Khoollect tips: planning a very veggie Christmas dinner

As a long-time vegetarian, a question I’m frequently asked at Christmastime is: ‘but, if not meat, what can you eat?’

Without the turkey (for those in the Northern Hemisphere) or the cold ham and seafood (for those in the south), friends and family can feel a little lost about which meat-free options they can serve. But, an animal- and cruelty-free Christmas dinner can be every bit as delicious as its meatier version, and a little easier to prepare. Luckily, in my family (hi Mum!), veganism is welcomed and all foodie needs are accommodated; but, if you’re tired of lugging microwavable veggie sausages to your Christmas events, try whipping up something that even your most carnivorous friends will want to take home in doggy bags.

Some dishes that often contain meats or animal products can be easily adapted for vegetarians and vegans. For example, potatoes and other vegetable sides can be easily cooked in oil rather than lard, goose and duck fats, or butter. You can do without sprinklings of bacon on your Brussels sprouts (or serve your toppings to the side), gravy can be made delicious with a little red wine and onion rather than meat, and soy-based creams can be mixed with brandy to serve on desserts.

Things to keep in mind when prepping for a very veggie Christmas is that you may need to check your cheeses are veggie friendly, that fruit mince pies don’t contain suet or gelatin, and that your stock is vegetable-based rather than chicken or beef-based.

The thing that trips many people up is their want to keep dishes traditional on Christmas Day, but why not make new traditions and draw inspiration from seasonal celebrations across the world?

Here’s some delicious vegetarian recipes you might like to consider serving on your Christmas dinner table this year:

• Firecracker salad will bring a burst of colour to your table and satisfy vegans,vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. Those in the Southern Hemisphere can nosh on this one, poolside, with a cocktail in hand.
• Tortina Vedura (vegetable tart) can be served hot or cold, depending on your climate, and the green of the leaves add a little festive flair.
• Spice Pumpkin Salad is a great sharing dish that is hearty enough for the non-veggie guests and full of the good stuff. Pair with a slice of nut roast and a glass of festive cheer.
• Macaroni Cheese is ideal for a cold British Christmas (but, of course, not ideal for vegan guests), and will warm you from the inside.
• Warm goats cheese and lentil salad is a wholesome and tasty dish that’ll leave (a little) room for desserts to come!

There’s a few ideas to get you started, but the options are endless. Tell us, what veggie dishes do you serve up at Christmas?