

Step Two: Simmer the Tomato Base. Pour in the tomato passata or tomato sauce. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes. During the last minute, stir in the leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme. This sauce will serve as the flavorful foundation of your ratatouille.

Step Three: Slice Your Vegetables. Thinly slice the eggplant, zucchini, red bell peppers, and plum tomatoes. Aim for slices about a fifth of an inch thick, or thinner if preferred.

Step Four: Assemble the Ratatouille. Arrange the vegetable slices in the casserole dish in an overlapping circular pattern. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes for an aesthetically pleasing presentation. Season the arranged vegetables lightly with salt and pepper.

Step Five: Bake the Ratatouille. Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The vegetables should be tender and the flavors well combined.

Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of thyme. Your ratatouille is now ready to be enjoyed!

Helpful Tips For Making Perfect Ratatouille

Ready to turn your ratatouille into a masterpiece? These helpful tips will elevate your cooking experience, ensuring your dish is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s go over some culinary secrets that will make your ratatouille stand out both in flavor and presentation.

• The Art of Vegetable Slicing: Thin, consistent slices are key. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline for uniform thickness. This not only ensures even cooking but also makes layering easier and more aesthetically pleasing.
• Creating a Beautiful Swirl: Start by placing one slice of each vegetable (eggplant, zucchini, bell pepper, tomato) in the pan, slightly overlapping the last. Continue this pattern around the edge of the pan. Once the outer circle is complete, start a new circle inside, following the same pattern. The goal is to fill the pan with a spiral of beautifully arranged vegetables. This technique, while simple, adds an elegant touch to your dish.
• Layering for Flavor: Before arranging your veggies, spread the tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of the pan. This creates a flavorful base and prevents sticking. Sprinkle some fresh herbs over the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
• Season as You Go: Lightly season each layer of vegetables with salt, pepper, and additional herbs. This ensures every bite is infused with flavor.
• Slow and Low Cooking: Ratatouille benefits from slow, gentle cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender without losing their shape. Be patient and keep the heat at a medium-low setting.
• Letting It Rest: Once out of the oven, give your vegan ratatouille a few minutes to settle. This rest period allows the juices to redistribute, making it even more flavorful.

How To Serve

When it comes to serving your homemade ratatouille, the possibilities are as varied as they are delicious. This versatile dish shines whether served warm or at room temperature, making it a fantastic choice for any occasion.

For a classic touch, plate it alongside a serving of creamy polenta or a bed of fluffy couscous, allowing these grains to soak up the rich flavors of the stew. If you’re leaning towards a more casual, hands-on experience, consider spooning it over toasted slices of crusty bread, perhaps with a smear of vegan ricotta.

Ratatouille also makes a superb accompaniment to grilled tofu or seitan, offering a colorful and flavorful contrast. For those special gatherings, you can elevate your presentation by topping the ratatouille with a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze, turning the humble stew into an elegant entrée. No matter how you choose to serve it, ratatouille brings a touch of Provençal charm to your table, promising a meal that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious.

How To Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers of your delicious vegan ratatouille is easy! Ratatouille keeps well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld. To properly store it, let the ratatouille cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4-5 days.

If you find yourself with a larger batch, ratatouille also freezes beautifully. Spoon the cooled stew into a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top as the contents will expand when frozen.

Label the containers with the date, and you can enjoy your ratatouille for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it on the stove over low heat to restore its warmth and flavors.

FAQs

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Vegan Ratatouille

This fresh vegan ratatouille dish will take you to a sunny day in the Mediterranean and remind you of why we love these simple ingredients so much!

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine French, Italian, Mediterranean

Keyword ratatouille, ratatouille recipe, vegan french dish, vegan Mediterranean dish, vegan ratatouille

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 129kcal

Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 heads red onion finely sliced
• 2½ cups tomato passata or tomato sauce
• 1 medium-sized eggplant
• 1 medium-sized zucchini
• 2 red bell peppers
• 2 plum tomatoes
• A few sprigs of fresh thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 slices lemon for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
• In a saucepan, add olive oil and cook the finely chopped garlic with half a head of red onion (finely sliced).
• After 2 minutes, add the tomato passata (or tomato sauce) and season with salt and pepper.
• Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes and add the little leaves from a sprig of fresh thyme. This will be your base for the ratatouille.
• Spread the sauce evenly on the bottom of a round casserole dish.
• Slice the vegetables very thin, about a fifth of an inch, or even thinner if desired.
• Arrange sliced vegetables in circles as shown in the photo and season with salt and pepper. 
• Cook in the oven at 350 Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprig of thyme, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 129kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 736mg | Potassium: 1056mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 2909IU | Vitamin C: 105mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 2mg

The post Vegan Ratatouille appeared first on World of Vegan.

Fajitas are a popular Mexican dish consisting of a grilled protein, sliced into strips, and served with sautéed peppers and onions. The filling is often wrapped in a flour tortilla, creating a flavorful and customizable handheld meal. Vegan fajitas replace the meat with plant-based proteins, offering a cruelty-free and equally delicious alternative.

While vegan tacos, tostadas, tamales, burritos, and quesadillas are all incredibly delicious, there’s always a special fondness for vegan fajitas. They’re one of the most versatile of recipes and an easily requested, vegan-friendly option at restaurants. If you’re ready to start savoring every bite of these fantastic fajitas, let’s get started!

Why You Must Make These Vegan Fajitas

There’s something so satisfying about making your own Mexican-inspired wraps at home. Adapting the recipe to use your favorite veggies and flavors is another plus. If you’re still not convinced, here are even more reasons why this recipe is awesome:

• Easy to Make: Simply stir fry, add sauce, and wrap!
• Savory and Satisfying: Veggies and plant-based protein are a great combination for helping you feel satiated.
• Great for Using Leftovers: The perfect recipe of using up veggies on the edge of expiring or small amounts of food that isn’t quite enough for a meal.
• Wholesome Ingredients: No preservatives or artificial flavors in this recipe! Compared to packaged fajitas (or even restaurant options), this is a much healthier choice.

Ingredients and Substitutions

While you’ll want to keep the classic flavor of your fajita, the ingredients can vary. Substitutions are actually encouraged in this recipe!

Soy Curls: This plant-based protein is such a great alternative to chicken. It has a wonderful texture and soaks up any flavor. For more recipes including this versatile ingredient, make sure to check out this Soy Curls guide!

Vegetable Broth: Soaking the soy curls helps to rehydrate them for the best consistency. You can either use your own homemade or store bought vegetable broth or your favorite vegan bouillon mixed with water. You don’t have to stick to vegetable broth, either. Choose from vegan chicken, mushroom broth, or other flavors, too!

Sliced Vegetables: Thinly sliced bell peppers and onions are the traditional shape for fajitas, but you can mix it up by using large chunks, diced veggies, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) instead!

Spices: If you love spicy and buffalo sauce is a little too tame for you, how about adding habanero or sriracha? To tone down some of the heat, feel free to omit the buffalo sauce and add smoked paprika, ginger, or oregano. Delish!

Tortillas: Choose burrito-sized tortillas for your fajita filling if you’ve got a big appetite or smaller corn tortillas if you like more compact soy curl fajitas. To keep the tortillas from falling apart, make sure to add the filling right before eating to prevent sogginess. Or, add a leaf of lettuce to the tortilla before adding the veggies and vegan “chicken.”

How to Make Easy Vegan Fajitas

Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to make vegan chicken tacos. It’s a breeze once the curls are soaked and ready to sauté. Once you make fajitas in your very own kitchen, you’ll be hooked!

Step 1: Prepare the Soy Curls: Soak the soy curls in vegetable broth. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. If you’re using a different plant-based protein, you can skip this step.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables: Sauté the sliced bell peppers, onions and garlic in oil until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. You can also use a frozen vegetable mix from the grocery store. They might just take a little longer to cook.

Step 3: Combine Soy Curls and Vegetables. Add the soaked curls to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together along with the spices to combine. Add the buffalo sauce and let the flavors meld for a few minutes.

Step 4: Warm Tortillas. Choose from any type of tortillas you like! If you’re sensitive to gluten, try using corn, almond, cassava, quinoa, chickpea, or gluten-free tortillas instead.

Step 5: Assemble Fajitas. Spoon the “chicken” and vegetable mixture onto the center of each tortilla.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Fold. Customize your fajitas with toppings like avocado, cilantro, cabbage, dairy-free sour cream, and shredded vegan cheese. Fold the tortillas around the filling to form fajitas and serve immediately.

Serving Tips and Suggestions

Wrapping up a batch of fajitas can be lots of fun. The ingredients are so versatile that you can almost use anything at all from the fridge. This recipe is absolutely perfect for little bits of veggies or leftovers that you’d rather not throw away. Here are a few more ways to serve or switch things up:

• Protein Possibilities: If soy curls aren’t your thing, feel free to use jackfruit, chickpeas, cauliflower wings, tempeh, tofu, or other plant-based chicken options.
• Savory Sides: You can’t go wrong with savory Mexican rice, vegan refried beans, tomatillo salsa, or sliced avocado.
• Tempting Table Service: While your filling is cooking, heat up a small cast iron pan in the oven. When the fajita mixture is done, transfer to the cast iron serving pan and bring to the table while it’s still sizzling. Make sure to use pot holders!
• Vary Your Vegetables: Peppers and onions are traditional fajita veggies, but you can use any vegetable you like best! How about adding in some chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini? Or, be bold, and use beets, brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, or cauliflower instead!
• Take Out the Tortilla: For fun and tasty twist, how about making a vegan fajita bowl instead? Place a scoop of your favorite grain in the bottom of a bowl, a handful of dark leafy greens, a generous scoop of vegan soy curl fajita filling, and complete with your favorite toppings.

Don’t miss a chance to make these scrumptious vegan fajitas! They offer a nutritious and flavorful alternative to traditional meat-based Mexican recipes. With a medley of colorful veggies and bold seasonings, these fajitas not only please the palate but also make a delicious addition to your plant-based weekly meal rotation. Enjoy!

Vegetarian Fajitas FAQs

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Vegan “Chicken” Fajitas

These vegan fajitas are a vibrant mix of colorful vegetables, savory vegan "chicken", and bold seasonings. They're not only downright delicious, they're easy to make—ready in just 30 minutes or less!

