Not another nut roast, please! If I were vegetarian, I’d probably dread accepting Christmas invitations from friends or family, in anticipation of the doomed nut roast. There’s more to veggie Christmas than just nuts, yet the nut roast seems to be the perennial option.
It does make some sense, because nuts are a good source of protein, and what we want to provide for the pesky veggie diners is the protein element. That sorted, they can then partake in all the sides as long as those have been cooked without beef stock or bacon lardons.
But apart from nuts (present in one of the recipes below but not as a roast), we can use mushrooms, pulses and beans, all excellent sources of protein. With the additions of pine nuts, cheese and even nori sheets in one instance, the vegetarian mains will be healthy and delicious.
Nuts, but in a completely novel presentation. Cabbage baked with a savoury mixture of onions, walnuts, spices and herbs, this Ottolenghi-inspired dish is perfect for Christmas dinner. Topped with sour cream, it's a tasty and satisfying meal that's easy to make and sure to impress.
Cabbage and walnut casserole
RECIPE
Lentils are packed with protein, and much better value if they are cooked from scratch. This bake also features mushrooms, with red peppers and spinach for vibrant colour. It might be a serious competition to turkey!
Lentils with mushrooms and spinach
RECIPE
Black bean stuffed sweet potatoes with melted cheese, with sour cream topping and sliced avocado – that’s a healthy and delicious vegetarian meal! Make it vegan, if you use dairy free cheese and cream.
Sweet potatoes with black beans
RECIPE
This is certainly a stunning showpiece: a vegetarian Wellington, with a mushroom and spinach layer around baked celeriac centre. It’s easy to make ahead which is always an advantage at Christmas, and it’s easy to make it vegan: just use vegan pastry and skip the butter.
Celeriac, mushroom and spinach Wellington
RECIPE
Tomato and chickpea tray bake with chunks of feta roasting upon the vegetables, spiced and sweet with honey and chilli dressing. That’s an easy vegetarian meal that ticks all the boxes: rich in protein, goes with roast potatoes on the side and it’s delicious.
Tomato and chickpea tray bake
RECIPE
Potato babka is an unusual and tasty alternative to a boring nut roast. It’s inspired by a classic Polish peasant food dish, though the original is often made with bacon. Lavishly seasoned grated potato mass studded with peppers and mushrooms baked till crisp in a loaf tin.
Butter beans with tomatoes and spinach – it’s a health bomb! And very trending at the moment: these are cool beans. You can use ready-cooked beans from a jar for convenience, but make sure it’s good quality.
Tomato and spinach butter beans
RECIPE