Vegan food includes anything that doesn’t contain ingredients derived from animals, such as dairy, eggs, honey and meat. You don’t necessarily have to be vegan to enjoy the many great recipes that come with being part of the lifestyle. Whether you’ve made the switch or you simply want to try something new, there are plenty of dishes to discover.
Trying your hand at vegan recipes can help you sharpen your cooking skills and broaden your horizons to new ingredients that you might not have used before. So, if your new year’s resolutions include adding a little more variety to your kitchen pantry, be sure to check out these 5 delicious vegan recipes for 2020.
Roasted Squash Puree
Thanks to a drizzle of maple syrup, this vegan roasted butternut squash becomes equal parts healthy and delicious. You can either roast the butternut and use it to complement other dishes on your dinner table, or stick it into a blender for a smooth, creamy and super-convenient puree.
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Being vegan doesn’t necessarily require forgoing the nostalgic joy of getting stuck into a hearty bowl of mac and cheese. Thanks to a few clever substitutes that in no way compromise on flavor or nutrition, you can enjoy everyone’s favorite childhood dish without making an impact.
Vegan Chocolate Cake
If you thought that vegan cake would be a bland and crumbly alternative to a traditional egg-and-butter cake, you’ll be glad to know that this is far from true. Again, it all comes down to making some strategic substitutions. This includes a dairy-free milk, such as almond, soy or cashew. Instead of butter, you can use vegan spread.
As for the eggs, you can pick up a simple egg replacement from an online store. Be sure to avoid over-mixing, but you want the ingredients to be blended completely. Baking will take between 30-35 minutes and you can finish off with whatever ingredients tickle your fancy, such as cinnamon or vegan dark chocolate shavings.
Kale, Black Bean and Avocado Burrito Bowl
This recipe is not only delicious, but each and every ingredient is packed with tons of nutrition, making it an excellent lunch or occasional snack when made in smaller portions. Instead of using raw kale, you’ll be marinating it for a unique and vastly superior taste. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and hot sauce for extra flair.
Cucumber and Melon Soup
This unlikely pairing of cool cucumbers and delicious honeydew works amazingly well when complemented with the right ingredients. In addition to the cucumber and melon, you’ll need some flat-leaf parsley, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, a tablespoon of fresh lime juice, salt, pepper, sugar and watercress. Simply blend until buttery smooth and refrigerate for at least one hour.
While undoubtedly a tasty introduction to the world of vegan food, these five recipes are only a fraction of what’s out there. Choosing to be more conscious about what you eat is a great resolution for the year ahead, and having the right dishes to help you along will make it all the more easier to stick to your goals.