Course Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine Tex-Mex

Keyword soy curl tacos, vegan chicken fajitas, vegan fajitas, vegetarian fajitas, veggie fajitas

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 30 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 434kcal

Author Caleb Steel | World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 cups soy curls
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 red bell pepper sliced
• 1 green bell pepper sliced
• 1 yellow onion thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder optional, if you really love spice
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ⅓ cup buffalo sauce
• 8 – 10 flour tortillas taco size
• 1 large lime sliced into wedges

Optional Toppings

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Shredded purple cabbage
• Vegan sour cream

Instructions

• Combine soy curls and vegetable broth in a large bowl and set aside.
• In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium heat.
• Add the bell pepper, onion, and garlic, and saute for 5 minutes, or until onions are translucent.
• Drain Soy Curls (save the broth for future use or discard), turn heat to medium-high, and add the soy curls, cayenne (if using), cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry, allowing the fajita ingredients to sit undisturbed so the peppers and soy curls start to char. Mix just regularly enough to prevent sticking and burning. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
• Add buffalo sauce and mix thoroughly.
• Place each tortilla on a burner with the flame turned on low, and allow each tortilla to warm up, and also develop a light char before flipping, repeating, and then moving to the next tortilla.
• Fill taco tortillas with the buffalo soy curl fajita mixture and serve with a wedge of lime and any toppings you desire!

Nutrition

Calories: 434kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 1678mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1357IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 261mg | Iron: 8mg

Vegan fajita photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan, all rights reserved.

The post Vegan Fajitas appeared first on World of Vegan.

The slow-browned red onions, infused with balsamic vinegar and aromatic herbs, create a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The broth, seasoned to perfection, forms the soul-warming base, while the optional layer of melted vegan cheese adds that quintessential French Onion flair.

We love making plant-based dishes that everyone can savor and enjoy and this french onion soup is no exception. If you need more amazing vegan soup recipes, check out our Creamy Tomato Soup, Vegan Potato Leek Soup, Vegan Asparagus and Mushroom Soup, and Vegan Potato Soup!

Prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary taste packed into every spoonful!

Why You Should Make This Vegan French Onion Soup

This Vegan French Onion Soup is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. Crafted with care, this recipe offers more than just a tasty meal; it’s a versatile addition to your weekly routine! Here’s why you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to create this delectable dish:

• Dairy-Free: Enjoy the richness of classic French Onion Soup without a hint of dairy. Our vegan rendition ensures a luscious, creamy experience, perfect for those seeking a dairy-free alternative.
• Nut-Free and Soy-Free: Catering to various dietary preferences, this recipe is both nut-free and soy-free, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals with different allergies or dietary restrictions.
• Easy-to-Make: Impress your taste buds without the hassle. This recipe combines simplicity with sophistication, proving that gourmet plant-based meals can be both accessible and easy to prepare.
• Budget-Friendly: This soup, in particular, is so easy and affordable to make. Onions are one of the cheapest vegetables and probably one of the most long-lasting ones too! You can score a big bunch of onions for just a few dollars and they will last for weeks if you store them in a dark and dry cupboard. Onions for the win!
• Cozy Day Comfort: Picture a cozy day inside, rain tapping on the windows, or snow falling gently outside. Our Vegan French Onion Soup is the ideal companion for such moments, wrapping you in warmth and culinary bliss.

Essential Ingredients

All you need are 7 simple ingredients to create this cozy meal!

• Red Onions: Thinly sliced and playing the starring role, red onions bring a robust, slightly sweet flavor to the soup. As they caramelize in olive oil, they add complexity and depth, setting the stage for the soup’s signature taste. Feel free to swap with yellow or white onions as needed.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Introducing a delicate balance of acidity and sweetness, balsamic vinegar complements the natural sugars in the onions. Sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar also add tons of flavor and depth. For a different complexity and acidity, try dry white wine.
• Bay Leaf: Contributing a fragrant and earthy note, the bay leaf infuses the broth with a distinct aroma. Its role is to add a layer of complexity to the flavor profile, elevating the overall sensory experience of the soup.
• Dried Oregano: Bringing herbaceous and savory undertones, dried oregano enriches the overall seasoning of the soup.
• Vegetable Broth: Serving as the hearty foundation of the soup, vegetable broth brings a savory depth to the dish. Opt for low-sodium options as needed or use an equivalent amount of vegetable bouillon with water.
• Toasted Rustic Bread Slices or Vegan Croutons: Adds a lovely crunchy element to each bite! Go for croutons for convenience or make a delicious rustic bread like this spelt bread or rosemary beer bread.
• Vegan Cheese: Optional but indulgent, melted vegan cheese adds a creamy and savory layer to the soup.
• Sprigs of Thyme (or other Fresh Herbs): Used as a final garnish, sprigs of thyme or other fresh herbs add a touch of brightness and freshness.

How To Make This Recipe

Whipping up our Vegan French Onion Soup is a breeze! Simple steps and familiar ingredients make you the master of this delightful, cozy creation in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add sliced onions and brown for 15-20 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Stir in balsamic vinegar, bay leaf, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add vegetable broth, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Ladle into oven-proof bowls, add croutons or toasted rustic bread and sprinkle with vegan cheese.

Easy Broiling Tips for Perfect Vegan Onion Soup

Broiling is the finishing touch that turns our Vegan French Onion Soup into a melty masterpiece. To broil, set your oven to the broil setting and place those cheesy bowls on the top rack. It’s like giving your soup a quick tanning session—the high heat makes the vegan cheese bubble and turn golden brown.

This not only makes your soup look inviting but also adds a delightful crunch to the bread. Keep an eye on it to avoid any burnt surprises—we’re aiming for golden perfection! Broiling is the secret sauce that transforms a tasty soup into a visually appealing and utterly scrumptious dream.

Once broiled, garnish with a sprig of thyme and serve hot.

Expert Tips

• Achieve the perfect caramelization by allowing the onions to brown slowly, stirring every 2-3 minutes. This patient approach enhances the natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Experiment with different vegan cheese varieties for a unique twist. From melty mozzarella to tangy cheddar, the choice of cheese can elevate the taste and texture of your soup. Check out our vegan cheese guide and our vegan cheese slices guide for some great options!

How To Serve

• For an elegant presentation, use oven-proof bowls to broil the soup with the cheese-topped bread. This ensures a delightful blend of textures and flavors in every spoonful.
• Customize each serving by adjusting the amount of vegan cheese. Whether you prefer a lightly covered layer or a decadent cheese blanket, tailor it to your taste. Or feel free to change up the toppings if vegan cheese isn’t your thing! From the classic croutons to some more fancy ones like hemp seeds. But we can’t forget the best topping of all, nutritional yeast! It just makes everything better!
• Bulk up the veggies. Another amazing way to make this soup even more healthy and nutritious is by adding any veggie you like or have on hand. Some chopped carrots or celery would be great!

How To Store

• Refrigerate leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain the soup’s rich flavor and consistency.
• If freezing, do so without the bread and cheese. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh bread and cheese when reheating for optimal taste and texture.

Vegan French Onion Soup FAQs

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Vegan French Onion Soup

Warm up this season with some delicious vegan french onion soup. This soup is scrumptious as is, but if you have a slice of vegan cheese on hand feel free to melt it on top of the soup for that classic French Onion flair. Just pop it on top of an oven-friendly bowl of the soup and broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts. Yum!

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine French

Keyword french onion soup recipe, vegan french onion soup

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 203kcal

Author World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 medium-sized red onions peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 5 cups vegetable broth or equivalent amount of vegan bouillon and water
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• toasted rustic bread slices or vegan croutons to taste
• vegan cheese to taste, optional
• sprigs of thyme (or other fresh herbs) to garnish, optional

Instructions

• In a large soup pot over medium heat, add in olive oil, allow to heat, and then add the sliced onions. Allow onions to brown for about 15 to 20 mins, stirring occasionally (every 2-3 minutes).
• Add the balsamic vinegar and bay leaf and dried oregano. Keep stirring and cook for another 5 mins.
• Add the vegetable broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it boil for 5 mins.
• Ladle into oven-proof serving bowls, add a handful of croutons or a slice of toasted rustic bread to each bowl, and sprinkle with vegan cheese (allowing the cheese to cover most of the bread and some of the soup, so the soup can still peek through).
• Broil in the oven (with a cookie sheet below them to catch anything that drips) until the cheese is melted. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and and serve hot.

Notes

Want to add melted cheese on top, like classic french onion soup? Serve in an oven-proof bowl, top with your favorite vegan cheese slices, and broil for a minute or two just until cheese melts.  

Nutrition

Calories: 203kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Sodium: 1382mg | Potassium: 221mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 651IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Vegan French Onion Soup appeared first on World of Vegan.

In this article, you’ll learn the best way to sauté tofu so that it’s positively sizzles and creates the loveliest brown crust. Add to that a sweet, dark umami sauce that will knock your socks off. If you’ve never tried tofu szechuan style, you’re truly in for a treat!

What Is Szechuan Tofu?

Szechuan tofu, also known as Sichuan tofu or Schezwan tofu, is a classic and highly flavorful Chinese dish originating from the Sichuan province. It’s bold and spicy with cubed tofu simmered in a savory sauce.

The dish is similar too Mapo Tofu but there are some key differences. Mapo Tofu is made with silken tofu and minced meat, usually pork of beef. In this Szechuan style tofu, it’s completely vegetarian, allowing the tofu to shine. Firm tofu is used instead and stir-fried until crispy—perfect as a main dish served over steamed rice and served with stir-fried vegetables.

Why You’ll Love This Szechuan Tofu Recipe

Even if you’re not a huge tofu fan, we’re convinced that this recipe will turn you around. There’s just so much to love about these crispy tofu cubes, you won’t be able to stop yourself from trying them.

• Healthy and Heaps More Delicious. When you’re in charge of dinner, you know exactly what you’re adding in and what you want to leave out. Fresh veggies in and MSG out!
• Adaptable Ingredients. Staying away from anything spicy? You can absolutely leave out the cayenne pepper. Love a lot of garlic? Add more than the recipe calls for with ease. Not enough sauce? Double the amounts and add all over your rice and veggies. Oh, yeah!
• Inexpensive Alternative to Take Out. Instead of waiting for an hour for your favorite Szechuan tofu to be delivered and spending a chunk of your ready cash, make this recipe and spend that money visiting a local animal sanctuary instead!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s all about the tofu! Quality is top priority and we only used the best in this recipe.

• Extra Firm Tofu – This is the most important ingredient, and for a good reason. Using a handmade, traditional tofu like Hodo gives this recipe extra oomph with its high protein content, incredible flavor, and super rich & creamy texture.

How To Make Szechuan Style Tofu

Preparing this Szechuan tofu recipe is much easier than you think. Just three simple steps and you’ll have the most mouthwatering meal in a matter of minutes. While the tofu is cooking, you can get started on any sides. Make sure to remember the chopsticks!

Step One: Dry and cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces.

Step Two: Fry up the tofu cubes in vegetable oil for 6-7 minutes without moving. Flip over and cook for an additional 6-7 minutes until golden brown. While the tofu is browning, prepare the sauce.

