Every holiday, I try a make a few vegan-friendly dishes for our family and friends to enjoy. In a family of devoted meat-eaters, showing up to Christmas dinner with “vegan” anything can go terribly. They show physical signs of disgust when you mention words like “quinoa,” “kale,” or “agave syrup.”
Then they are too hesitant to even taste the chocolate cookies you made because you told them you used coconut oil instead of butter. To skeptical vegans and open-minded carnivores, I have included a few tried-and-true vegan recipes that no one will know are vegan.
Breakfast:
1. Banana Pancakes
These banana pancakes from Group Recipes
The ripe banana in this recipe works well to bind the batter together (like eggs normally would) and adds a little sweetness. This recipe can be used in waffle irons as well. For extra fluffy pancakes, mix all of the ingredients in a blender and add just enough water to made the batter pourable. Enjoy with fruit, syrup or a butter substitute (like Earth Balance).
2. Avocado Toast
Not that you need a recipe for avocado toast, but just in case, here is a simple one from Food52.
Though it verges on basic, I’ll be the first to admit that I love avocado toast. Many types of bread are vegan, but you should check the ingredients list for milk products or eggs. For people that find avocado toast boring, add a little salt and pepper or drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
Lunch and Dinner:
3. Vegan Chili
For a filling and protein-rich option, try this Vegan Chili from Food.com
There are many variations on the recipe and you can include things you like or exclude things you don’t. I like to throw in any vegetables I have around (carrot, celery, cauliflower, broccoli) as well as chickpeas and potato
4. Tomato Basil Pasta
As an added bonus, the whole thing can be made in one pot! Try this version from Ordinary Vegan.
Many dried, boxed pastas are vegan, but it's always a good idea to check the ingredients to be sure. If you like your pasta with a little olive oil, salt and pepper, you can stop there. For fall and winter, roasted butternut squash is a nice addition.
5. Mashed Potatoes
Try this easy recipe from Minimalist Baker
Vegan mashed potatoes are an easy substitution for the dairy-rich version. A magical butter alternative called Earth Balance (made from a blend of plant oils) is great for any recipe that calls for butter. No one will ever know.
6. Olive Oil and Rosemary Dinner Rolls
Try this recipe from RecipeGirl. It calls for regular butter but you can just substitute Earth Balance or another dairy-free alternative!
Everyone loves bread. The rosemary earns you extra "fancy" points.
Dessert:
7. Banana Bread
This Food Network banana bread recipe is my favorite, vegan or otherwise.
You can make these into muffins and add nuts, raisins or (my fav) vegan-friendly chocolate chips.
8. Chocolate Chip Cookies
This Betty Crocker chocolate cookie recipe is simple and will taste as good (or better) than any non-vegan cookies.
The key to making these is finding chocolate chips that don't contain dairy (as many have milk fat). There are a number of "accidentally vegan" options, including Trader Joe's chocolate chips.
Hopefully, these recipes will reduce the number of people who physically recoil when you say the word "vegan." Enjoy!