Step Three: Place the finished tofu onto a side plate and simmer the sauce. Once the sauce is ready, add in the tofu and let simmer with the sauce for another couple of minutes. Time to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

The great thing about tofu is that it goes well with so many side dishes. Along with your szechuan tofu, choose one or two of these options to accompany your meal. A helpful rule-of-thumb is to have at least one or two raw elements along with your cooked meal. This gives your palate a few different textures to enjoy. Yum!

Starchy Sides

Sides like these give your tofu dish extra staying power and can make the meal go much farther for more people. Although you don’t have to stick with these traditional choices, they do taste the best with the tofu. Serve everything “family style” and plate out each of these for maximum fun.

• Steamed Sticky Rice
• Peanut Noodles
• Ramen

Variety of Veggie Options

There’s nothing like fresh, steamed, or roasted veggies to turn a simple meal into something special. Any or all of these vegetables will add extra flavor, texture, and nutrients to an already powerful protein-packed recipe. Yay!

• Shredded Red Cabbage
• Lightly Steamed Snow Peas
• Stir Fry Green Beans
• Fresh Bok Choy
• Shredded or Roasted Carrots
• Sliced Red Bell Peppers
• Smashed Cucumber Salad

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover tofu can be placed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It can easily be reheated in the microwave (a minute should do it) or by pan-frying with a little bit of oil (or extra sauce) for a couple of minutes until the desired temperature is reached. Freezing is not recommended.

FAQs

More Asian-Inspired Vegan Recipes to Try

• For any noodle-lovers, check out this tangy Teriyaki Stir Fry Over Noodles or super satisfying Soba Noodles with Peanut Sauce for all things noodlicious.
• If you can’t get enough of tofu, we’ve got you covered! How about this tempting Tofu Satay or scrumptious Crispy Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce?
• Give a try to light and fresh dishes such as this cool Chinese Chickpea Salad and zesty Zucchini Noodle Bowl.
• Finally, if you’re totally new to tofu, these two recipes are incredibly helpful—How to Marinate Tofu and a glorious Garlic Ginger Tofu Marinade.
• Did you know that you can eat raw tofu? Don’t forget our Tofu Guide for the Tentative Cook, too!

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Crispy Szechuan Tofu

Szechuan Tofu is a savory and spicy Asian-inspired dish. In less time than it takes for a dinner delivery, you can have this sizzling and sensational dish right in front of you. We promise that this recipe is ten times better than take-out!

Course Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine asian

Keyword asian tofu, asian tofu marinade, szechuan tofu

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes minutes

Total Time 22 minutes minutes

Servings 4

Calories 189kcal

Author Gina House | World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 16 ounces extra firm tofu
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
• 4 teaspoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• ¼ cup water
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup or sweetener of choice
• 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste if you like spicy
• 2 large scallions finely sliced
• sesame seeds (black or white) to taste
• toasted cashews to taste (optional)
• sprinkle of red pepper flakes to taste (optional)

Instructions

• Pat tofu dry thoroughly and cut into even bite-sized cubes.
• Into a cold nonstick saute or frying pan, add the cubed tofu and 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil. Turn the heat to medium and allow to come to a sizzle and then cook for 6-7 minutes without moving the tofu.
• In a small bowl, add the cornstarch and a few splashes of the water and stir. Then add the remaining water, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, and cayenne. Whisk well and set aside.
• Once the tofu has nicely browned on the bottom, use a spatula to carefully flip the tofu cubes over and add the rest of the oil. The oil may “squitz,” so please be very careful. Fry for another 6-7 minutes, without moving the tofu. (The exact timing will depend on your particular cooktop and saucepan.)
• When the tofu is browned nicely, transfer to a bowl or plate and set aside.
• Put the pan back on the heat and pour in the sauce mixture. Let the sauce come to a simmer, constantly stirring. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
• The moment the sauce starts to thicken, add the tofu cubes back in and mix well with the sauce. Turn off the heat, but keep the pan on the burner. Allow the tofu to marinate in the warm sauce for a couple of minutes more.
• Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and roasted cashews and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Video

Notes

Notes:

• Serve with steamed rice, noodles, and/or with a mixture of roasted and fresh vegetables.
• Sauce Tip: Pour any extra sauce over rice and veggies. So good!
• Dairy-free and gluten-free (if using tamari instead of soy sauce)

Nutrition

Calories: 189kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 759mg | Potassium: 87mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 177IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Many thanks to our amazing recipe testers Marilyn Vega and Andi Combs for testing this recipe! Process photos by Amanda McGillicuddy for World of Vegan, all rights reserved.

The post Szechuan Tofu appeared first on World of Vegan.

In every language, a rich, hearty stew topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to golden-brown perfection always spells comfort food. Cottage pie is a classic dish that’s withstood the test of time, matured over the years, and grown to have greater allure than ever. Every western culture has a similar casserole to its name, brimming with enough meat and vegetables in every bite to appease both hunters and gatherers throughout the ages.

Unlike a pastry-covered pie, cottage pie skips the fussy dough to make preparation and serving a breeze. No baking experience required! All you need is an appetite for a hearty, heartwarming meal.  

What Makes This The Best Recipe For Vegan Shepherd’s Pie?

• Umami: The so-called fifth taste, otherwise understood as savory flavor, contributes the distinct depth and richness that makes the overall eating experience so satisfying. Meat is naturally high in umami, but so are mushrooms, which are the secret ingredient here.
• Allergen-friendly: Everyone’s welcome to the table when this dish is on the menu! There are no common allergens in the mix, meaning it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, eggless, nut-free, soy-free, and as always, completely vegan.
• Freezer friendly: Whether you want to prep ahead or save leftovers for a rainy day, this vegan shepherd’s pie keeps like a champ. Freeze individual portions for up to 6 months and simply microwave or pop it into the oven until hot all the way through.

Key Ingredients

Russet potatoes: These spuds are high in starch which makes them mash up into a light, fluffy vegan mashed potato topping. Peel them for a perfectly smooth mash or keep the skins on for a more rustic approach

Dried mushrooms: Dried porcini are ideal here for their uniquely nutty, earthy flavor and toothsome, meaty texture. Other good options include dried shiitake mushrooms, dried oyster mushrooms, dried wood ear mushrooms, or dried morel mushrooms.

Dried herbs: No pantry is complete without a range of dried herbs at the ready. Through the dead of winter when nothing green is growing, they’ll get you through those dark days with zest and fragrance to spare. Basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme are our VIPs here.

Lentils: This complete protein creates the most convincing vegetarian cottage pie around using only whole foods. Canned and ready-to-eat, they’re very convenient anytime you want to cut out the meat.

Sun-dried tomatoes: Chewy and subtly sweet, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are a rich source of umami as well, harmonizing with the mushrooms to heighten that taste. For even greater flavor, use some of the oil for cooking, instead of plain olive oil.

Nutritional yeast: Both cheesy and buttery without a drop of dairy, nutritional yeast is essential for creating natural vegan alternatives. It can be used to enhance anything from soup to popcorn.

What’s The Difference Between Shepherd’s Pie vs Cottage Pie?

Though the terms can sometimes be used interchangeably, the difference between the two traditionally comes down to the place of origin and type of meat.

• Shepherd’s pie hails from Scotland, later gaining in popularity throughout England and Ireland. It typically calls for ground lamb, befitting of the name.

• Cottage pie came later, appearing in text around 1791 without clear heritage other than the United Kingdom at large. These casseroles were filled with ground beef instead.

While a plant-based version could be seen as either (or neither) based on these simple definitions, most vegan ground meat is compared to beef, given that lamb has a more gamey or grassy taste. Cottage pie is a better fit for conventional flavor expectations.

How To Use Dehydrated Mushrooms

Dried mushrooms are indispensable umami bombs that contain even greater flavor than their fresh counterparts. That’s because the drying process concentrates their essence, breaking down cell walls and making it more readily accessible than straightforward cooking alone.

Here’s how to rehydrate dried mushrooms:

1. Sort your mushrooms and give them a rinse. Wild mushrooms especially are likely to still carry dirt from where they were grown. Brush lightly to remove any leftover particles. Double-check that there are no other stones or twigs that might have gotten mixed up with them.
2. Soak in cold water, ideally overnight. Many recipes will quickly rehydrate dried mushrooms in hot or even boiling water to speed through the procedure. While that technically works, it fails to unlock their full potential. Dried mushrooms tend to float, so keep a plate on top of them in a large bowl to keep them all submerged. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
3. Drain the soaking water but save it! You now have incredibly flavorful mushroom broth, ideal for making soups and stews with, in addition to the toothsome mushrooms you want for the recipe at hand.

Kept in a dry, cool place, dried mushrooms are shelf-stable and can last for 1 – 3 years. Once rehydrated, the mushrooms should be kept in an airtight container in the fridge and used within 5 – 7 days.

This method works for a variety of different mushrooms including dried porcini mushrooms, dried shiitake mushrooms, dried morel mushrooms, dried oyster mushrooms.

Ideas For Cottage Pie Adaptations

Never eat the same meal twice when you apply a bit of creativity to the basic cottage pie formula! Make it your own with a few simple twists.

• Switch up the protein: Use crumbled tofu or tempeh, realistic vegan ground meat like Impossible or Beyond Meat, or a combination of all your favorites.
• Add an extra serving of vegetables: Take a hint from what’s fresh and in season or dig deep into your freezer to pull out a ready-made blend. Keep the cuts as consistent as possible so everything cooks at the same rate. When in doubt, corn and peas are always good choices to start with.
• Say cheese: Everyone loves cheese, so sprinkling a handful of your favorite shredded vegan cheese over the top is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Add it within the last 10 minutes of cooking so it can get nice and melty.  
• Spice is nice: The flavor profile is very mild as written, but if you’re a heat seeker, go ahead and spike the filling with crushed red pepper flakes, Tabasco, sriracha, harissa, or your favorite hot sauce.

More Cozy Vegan Casseroles To Try

• Vegan Noodle Kugel
• Vegan Green Bean Casserole
• Vegan Baked Mac and Cheese Casserole
• Vegan Lasagna With Tofu Ricotta
• Easy Vegan Chicken Pot Pie

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Shepherd’s Pie {Cottage Pie} That’s Dairy-Free & Vegan

This vegan shepherd’s pie, also known as cottage pie, is the ultimate comfort food! It’s rich and hearty—full of mushrooms and vegetables in a savory sauce topped with creamy mashed potatoes. This is the perfect meal for chilly evenings to cozy up with!

Course dinner

Cuisine English

Keyword dairy-free shepherd’s pie, gluten-free shepherd’s pie, vegan holiday recipe, vegan shephard’s pie, vegan thanksgiving recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour

Servings 4

Calories 497kcal

Author Beatriz Buono-Core & Mirko Guth

Ingredients

Mashed Potato Topping Ingredients: 

• 4 large russet potatoes peeled and diced
• plant-based milk unsweetened and unflavored, to taste
• vegan butter to taste
• salt and pepper to taste

Cottage Pie Filling Ingredients: 

• ⅓ cup dried mushrooms porcini if you can find them, otherwise any dried mushroom will do
• 1 cube vegetable bouillon
• 1¼ cups water
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 carrots peeled and diced
• 1 small yellow onion finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 8-ounce can lentils drained
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil drained and chopped
• 6 tablespoons tomato puree
• ⅓ cup nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan optional
• parsley or chives for garnish optional

Instructions

• Place the diced peeled potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes or until soft. Drain the water and roughly mash. Add plant-based milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper, all to taste, and continue mashing until completely smooth. Set aside.
• In a medium bowl, add the dried mushrooms, bouillon cube, and water. Let the mushrooms soak for 8 minutes, and mix to dissolve the vegetable stock.
• Preheat the oven at 430 degrees F.
• Heat a large frying pan with the olive oil on medium heat. Add the carrots, onion, basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Stir and cook until lightly soft.
• Add the tomato puree to the frying pan and stir. Take your soaking mushrooms and pour the liquid into the frying pan, holding back the mushrooms. Roughly chop the mushrooms before adding them to the pan as well. Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and lentils, and simmer until thickened.
• Once the cottage pie mixture is ready, spread it evenly in a casserole dish. Top with the mashed potatoes and sprinkle generously with nutritional yeast. Cook in the oven for 10 minutes or until the surface is golden. Garnish with parsley or chives and enjoy!

Notes

Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can’t find canned lentils? Use about 1 cup of cooked lentils instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 81g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 2109mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 5420IU | Vitamin C: 41mg | Calcium: 94mg | Iron: 5mg

Photos by J.J. Steele for World of Vegan, all rights reserved. Thanks to our recipe testers Ruth Havertz and Taylor Gillespie. 

The post Vegan Shepherd’s Pie (Cottage Pie) appeared first on World of Vegan.

With a delightful protein-rich tofu-based ricotta made from extra-firm tofu and traditional Italian herbs and spices, this dairy-free lasagna dinner has the same yum-factor as the cheesy lasagna you grew up eating, but it’s way healthier and also cruelty-free! 

I’ve been making this lasagna for years. I’ve made it for myself and my husband to enjoy throughout the week, I’ve made it when guests visit from out-of-town so there’s always a hearty omnivore-approved meal ready in the fridge, and I’ve made it for vegan dinner parties with friends. I even made a double-batch to freeze when I was nearing the end of my vegan pregnancy so I would have ready-made vegan meals when my newborn arrived. Needless to say, I love it, and I hope you will too! 

Why You Should Make This Vegan Lasagna

I know so often we come across recipes online, save them, maybe pin them on our vegan Pinterest inspiration board, or leave the tab open on our computer until we’re so overwhelmed that we shut them all and it’s lost forever.

Dear friend, don’t let that happen with this lasagna recipe! You can click the “print” button on the recipe card below and add the ingredients to your grocery list right now. When you have meals for days in the week ahead, you’ll be so glad you did!

This makes a great:

• Vegan freezer meal that you can meal prep now, divide into serving-sized glass containers, and save until you’re ready to enjoy
• Meal to bring over to a sick, pregnant, or busy friend or neighbor 
• Family meal to fill many hungry bellies 

You get the gist. It’s a crazy handy recipe to get to know and love. From my kitchen to yours, enjoy it!

Key Ingredients

• Lasagna noodles: Make sure to look out for eggs in the ingredient list. Dried lasagna noodles found in the pasta aisle of the grocery store are usually vegan-friendly but a lot of oven-ready options are not. Always check the ingredient list to be sure.
• Vegetables: Yellow onion, zucchini, button mushroom, garlic and spinach add tons of color and flavor to this vegan lasagna! If you don’t have all the vegetables, that’s ok, you can mix and match or add what you do have on hand. This recipe is really versatile! See below for some extra veggie-swapping ideas.
• Super-firm tofu: This firm tofu has already been pressed, making prep time even faster! If you can’t find super-firm, extra-firm tofu works too. Just make sure to press out the excess liquid for 15-30 minutes before using.
• Marinara sauce: Store-bought is fine or if you want to up the flavor even more, nothing compares to homemade marinara sauce! If going the store-bought route, make sure to look out for sauces that contain dairy.

How To Make

Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add a pinch of salt, and cook the lasagna noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside.

Step 2: In a large skillet over medium, heat the olive oil then add in the onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Remove from heat and stir in the spinach. Cover the skillet and set aside to allow the spinach to wilt.

Step 3: Meanwhile, make the tofu ricotta. Place the tofu, soy milk, lemon juice, basil, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. You may need to scrape down the sides with a spoon several times between pulses so all the tofu gets evenly crumbled. When you reach a crumbly ricotta­-style consistency, spoon the mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and spinach until evenly combined.

Step 4: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. In a large 9 × 13 ­inch baking dish, spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom followed by a layer of 4 overlapping lasagna noodles. Top with a layer of half of the tofu mixture. Repeat with another 1½ cups of the marinara, another layer of noodles, and the second half of the tofu mixture. End with another 1½ cups of the marinara and a final layer of noodles, and spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce on top, being sure to coat all the noodles.

Step 5: Bake for 45 minutes. Garnish with the basil leaves if desired.

Expert Tips

Making vegan lasagna is a fun and rewarding experience! Follow these tips to guarantee comfort food perfection!

• Use Your Noodle: Boil the lasagna noodles in salted water just until al dente, ensuring they are not overcooked. Rinsing them with cold water after draining halts the cooking process and prevents sticking, resulting in perfectly textured noodles.
• Give It A Squeeze: Before blending the tofu for ricotta, ensure it’s well-drained and patted dry. Excess moisture can affect the texture of the tofu mixture.
• Get Saucy: While store-bought marinara is convenient, making your sauce can elevate the flavor. Customize it with extra herbs and garlic for a more personalized touch.
• Layering Perfection: When layering, slightly overlap the lasagna noodles to create a sturdy structure. This helps the layers hold together during serving, presenting a neater slice.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: For days when you crave a homemade, ready-to-bake meal but are short on time, make it in advance. Prepare the recipe and refrigerate or freeze it and reheat it when you want delicious, hot lasagna!

Get Creative With Your Veggies

This vegan lasagna recipe is incredibly versatile, and we encourage you to get creative with add-ins and use the veggies you have on hand.

• Not a fan of mushrooms? Leave them out! 
• Like your lasagna extra cheesy? Sprinkle some vegan cheese shreds on top before baking. 
• Prefer kale to spinach? Make that simple swap! 
• Have some broccoli nearing expiration? Chop it up and toss it in! 
• Feel drawn to the dried oregano in your spice cabinet? Toss a teaspoon in with the basil!
• Have a plethora of squash? Dice or thinly slice it up and add it in with the zucchini. 

There are so many ways you can go with this delightful dish. If you have a favorite way to prepare it, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

FAQs

More Vegan Dinner Recipes

• If you love the flavors of this lasagna you’ll love this Vegan Stuffed Shells With Tofu Ricotta!
• For another go-to recipe that will wow plant eaters and omnivores alike, try thisYellow Curry With Tofu!
• Pot pie lovers will be pleasantly surprised with this easy Vegan Chicken Pot Pie full of all the nostalgic flavors yet completely plant-based!
• Savor the heartiness of a Vegan Shepherd’s Pie when you want something ultra comforting and filling.

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Vegan Lasagna With Tofu Ricotta

This flavorful vegan lasagna is packed with tofu ricotta, spinach, and veggies, and makes a filling meal that will last for days. It’s also an awesome dinner party meal and a comforting dish to bring to a friend who could use some TLC. You can even freeze pre­portioned cooked serv­ings of this lasagna for an easy heat­-and­-enjoy meal.

Course dinner

Cuisine Italian

Keyword classic lasagna, italian lasagna, tofu ricotta, Vegan Italian, Vegan lasagna, veggie lasagna

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 6 –8 servings

Calories 324kcal

Author Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles standard size, enough for 3 layers
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ large yellow onion diced
• 1 small zucchini diced
• 1 cup button mushrooms sliced
• 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
• 6 ounces fresh spinach
• 2 16-ounce blocks super-firm tofu patted dry and cut into chunks for easy blending
• ¼ cup unsweetened plain soy milk
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon of minced fresh basil leaves
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 5 cups marinara sauce store-bought or from the recipe on page 228, divided
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the lasagna noodles according to the directions on the package. Drain the noodles, rinse with cold water to cool, and set aside.
• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, zucchini, mushrooms, and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Turn off the heat. Stir in the spinach, cover the skillet, and set aside to allow the spinach to wilt.
• Place the tofu, soy milk, lemon juice, basil, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and pulse to combine. Depending on the size of your food processor, you may need to push everything down with a spoon several times between pulses so all the tofu gets evenly crumbled. When you reach a crumbly ricotta­-style consistency, spoon the mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and spinach until evenly combined.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread 1 cup of the marinara sauce evenly across the bottom of a 9 × 13 ­inch baking dish. Follow this with a layer of 4 overlapping lasagna noodles, then a layer of half of the tofu mixture. Repeat with another 1½ cups of the marinara, another layer of noodles, and the second half of the tofu mixture. End with another 1½ cups of the marinara and a final layer of noodles, and spread the remaining 1 cup of marinara sauce on top, being sure to coat all the noodles.
• Bake for 45 minutes. Garnish with the basil leaves (if using).

Video

Notes

You can prepare this lasagna in advance and keep it in the refrigerator (or freezer!) until you’re ready to bake it. If the lasagna is frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before baking. If you bake it from a refrigerated state, increase the bake time to 1 hour or until heated all the way through.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Sodium: 1776mg | Potassium: 1040mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 3605IU | Vitamin C: 30mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 4mg

This vegan lasagna recipe is from The Friendly Vegan Cookbook by Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto. Photos by Zhoro Apostolov. This easy vegan dinner recipe was published with permission from BenBella Books, 2020, all rights reserved.

The post Vegan Lasagna With Tofu Ricotta appeared first on World of Vegan.

If you’ve gotten into a dinner rut or are looking to make your weekly Sunday dinners more exciting, our answer is to cook more vegan roasts! You’ll love how great your kitchen smells as the various herbs and spices waft through the air, instilling feelings of comfort and coziness.

There’s also nothing quite like enjoying a perfectly tender bite of Sunday roast as a new week is about to begin. So grab your favorite bakeware, break out those aromatics, and let’s get to work!

Make Your Own Vegetarian Holiday Roast

Below you’ll find a round-up of the very best vegan roast recipes from around the web. All of the following recipes are:

• vegan
• vegetarian
• plant-based
• dairy-free
• cholesterol-free
• meat-free

We also included options that are soy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free for allergen-friendly roasts.

Plant-Based Roast Base Ingredients

What goes into these succulent, meatless masterpieces? Vegan roasts boast a palette of wholesome ingredients, including seitan (wheat gluten), mushrooms, nuts, tofu, beans or lentils, grains, and an assortment of vegetables. Elevating these natural elements are a harmonious blend of aromatic spices and herbs, transforming these simple ingredients into a culinary symphony that will redefine your perception of plant-based dining. Dive into the recipes and witness the magical metamorphosis of whole foods into your next vegan dinner sensation.

Best Vegetarian Roast Recipes (100% Vegan)

The Perfect Vegan Wellington

A beautiful and delicious recipe by Audrey Dunham, this vegan mushroom Wellington is savory, flaky, and completely worth the effort. It’s actually surprisingly easy! It’s made with vegan puff pastry (which you can easily fond from brands like Pepperidge Farm) and decorated with a gorgeous braid. This is any mushroom lover’s dream roast.

Vegan Turkey Roast

A delicious vegan turkey for Thanksgiving, this recipe will have you feeling like it’s the holidays all the time! Made using simple ingredients such as tofu and vital wheat gluten, this recipe is actually quite easy to put together. But it is recommended that you prepare the seitan a day in advance if possible for optimal texture and flavor.

Veggie Meatloaf

If you’re dining with meatloaf lovers, this is a must! It’s a health-ified version of a classic meatloaf made with lentils, walnuts, and mushrooms. Crazy? It may sound nuts (and it is, literally, made with nuts!) but this popular recipe has stood the test of time. Dozens of iterations of this veggie meatloaf have spread across the internet, but this is our all-time fave by Desiree Neilsen.

Vegan Holiday Roast

This amazing meatless roast by Vegan Huggs is both beautiful and delicious and will make a beautiful centerpiece to any meal! Using a seitan base and stuffed with a delicious sourdough bread stuffing, this recipe is actually relatively easy to put together. You just need to wait patiently for a few hours as it finishes up in the oven.

Seed & Carrot Roast Loaf

Great for those who are gluten-free or just love seeds and veggies! This loaf by Kind Earth is one of the easiest vegetarian roasts you could ever make, Once the carrots are boiled and the seeds are ground, it only takes a few minutes to combine everything together. Stick it in the oven for about 45 minutes, and you’re golden!

Vegan Ham Roast

This super flavorful vegan ham recipe by Shane & Simple is a must-try for you if you like your vegan roasts with a tinge of sweetness. With only 15 minutes of prep time and 75 minutes cook time in the Instant Pot, you’ll love how quickly this amazing dish comes to life!

Festive Butternut Squash Roast

Gluten-free, vegan, and full of fall flavor! This butternut squash roast by The Veg Space is a perfect vegetarian roast recipe for anyone who’s sensitive to gluten or just prefers more veggies in their life. Stuffed with a lentil filling, this squash roast has everything you need for a completely filling and tasty meal.

Cashew Nut Roast

Made with a combination of cashews, breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices, this yummy nut loaf from Vegan Punks is perfect for those who love the combination of crunchy nuts with salty breadcrumbs. Drizzle on some gravy and you’ll be all set for a Sunday roast dinner.

Gluten-Free Veggie Roast

Made from the mighty celeriac vegetable, this oil-free and gluten-free dish from Seven Roses is one of the most simple vegetable roasts you could ever make. Add as many fixings as you’d like to round out this nutritious and budget-friendly meal!

Vegetarian Lentil Loaf

Nut-free, gluten-free, soy-free and totally meatless, this vegan lentil loaf from Strength & Sunshine is made with the power of lentils and cauliflower. Covered in a red ketchup sauce, this nostalgia-inducing recipe only takes about 45 minutes to make and is filled with veggies and loaded with protein.

Vegan Mushroom Meatloaf with Sticky Asian Glaze

Mushroom lovers, rejoice! This tasty vegetarian loaf recipe from Sunnyside Hanne calls for mushrooms, carrots, chickpeas, and more before being finished off with a deliciously tangy Asian glaze. Great alongside potatoes and broccoli or some rice and smashed cucumbers!

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

What’s round and comes out of the ground but also tastes great on a plate? This delicious whole roasted cauliflower from Nutriplanet! It’s perfect for anyone who wants to keep their Sunday roast super simple. Gluten-free, soy-free, and totally tasty!

Juicy Vegan Roast Beef

This delicious vegan loaf recipe from My Plantiful Cooking makes a hearty holiday dinner or tasty meat-free treat throughout the week. With ingredients such as vital wheat gluten, kidney beans, and liquid smoke, this vegan roast beef comes together in just over an hour. It will keep 3-4 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Brown Sugar Glazed Tofu

From Plant Based RD comes a ridiculously easy gluten-free roast recipe. You’ll never believe it uses tofu as the main ingredient! All you need to do is make sure it’s pressed and marinate it overnight before popping it in the oven the next day!

Holiday Stuffed Roasted Acorn Squash

Elevate your holiday feast with the rich and savory allure of stuffed acorn squash—a delightful vegetarian alternative that effortlessly steals the spotlight from the traditional roast. Bursting with autumnal flavors, these golden-hued gourds are generously filled with a delectable medley of grains, nuts, and seasonal herbs, creating a hearty and satisfying centerpiece for your festive table. The velvety texture of the acorn squash perfectly complements the earthy stuffing, offering a symphony of tastes and textures that will captivate both vegetarians and meat enthusiasts alike.

Tempeh Pot Roast

Savory, comforting, and full of plant-based protein. This tempeh pot roast by From My Bowl is the answer to your easy meal dreams. With only about 15 minutes of prep time, most of the work is done in the slow cooker with this vegan roast recipe!

What to Do With Your Leftover Vegetarian Roast?

If you’ve got leftovers, you’ve got tot try this epic air fryer sandwich make with veggie roast leftovers. We designed this recipe as a creative way to use Thanksgiving turkey leftovers. But you can apply it to all types of vegetarian roasts! It’s simply divine.

Don’t Want to Cook Your Own Vegetarian Roast? Try These Store-Bought Options!

Whether you’re short on thyme or time, there are many options for delicious vegetarian roast dinners available both online and at the supermarket. From Field Roast to Tofurky, here are some of the most popular meatless roasts out there:

• Field Roast Celebration Roast
• Gardein Holiday Roast
• Tofurky Ham Roast
• Vegetarian Plus Turkey Roast 

Explore our vegan turkey guide for even more options. If you’re having a large gathering, why not have a taste test with as many vegan roasts as you can? That way you’ll get a beautiful array of different textures, colors, and flavors! And once your vegetarian roast dinner is done, serve it alongside some delicious mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or other desired vegan sides.

During the holidays, we come across foods that are uncommon or unfamiliar at other times of the year (especially at parties). If you aren’t sure what fois gras is, make sure to look into it before you consider taking a bite.

The post Best Vegetarian Roast Recipes appeared first on World of Vegan.

Aromatic basil, pungent garlic, and zesty tomatoes combine for the ultimate Italian flavor. With the addition of cashew cream, this dressing becomes incredibly velvety and smooth. Once you make this sauce, you’ll say goodbye to store-bought sauces and hello to homemade goodness!

If these tomato-drenched images are tempting you, it’s time to take action and start blending!

Why You’ll Love this Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

If photos of thick, rich tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta don’t tempt you, then we’ll have to share many other reasons why you must try this recipe. After one flavorful forkful, it’s pretty much guaranteed you’ll be hooked. A wonderful addition to your weekly meal planner, as well!

• Fabulous Sauce in 5 Minutes – Who says that creamy sauces require tons of time and effort? This one is unbelievably quick and easy!
• All You Need is a Blender – Not only is this sauce effortless, but there’s no need for a bunch of fancy equipment. Add all ingredients to a blender and off you go.
• Healthy and Delicious – Because every ingredient is added by you, there are no preservatives, added chemicals, or anything you don’t want in this sauce. Choose to use organic ingredients (if you wish) and making it fresh that day means a more delightful flavor.
• Oil and Sugar Free – Most jarred and canned pasta sauces contain added oil and sugar. These ingredients help to make the sauce taste better since they’re on the shelf for a while. This sun-dried tomato dressing is based on whole-food ingredients, so it is naturally oil-free and sugar-free.

Key Ingredients

This unique blend of ingredients guarantees the most flavorful sun dried tomato alfredo sauce. One bite will transport you to a sun-drenched villa in Italy with its creamy texture, rich flavor, and tomato-y tang. The only decision you’ll need to make is which appealing pasta shape to choose.

• Cashews: Blended cashews are what give this sauce a thick, creamy texture without using a lot of oil or dairy. Because of their neutral taste, the cashews do not compete with any of the fabulous flavors in this recipe.
• Garlic: A must-have ingredient that gives a bit of bite, a lot of depth, and the perfect pungent fragrance. A great boost for the immune system as well.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: This star of the show is the basis of the recipe. These oil-packed dried tomatoes are wonderfully herbal, sweet, and tangy. They are also easily stored in the pantry until ready to use.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: A sour component that gives a little more life to the balance of flavors in the sauce. Feel free to substitute for white wine vinegar, if needed, for it has a similar acidity to the apple cider version.
• Nutritional Yeast: The most popular and delicious savory and umami element to add to dishes, especially to make a sauce a little bit on the ‘cheezy’ side without using dairy-filled parmesan. Swap for vegan parmesan if you happen to be out of nooch.
• Lemon Juice: Always the best choice for brightening up a dish. Without it, the sauce may taste a little flat. If you’re out of lemon juice, consider using lime juice or red wine vinegar in its place.
• Vegetable Broth: It’s possible to use water instead of broth for the liquid in this tomato alfredo sauce. But, the addition of vegetable broth gives the finished sauce much more flavor that makes it even more delicious.
• Basil: Adding this sweet and slightly spicy herb to any pasta dish brings it to a whole new level of amazing. Oregano, thyme, or tarragon are suitable substitutions if you’re completely out of basil.

How To Make Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

Follow these simple instructions and you’ll be good to go. If you have a high-speed blender, it’s a cinch. If you’re making the pasta ahead of time, make sure to rinse the pasta in cool water to stop the cooking process. Any extra sauce can be used to drizzle on roasted veggies, baked potatoes, or other dishes.

Step 1: Start the pasta cooking, according to package instructions.

Step 2: Gather and measure out the sauce ingredients, add to a high speed blender, and blend until completely smooth.

Finally, Step 3: Pour the blended sauce over the cooked pasta and mix well. Serve immediately.

Note: If you have any leftover pasta, save any remaining sauce separately. Stir in the leftover sauce (and a little bit of water) along with the extra pasta when reheating.

Helpful Tips and Serving Suggestions

Making homemade sauce is a fantastic skill to add to your repertoire. While some recipes may be somewhat complicated, this sauce is easy and straight-forward. But, you may wonder if there are any ways to switch things up once the honeymoon phase is over. Luckily, there are many options to consider:

• Tasty Tomato Options: Don’t worry if you have either run out of sun-dried tomatoes! You can easily substitute fresh or canned tomatoes instead. You’ll need three times the amount of fresh per sun-dried and the mixture will be much thinner, so you may need to add more cashews to the mix. Or, swap one tablespoon of tomato paste for every four to five sun-dried tomatoes called for in the recipe.
• Can’t Have Cashews?: Use raw sunflower seeds instead of cashews if you have a sensitivity or allergy to nuts. The seeds have a less neutral flavor, but they do help to create a creamy sauce if soaked overnight before blending.
• More Pastabilities: There’s no need to stick to one type of pasta for this recipe. Instead of traditional pasta, try whole-wheat, brown rice, garbanzo, black bean, red lentil, or quinoa pastas.
• Power Up with Plant-Based Protein: To give your meal an extra boost of protein, how about adding in vegan meatballs, tofu ricotta cheese, vegan sausage or pepperoni, or even meatless ground crumbles?
• Appealing Appetizer: Another fun idea is to use the leftover sauce to make crispy bruschetta. Slice a baguette thinly, toast the slices, and then brush one side with olive oil. Add a spoonful of sun-dried tomato sauce to each and top with a slice of vegan mozzarella or vegan parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with black pepper, fresh basil, and crushed garlic. Place under the broiler until golden bubbly. Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or vinegar. Dee-lish!

More Savory Sauces to Try

• This deliciously Authentic Italian Pasta Sauce pairs best with penne pasta, garlic bread with vegan butter, and a dash of vegan parmesan cheese.
• Easy Pink Pasta Sauce is a perfect one-pot meal any day of the week! Creamy and oh-so-appealing in pink.
• Try these Grape Jelly and BBQ Sauce with Meatballs the next time you need a tasty and impressive pot-luck meal. Also excellent the next day added to a sandwich.
• For extra special occasions, how about serving up a dish of elegant Ravioli with Asparagus Cream Sauce? Serve along with a baguette, fresh garden salad, and a glass of vegan wine to impress.
• This Spicy Arrabiata Spaghetti Sauce is wonderfully flavorful and the amount of spice is easily adjustable. Leftovers make a satisfying lunch the next day with a sprinkle of vegan mozzarella and homemade veggie meatballs.

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Sun Dried Tomato Sauce

Pour this sun-dried tomato sauce over your favorite pasta (penne,farfalle, shells, or even spaghetti) for a creamy, flavorful pasta dish! This is a fantastic dinner party meal that comes together quickly but stands out as a memorable and special dish. It’s also great for kids and busy families!

Course Sauce

Cuisine Italian

Keyword sun dried tomato sauce, sun-dried tomato alfredo

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 568kcal

Author Stephanie Dreyer

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups cashews soaked for 2 hours or overnight and drained
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup nutritional yeast
• ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained
• ¼ cup lemon juice about 1 lemon
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Serve With:

• 1 pound pasta any type
• ¼ cup fresh basil sliced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

• Cook pasta according to package directions.
• While the pasta is cooking, add the soaked cashews, garlic, apple cider vinegar, salt, nutritional yeast, sun dried tomatoes, lemon juice, and vegetable broth to a high-speed blender and blend on high until completely smooth. When you rub the sauce between your fingers, it shouldn’t feel grainy.
• Pour ¾ of the sauce over the pasta and mix together, and reserve the remaining sauce to add to leftovers or drizzle over vegetables, potatoes, or other dishes throughout the week.
• Top with sliced basil and sun dried tomatoes

Notes

Make about 3 cups of sauce.

This pasta dish is best fresh. If you save leftovers, you can add the remaining sauce and additional salt, pepper, and some water when reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 568kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 733mg | Potassium: 897mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 359IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 5mg

Thanks to our amazing recipe testers Jenny Ortega, Nicole Benson and Marilyn Vega for testing this recipe to make sure it’s perfect for our readers.

The post Sun Dried Tomato Sauce appeared first on World of Vegan.

Trying to make food for carnivores is no easy task. They are usually after that meaty texture and robust, rich flavor and, sometimes, have a predisposition not to like the vegan food that’s about to be served.

The richness of the butter and the texture of the mushrooms will make you forget you’re eating a plant-based pie!

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Chicken Pot Pie

• Hearty Comfort Food: This vegan pot pie is the epitome of comfort food, offering all the warmth and satisfaction of a classic without the use of animal products.
• Flavorful Plant-Based “Chicken”: We’ve crafted a mouthwatering “chicken” substitute that’s not only delicious but cruelty-free, making this recipe a compassionate choice for vegans and vegetarians.
• Wholesome Veggies: Packed with a medley of vibrant vegetables, this pot pie is a delightful way to sneak in those essential nutrients while relishing every bite.
• Creamy Dairy-Free Sauce: Our luscious, dairy-free sauce is the heart and soul of this dish, creating a velvety texture and rich flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.
• Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting guests, this vegan chicken pot pie is sure to please everyone around the table, proving that plant-based meals can be both satisfying and delicious.

Key Ingredients

Tofu: Extra-firm tofu works best for the “chicken” substitute. Press it well to remove excess moisture and cut it into tiny cubes to resemble the texture of diced chicken.

Yellow Potatoes: Steam the yellow potatoes until they are soft but not mushy. This will ensure they maintain their shape and texture in the pot pie.

Button Mushrooms, Carrots, Green Peas: These delicious veggies create the bulk of the filling. Feel free to mix up the type of mushrooms, use fresh or frozen carrots, and frozen or canned green peas.

Raw Cashews: Soak the cashews in hot water for about 30 minutes to soften them before blending. This step ensures a smooth and creamy sauce.

Vegan Butter and Flour: The roux, a mixture of vegan butter and flour, serves as the thickening agent in the sauce. Make sure it’s well combined and smooth before adding other ingredients. If making your own crust, butter is also used to create those flaky layers. Make sure your vegan butter is kept cold.

Ground Nutmeg: A touch of ground nutmeg adds depth to the sauce, but it’s a strong spice, so use it sparingly.

For exact measurements, check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How To Make Vegan Chicken Pot Pie

Make The Crust

For the crust, blend the flour, salt, and vegan butter in a food processor until it resembles a coarse meal. Add 1⁄4 cup of ice water and pulse until the dough clumps together, ensuring not to overmix.

When you can press the mixture together to form a pliable (but not moist or sticky) dough, it’s ready. If necessary, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach this consistency. Roll the dough into a 10 × 10-inch shape (about 1⁄4 inch thick) between two parchment paper sheets on a baking sheet. Chill it in the refrigerator (keeping it on the baking sheet for easy handling) for at least 15 minutes.

Prepare The Filling

For the vegetable filling, sauté onions in vegetable oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add mushrooms, carrots, garlic, salt, basil, marjoram, and pepper, and sauté for another 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and gently fold in the tofu, peas, and potatoes. Set aside.

Make The Béchamel Sauce

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. To prepare the béchamel sauce, blend water, cashews, mustard, salt, and nutmeg until smooth. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the vegan butter, add the flour, and whisk for 2 minutes until it forms a roux.

Gradually whisk in the cashew cream mixture. Increase the heat to medium and cook, whisking often, for approximately 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Combine the sauce with the sautéed vegetables, creating a stew. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie pan. A 9 × 13-inch baking dish can also be used.

Retrieve the chilled crust from the refrigerator, peel off the top parchment sheet, and invert the dough onto the stew using the bottom parchment. Create 8 to 10 decorative 2-inch slits in the crust for venting.

Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 30 minutes, then turn on the broiler and broil for about 5 minutes until the top lightly browns. Serve while hot.

Top Tips

• Short on time? Use a ready-made puff pastry. It’s easy to use and you can always have it available for you in your freezer and cook these pies spontaneously when you’re out of ideas.
• If you are making your own dough, don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the crust dough in the refrigerator is essential to prevent it from becoming too sticky and difficult to work with. It also helps create a flakier texture.
• With either crust, make sure you slit it with decorative vents to allow steam to escape during baking. This prevents the filling from becoming too watery.
• To achieve a beautifully browned top crust, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.

Storage

• Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, allow the pot pie to cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: To store the pot pie for an extended period, it’s a good idea to freeze it. Allow the pot pie to cool completely, then wrap it in several layers of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Place it in an airtight, freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label it with the date and contents. A well-frozen vegan chicken pot pie can stay good for 2-3 months in the freezer.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the whole pot pie in the oven. For the microwave, cover with a microwave-safe lid or a microwave-safe plate, and heat in short increments until heated through. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C), place the pot pie in an oven-safe dish, and reheat for about 20-30 minutes, or until it’s hot all the way through. You can cover the top with foil to prevent excessive browning.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan chicken pot pie is perfect served on its own, but in case you’d like some side dishes—these recipes would go great!

Balance the heartiness of the pot pie with a light and refreshing salad like this Delicata squash harvest salad.

For a touch of sweetness and tartness, serve your pot pie with a dollop of cranberry sauce. Its fruity flavors complement the savory pot pie beautifully.

Potatoes and pot pie go hand in hand. Consider serving a side of creamy vegan mashed potatoes for a comforting and classic pairing.

Roasted or steamed vegetables can also round out the meal. Try sheet pan roasted asparagus, roasted potatoes and broccoli, or roasted root vegetables for extra fiber and flavor.

More Homemade Vegan Casserole Recipes To Try

• Vegan Shepherd’s Pie/Vegan Cottage Pie
• Noodle Kugel
• Vegan Baked Mac & Cheese Casserole
• Vegan Breakfast Casserole

Print

Vegan Chicken Pot Pie

This pot pie is going to rock your world. It originates from our dear friend Allison Rivers Samson, who is a genius at magically transforming veggies into savory delights. This recipe takes a little more time to prepare, so pour yourself a favorite beverage, put on some tunes (or maybe an episode of The Plant-Powered People Podcast), and enjoy the process. The time you spend in the kitchen will be well worth it, and this one dish can provide you with many tasty meals throughout the entire week.

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword vegan chicken pot pie, vegan pot pie

Prep Time 1 hour hour

Cook Time 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 526kcal

Author Allison Rivers Samson

Equipment

• Food Prcessor
• High Speed Blender

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• ¼ cup ice water plus up to 5 additional tablespoons as needed to form a dough

Vegetable Filling:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cups yellow onions diced
• 2 cups button mushrooms sliced
• 1 ⅓ cups carrots diced
• 1 large clove garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ¾ teaspoon dried basil
• ¾ teaspoon dried marjoram
• ¾ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 8 ounces extra-firm tofu (half a 16-ounce block) drained and sliced into tiny cubes
• 1 cup frozen green peas
• 2 ½ cups yellow potatoes cubed, steamed until soft

Béchamel Sauce:

• 3 cups water
• ¾ cup raw cashews
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ cup vegan butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour

Instructions

• To prepare the crust, combine the flour, salt, and vegan butter in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture looks like a coarse meal. Add 1⁄4 cup of ice water and pulse until the dough clumps together, but do not overmix. When you squeeze the clumps with your hand, the mixture should come together to form a pliable (but not moist or sticky) dough. If needed, add more water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach that consistency. Between two sheets of parchment paper on a baking sheet, roll the dough to a 10 × 12-inch rectangle (about 1⁄4 inch thick). Chill the rolled-out dough in the refrigerator (keep it on the baking sheet to make it easy to transfer) for at least 15 minutes.
• To make the vegetable filling, heat the vegetable oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Add the mushrooms, carrots, garlic, salt, basil, marjoram, and pepper and sauté for another 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the tofu, peas, and potatoes. Set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• To make the béchamel sauce, in a high-powered blender, combine the water, cashews, mustard, salt, and nutmeg and blend until completely smooth. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the vegan butter and add the flour. Whisk for 2 minutes until the mixture begins to clump and toast up into a roux. Whisk in the cashew cream mixture. Increase the heat to medium and cook, whisking frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
• Pour the sauce over the sautéed vegetables and stir to combine into a stew. Transfer to a 9 × 13-inch baking dish.
• Remove the chilled crust from the refrigerator and peel off the top sheet of parchment. Lift the bottom sheet of parchment along with the dough and invert the dough onto the top of the stew. Slice 8 to 10 decorative 2-inch slits into the crust as vent holes.
• Place the baking dish onto a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 30 minutes. Turn on the broiler and broil for about 5 minutes to lightly brown the top. Serve hot.

Notes

Friendly Suggestion: No time to make your own piecrust? Frozen crusts work great with this recipe. You can also bake individual pot pies in small ramekins, topping with a round of crust and slicing an X in the center of each top to vent.

Nutrition

Serving: 4g | Calories: 526kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 3g | Sodium: 1263mg | Potassium: 758mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 4045IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 5mg

This vegan chicken pot pie recipe is from The Friendly Vegan Cookbook by Michelle Cehn and Toni Okamoto. Photos by Amanda McGillicuddy. This recipe was published with permission from BenBella Books, 2020, all rights reserved.

The post Easy Vegan Chicken Pot Pie appeared first on World of Vegan.

What do you get when you combine buttery, flaky vegan puff pastry with a rich meatless center of mushrooms and aromatic herbs? This vegetarian mushroom Wellington has incredible layers of flavor packed into every bite, and the recipe is quick enough to whip up anytime.

When you present this grand roast for dinner and carve it table side, any day will instantly feel like a special occasion. No one needs to know just how easy it is to make, or the fact that it’s completely vegan!

Don’t let the title fool you; although it comes from the cookbook Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner and Pies by Audrey Dunham, this is a rockstar entrée that will captivate hungry audiences 365 days a year. The comforting combination of a crisp crust and hearty, umami filling never goes out of season.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Wellington Recipe

Traditionally, a wellington is comprised of a pastry crust stuffed with a steak fillet, pork paté, and sautéed mushrooms. I think we can all agree that cutting out the meat to create a vegan beef Wellington lets us double down on the good stuff for this modern reinterpretation!

Here’s why this is a winning recipe:

• Perfect for a crowd. You can effortlessly feed six very hungry people with one entrée or stretch it even further by pairing it with one or two sides, like fluffy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.
• Eat your veggies! Painlessly sneak in an extra serving of the good stuff thanks to the almost imperceptible addition of spinach. Everyone will be too focused on the savory mushroom goodness to even notice.
• Semi-homemade. There’s nothing wrong with using some store-bought staples to get a kick-start. In fact, it’s such a hassle to make puff pastry from scratch, you’ll probably be happier with the results from a prepared option anyway.
• Gluten-free option. Seek out frozen gluten-free puff pastry if you need to accommodate anyone with Celiac disease. The rest of the recipe naturally contains no wheat ingredients.
• Holiday helper. This is your new best friend for Thanksgiving, but don’t wait all year to get started. It’s also an excellent vegan roast option to serve at Christmas, Hanukkah, Easter, Sunday Dinner, and beyond.

Star Mushroom Wellington Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make this vegan mushroom wellington! Here are the key ingredients you won’t want to skip. For exact measurements, make sure to check out the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post!

Frozen vegan puff pastry: This baking staple is known as a laminated dough, which means that it’s made with alternating layers of butter and flour-based dough. Together, this creates an impossibly light, puffed baked good, often seen in Danishes, croissants, and other confections. Happily, there are many “accidentally” vegan puff pastry options available in the freezer case of most mainstream grocery stores.

Mushrooms: You can’t beat the umami power of a simple sautéed mushroom! Mushrooms take the place of meat in this vegetarian recipe, but do make sure you’ve got mushroom lovers at the table before you serve this up. This recipe technically calls for white button mushrooms, but any sort will do here. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Button mushrooms
• Cremini mushrooms
• Portobello mushrooms
• Oyster mushrooms

Red onions: Pungent and aromatic when raw, red onions become incredibly sweet when gently cooked and caramelized with just a touch of oil. Absolutely everything tastes better when you start with these flavors as a foundation.

Garlic: Is there such a thing as too much garlic? Not in my kitchen! While the recipe calls for 3 cloves, you could easily double or even triple that amount, and I don’t think anyone would complain.

Balsamic vinegar: Lending a bright, contrasting, tangy taste to liven up the whole dish, balsamic adds a splash of acid to balance out and cut through some of the richness.

Water chestnuts: Native to Asia, Africa, and Oceania, the water chestnut is not a nut at all, but an aquatic vegetable that grows in marshes. It has a crisp yet juicy texture that adds a nice crunch to the mushroom filling.

Baby spinach: Fresh is best, but in a pinch, you could also use frozen and thawed spinach, too. For a change of pace, try swapping in different dark leafy greens, such as arugula, chopped kale, or collards.

Tips for Working With Puff Pastry

Though it may seem daunting at first, working with puff pastry is a breeze. No baking experience is required to apply for this job! If this is your first time unfolding the dough, here are some quick tips for the best results:

1. Thaw completely before use. If it’s even remotely icy when you start to unfold the sheet, it’s liable to crack and break at the seams. Stash it in the fridge overnight, or about 8-12 hours, to gently bring it back up to temperature. If you forget and need it that same day, you can also let it sit on the counter for 1-2 hours.
2. Start with a clean, lightly floured work surface and rolling pin. Like any other buttery dough or pastry, it’s liable to get tacky as it warms. Make sure it doesn’t stick to the countertop with just a light sprinkle of all-purpose flour, or any sort of starch if gluten-free.
3. Keep covered when not in use. If you have your pastry rolled and ready to go before the filling, keep it covered with a lightly damp kitchen towel to make sure it doesn’t dry out.
4. Always use a sharp knife. A dull knife will press down through those delicate layers and smush them together, rather than keep them separate. Make sure your blade is super sharp for a proper puff.
5. Chill before baking. Once you have your roast fully assembled and ready to go, pause for a moment to stick it back in the fridge. This helps the warm pastry firm up again and hold its shape better when baked.

With these tips, you’ll be ready to tackle all the vegan puff pastry recipes your heart desires!

Easy Variations

While this is already a showstopping main dish to remember, if you want to take this one over the top, here are just a few quick ways to add some extra decadence:

• Replace some of the mushrooms with fresh shiitake.
• Add a drizzle of truffle oil into the filling.
• Serve with creamy vegan gravy.
• Drizzle with a touch of balsamic glaze before serving.

Serving Suggestions

To turn this beautiful vegan wellington into a full-fledged feast, you’ll need some delicious sides! I love serving it with a vegan green bean casserole, a butternut squash quinoa salad, fluffy mashed potatoes, and some zesty vegan cranberry sauce.

For some non-traditional sides to mix it up, try some simple roasted fall vegetables, or roasted delicata squash.

Don’t forget dessert! This vegan pumpkin pie is always a crowd-pleaser, but if you’ve never tried sweet potato pie, you’re in for a treat!

If you’re making this vegan roast for the holidays, make sure to check out all of our Thanksgiving and Christmas recipes!

More Vegan Puff Pastry Recipes to Try

• Have a delicious Vegan Chicken Pot Pie ready in less than 45 minutes by skipping the crust and using a pre-made puff pastry.
• Love hand pies? These apple pie pockets are perfect with a tender apple filling enveloped in a flaky crust.
• For a quick and easy dessert when you need something last minute, make these Mini Vegan Fruit Tarts With Puff Pastry!
• These football puff pastries make a great game day appetizer!
• Take a shortcut and use puff pastry to make these easy vegan knishes.

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The Perfect Vegan Mushroom Wellington

Flaky, savory, and full of fall flavor, this delicious vegan mushroom Wellington recipe is perfect for a holiday dinner or just a regular weeknight meal. Made with earthy ingredients such as mushrooms, sage, thyme, and spinach, this vegan Wellington makes the perfect centerpiece or side.

Course dinner

Cuisine English

Keyword mushroom Wellington, vegan holiday main recipe idea, vegan holiday recipe, vegan Wellington

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 10 minutes minutes

Servings 3 -6

Calories 726kcal

Author Audrey Dunham

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• food processor
• Chef's Knife
• Rolling Pin
• Pastry brush

Ingredients

• 1 sheet frozen vegan puff pastry
• 1 pound white mushrooms 454 grams
• 3½ tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided 53 ml
• 2 cups chopped red onion 256 grams
• 3 medium cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 30 ml
• ½ cups chopped home-cooked or canned water chestnuts (optional) 70 grams
• ½ tablespoon chopped fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon of dried thyme
• ½ tablespoon chopped fresh sage or ½ teaspoon of dried sage
• ¾ teaspoon salt plus more to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper plus more to taste
• 4 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped 113 grams
• ½ tablespoon unsweetened, plain non-dairy milk

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (approx. 190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
• Take the puff pastry out of the freezer and set aside to thaw. 
• Place the mushrooms in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until crumbly, 10-11 times. Do not over process. 
• Heat 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and sauté until soft, 3-4 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and add the garlic. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes. 
• Add the mushrooms and balsamic vinegar and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated, 10-12 minutes.
• Push the mushroom mixture to the side of the skillet and add 1 tablespoon of oil (15 ml) to the center. Add the water chestnuts, if using, and the thyme, sage, salt, and pepper and sauté until the herbs are fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the spinach and stir until wilted. Incorporate this spinach mixture into the mushroom mixture. Turn off the heat and add more salt and pepper to taste. 
• Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured flat surface so the pastry extends an additional 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in each of the four directions. Transfer to your parchment-lined baking sheet. 
• Add the mushroom mixture to the center of the pastry and form into a loaf shape. Fold both of the long sides up to meet in the center and pinch to seal the two together. Trim any excess pastry off the two short ends so you’re left with roughly 1 ½ inches (about 4 cm) of pastry on either side. (The trimmed pieces of puff pastry dough can be used to make a decorative braid or design and placed on top of the Wellington just before baking.) Take the two short ends and fold them up and over the top of the Wellington. Gently turn the loaf over so all seams are now underneath. 
• Using a very sharp knife, score two rows of 1-inch (2.5-cm) diagonal slits across the top of the Wellington. Pierce a few small holes in each side, as well. 
• Combine the remaining ½ tablespoon of oil and the milk in a small bowl and brush a light coating over the entire surface of the Wellington. 
• Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown, rotating the baking sheet at the 20-minute mark. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing into thick slices.

Notes

FOR BEST GLUTEN-FREE VERSION:
Use gluten-free frozen puff pastry. 

MAKE-AHEAD TIP: 
The mushroom mixture (steps 3-6) can be prepared up to 2 days in advance. Cool for 15 minutes before storing in the fridge in an airtight container. When needed, allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before adding to the center of your puff pastry. Complete all the remaining steps just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 726kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 48g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 30g | Sodium: 835mg | Potassium: 1007mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3609IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 5mg

This vegan Wellington recipe was adapted with permission from Vegan Thanksgiving Dinner & Pies by Audrey Dunham. Vegan Wellington photos by J.J. Steele.

The post The Perfect Vegan Mushroom Wellington appeared first on World of Vegan.

Imagine two slices of your favorite crusty bread (or use a squishy white bread if you wish, no judgement!) air-fried until golden brown and crispy and then filled with a scoop of each of the most savory and scrumptious dishes from your Thanksgiving feast. To finish it off, you can top it with a generous spoonful of warm and peppery plant-based gravy. Are you drooling yet?

If it’s not quite Thanksgiving yet, do yourself a favor and bookmark this page (or better yet, share it on social media!) so that you will have it for future use. You’ll be glad to have it on hand the day after the enticing event. Also, don’t forget to check out our full vegan Thanksgiving guide for more ideas and recipes!

Are you ready to make the most out of your luscious leftovers? Let’s get cooking!

Why This Recipe Is So Awesome

On the whole, sandwiches are really versatile and are perfect for personalization. We have dozens of reasons why this recipe is a must-make, but read below and judge for yourself. (We bet you’ll agree!)

• Quick and easy
• Great way to use up leftovers before they spoil (Yay, less food waste!)
• Super tasty and fun to make
• Perfect for meal prepping or on-the-go lunches
• Dairy-free (and also nut-free and soy-free, depending on which ingredients you use)

Tips for Serving Up Your Savory Vegan Thanksgiving Sandwich

Because this meal is such a mishmash of mouthwatering ingredients, the best approach for serving it is simplicity. That way, you can easily appreciate the individual elements as you bite into them without confusing your plant-based palette. Which of the vegan sandwich ideas below tempt you the most?

• Opt for Open-Faced – Grab your fork and make the choice to have a vegan open sandwich for a change. Instead of a single sandwich, you can top each slice with as many toppings as you wish, toast, and then slather with gravy. So decadent and delicious!
• Pile on the Pie – Thanksgiving dishes never seem complete without a slice of apple, pumpkin, pecan, or chocolate pie. Serve your succulent sandwich alongside a sweet slice of warm and wonderful pie. Heaven!
• Supplement With Salad – We know, we know…this is not the most exciting side, but it would be the most filling and nutrient dense. If you’re worried about overdoing it with leftovers, then adding a heavy dose of fiber from the salad greens will help to balance out the rest. Try this out with tahini dressing—it’s incredible!

How To Make This Vegan Air Fryer Sandwich

If we’re being totally honest here, you can pretty much make this sandwich by slapping everything you like between two pieces of bread. But, (hear us out) we feel that the arrangement of the yummy Thanksgiving leftovers makes a big difference in the enjoyment of this vegan sandwich. Trust us just this once and you’ll be so happy you did!

1. Gather all Thanksgiving leftovers and two slices of bread.
2. Preheat the air fryer at 400 degrees for 5 minutes (or turn on your oven/heat up the skillet).
3. Spread the cranberry sauce on one side of the bread, add the mashed potatoes (and/or stuffing), and smoosh it down. Sprinkle with corn and peas. Add the slices of vegan deli turkey, plant-based meat, or lentil loaf. Finally, spread the gravy onto the other slice of bread and place it on top (with gravy on the inside). Season with salt and pepper. Spray the top of the bread with a little bit of oil.
4. Place the sandwich in the air fryer and cook for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Turn, spray the other side with oil, and cook for another 3 minutes.
5. Slice diagonally or vertically (let us know which one you like better in the comments!) and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this a vegan gluten-free Thanksgiving sandwich?

Great question! Consider three things: the bread, the stuffing, and the vegan meat. If you’re able to use a vegan, gluten free bread and stuffing—yay! Many vegan Thanksgiving roasts are made with vital wheat gluten, so try to find a substitute by choosing a slice of lentil (or bean) loaf, gluten-free vegan turkey slices, or even marinated slices of tofu or tempeh flavored with parsley, thyme, rosemary, sage, and black pepper. You can easily make a vegan tofu cutlet to put into the sandwich.

I don’t have an air fryer. Can I still make this air fryer sandwich recipe?

Absolutely! This vegan sandwich can easily be heated up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (warm, but soft), in the oven at same temperature for 10-15 minutes (or until desired crispiness), or on the stovetop using a non-stick skillet. Bring heat to medium high and fry on one side for approximately 4 minutes and then 2-4 minutes on the other. Keep a careful eye on it while cooking because it really does depend on your skillet and the heat from your stovetop.

Adding oil is not an option for me. How can I adapt this vegan thanksgiving turkey recipe?

No worries at all. You can completely eliminate the spray oil if you wish. The sandwich will still toast up and taste amazing, though it might not have the same crispiness or golden color. 

Equipment You’ll Need 

There’s no need to stress about the kitchen equipment you’ll need for this recipe. No matter which method you use (air fryer, microwave, skillet, or toaster), we can promise that it will be the best vegan sandwich you’ve ever made.

• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Air Fryer
• Sharp Knife
• Spatula

If you try this vegetarian sandwich recipe, let us know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook for even more vegan recipe inspiration.

Simple Storage

Because this recipe is all about the leftovers, you can keep making this vegan turkey sandwich fresh any time you have the urge. If you’re planning on making the sandwich to eat later, make sure to wrap it up well in either a plant-based wax paper, recycled aluminum foil, or covered container. (Adding a paper napkin around your sandwich does help a little to absorb excess moisture.) It’s best if you heat it up right before eating, but if you don’t mind your sandwich a little soggy, then you can air fry it before storing.

You can technically freeze this meal, but it’s not recommended. If you’ll never be able to get through all of your Thanksgiving leftovers in time, just freeze each food separately and then defrost before making into a sandwich. Individual items should last 2-3 months in the freezer, if stored correctly.

More Tantalizing Thanksgiving Recipes to Try

• Glazed Seitan Turkey Roast
• Sweet Potato Pie
• Garlic and Kale Potato Cakes
• Homemade Cranberry Sauce
• Quick and Easy Mushroom-Free Gravy
• Sweet Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
• Simple Roasted Delicata Squash (with Air Fryer option)
• Vegan Jalapeno Cornbread Muffins
• Herbed Air Fryer Kabocha Squash
• Sweet Squash Bisque
• Garlic Green Beans and Cranberries

Also, if you’re searching for more sandwich ideas for a party or small gathering, check out our Vegan Tea Sandwiches and Tea Party Tips guide!

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Ultimate Air Fryer Sandwich With Thanksgiving Leftovers

This ultimate air fryer sandwich with Thanksgiving leftovers is possibly the messiest and most mouthwatering air fryer sandwich you’ll have all year! There’s no end to the luscious leftovers that you can add to your vegan Thanksgiving sandwich. Say goodbye to food waste and say hello to quick and easy lunches all week long. Warm, savory, and absolutely delicious!

Course Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword air-fried sandwich, thanksgiving leftovers recipe, vegan holiday recipe, vegan sandwich, vegan thanksgiving recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 15 minutes minutes

Servings 1 large sandwich

Calories 267kcal

Author Gina House | World of Vegan

Ingredients

• 2 slices bread your choice
• 1 tablespoon cranberry sauce
• ¼ cup mashed potatoes and/or bread stuffing
• 1 sprinkling corn and peas optional
• 1 tablespoon vegan gravy
• a few vegan turkey deli slices or a thick slice of veggie roast or lentil loaf
• ½ teaspoon salt and pepper or to taste
• Oil spray

Instructions

• Place all of your Thanksgiving leftovers on the kitchen counter and place the slices of bread on a plate.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is heating up, assemble the sandwich. Spread the cranberry sauce evenly on one slice of bread, add the potatoes (and/or stuffing), and smoosh it down a bit. Top with corn and peas, if using. Add the slices of vegan deli turkey, plant-based meat, or lentil loaf on next. Finally, spread the gravy onto the other slice of bread and place it on top (with gravy on the inside). Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
• At this time, you can include anything else that you like—just make sure that you don’t make the finished sandwich too big so that it will be difficult to turn halfway through cooking.
• Carefully place the sandwich into the air fryer basket.
• Spray the outside of the top slice of bread with a little bit of oil.
• Cook for 5 minutes at 350 degrees until the outside looks crisp and golden and then gently flip the sandwich over, use a little more spray oil on the other slice of bread, and cook for another 3 minutes. Check often once you flip the sandwich over so that it doesn’t burn. Once done, use a spatula to remove the sandwich. Slice in half or diagonally and enjoy immediately!

Notes

• Other Cooking Methods – This sandwich can easily be heated up in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (warm, but soft), in the oven at same temperature for 10-15 minutes (or until desired crispiness), or on the stovetop using a non-stick skillet. Bring heat to medium high and fry on one side for approximately 4 minutes and then 2-4 minutes on the other. Keep a careful eye on it while cooking because it really does depend on your skillet and the heat from your stovetop.
• Gluten-Free Version – Use a gluten-free, vegan bread and also choose a vegetable, soy, or bean-based loaf (such as lentil, chickpea, etc) instead of the vegan roasts, which are often made solely of wheat gluten.

Nutrition

Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 1668mg | Potassium: 123mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 3mg

This air fryer sandwich recipe made with vegan Thanksgiving leftovers toasted was created and written by Gina House for World of Vegan. Vegan food photography by JJ Steele. Edited by Amanda Meth.

The post Ultimate Air Fryer Sandwich (Made With Thanksgiving Leftovers) appeared first on World of Vegan.