Whether you’re an old-time vegan, a newbie, or just up for a challenge, these recipes are worth checking out. As the name suggests, veganuary is a challenge that dares you to eat only vegan foods for the entire month of January. It started in 2014 in the United Kingdom, and it didn’t take long for it to reach the US. The idea is to try out the plant-based lifestyle for a month. The hope is that maybe when the whole thing’s over, you’ll want to convert into a full-time vegan. With how mouthwatering these dishes are, I think the chances of that happening are pretty high. Begin your January with these 30 phenomenal veganuary recipes!
1. Vegan Shepherd’s Pie
This vegan shepherd’s pie packs all the flavors of the traditional dish with a plant-based twist. Traditionally made with beef and topped with mashed potatoes, this vegan version swaps in lentils, corn, and carrots for meat. To top it off, the creamy mashed potato topping is made with vegan butter and plant-based milk. It’s a savory and satisfying meal that will please both vegans and carnivores alike.
2. Crispy Roasted Gnocchi with Garlic Mushrooms
If you think the only way to cook gnocchi is to pan-fry them in butter, think again! Roast the dumplings, and they’ll be nice and crispy on the outside, and just as fluffy and pillowy on the inside. The dish is also packed with flavor, thanks to the addition of garlic, mushrooms, pine nuts, pesto, and nutritional yeast. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal or as a tasty appetizer.
3. Vegan Japchae
This Korean stir-fry typically includes beef and/or eggs. But swapping in vegan-friendly tofu and mushrooms delivers all the flavor and texture without the meat. And don’t skimp on those veggies. The bouncy glass noodles are definitely the star of the dish. But japchae is also all about balancing the mix of flavors and textures. Do go wild with carrots, spinach, zucchini, and any other veggies you have on hand.
4. Vegan Quesadillas with Homemade Cheese
These vegan quesadillas are shockingly cheesy and ooey-gooey, even without dairy. Don’t freak out about the “homemade cheese” part. Making your own vegan mozzarella isn’t hard at all. In fact, all you’ll need are cashews, tapioca starch, nutritional yeast, and other vegan staples. And it only takes 15 minutes! Make your quesadillas extra with toppings like salsa and avocado. Mmm.
5. Vegan Curry with Tofu
This curry isn’t only vegan-friendly, but it’s also packed with flavor and protein thanks to the tofu and a perfect blend of Indian spices. This recipe is terrific, but don’t be afraid to experiment with different veggies and spices. The possibilities are endless! Serve your vegan curry over rice or with naan for a satisfying and cruelty-free meal.
6. Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco
Roasting cauliflower adds an amazing depth of flavor. These tacos are made with roasted almonds, garlic, fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers, maple syrup, and lemon juice. The sauce adds some heat to complement the smokiness of the veggies. Serve these tacos on your favorite tortillas and top them with avocado, cilantro, and lime for an unforgettable meal.
7. Vegetable Dumplings
Whether you’re looking for a vegan party appetizer or a hearty snack, why not give vegetable dumplings a try? These little morsels of goodness are packed with flavor and are incredibly versatile. Fill them with your favorite combination of veggies like shredded cabbage, carrots, mushrooms, and tofu. Serve the dumplings with soy sauce for dipping for added flair. You can also make a big batch and freeze them for easy dinners down the road.
8. Vegan Bolognese Sauce
Make your vegan pasta dishes taste meaty without the meat with this vegan bolognese sauce recipe! It’s made with ground walnuts and mushrooms. This bolognese packs a satisfyingly meaty texture and is extra tasty thanks to spices like oregano, garlic, and thyme. Feel free to add additional veggies like diced carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition. Serve it over your favorite pasta for a filling dinner. Delish.
9. Vegan Butter Cauliflower
Cauliflower is soaked in spiced coconut milk and pan-charred to perfection. Tossed with a creamy vegan butter sauce, this dish is the epitome of vegan indulgence. It’s a hit at dinner parties and makes delicious leftovers for lunch the next day. Plus, it’s simple to make with ingredients that can easily be found at your local grocery store. Don’t believe me? Give it a try and see for yourself!
10. Dal Tadka
One of my absolute favorite veganuary recipes is dal tadka, a staple in Indian cuisine. Traditionally made with split lentils, this dish is loaded with flavor thanks to the tempering of spices in hot oil or ghee. You can achieve a similar result by using a vegan alternative for ghee, such as coconut oil or vegan butter. Serve with rice or flatbreads for the ultimate comfort food experience. Don’t forget a dollop of creamy vegan yogurt on top!
11. Vegan Thai Red Curry
Who needs meat when you have a colorful assortment of veggies? This Thai red curry isn’t just about the delectable sauce, but the hearty vegetables, as well. Featuring roasted cauliflower, carrots, potatoes, bell peppers, and more, this dish will satisfy your taste buds and hunger. Plus, it’s easy to customize with whatever vegetables you have on hand or enjoy the most. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal, and top with some crispy tofu or cashews for extra protein.
12. Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry
Butternut squash soup plus chickpea curry equals the ultimate rainy-day stew! I can’t think of a better way to warm up my freezing bones than with this amazing vegan curry. This curry is extra special because the butternut squash is roasted beforehand. This gives it even sweeter and more caramelized flavors. That, along with the epic chickpea curry, makes this dish beyond divine.
13. Best Vegan Spaghetti
The secret to the surprising meatiness of this vegan spaghetti? Two things: ground mushrooms and walnuts. Together with tomato paste and a ton of spices, these two make the most delectable spaghetti sauce. Even meat lovers will fall in love with it. So the next time you’re stuck on what to cook for dinner, give this vegan spaghetti a try. You won’t be disappointed.
14. Best Vegan Meatballs
These vegan meatballs are packed with protein and flavors that will satisfy even the most avid meat eater. Plus, they can be easily added to any dish. Toss them in spaghetti and marinara sauce for a vegan twist on classic Italian fare. Or, add them to a vegan hoagie for a delicious sandwich filling. These vegan meatballs also freeze well and can be cooked quickly in the oven or on the stovetop. They’re perfect for busy weeknight dinners. It’s veganism, made easy.
15. Vegan Mediterranean Buddha Bowl
This gorgeous rainbow bowl is exploding with color, flavor, and nutrition! The thing I love about rice bowls is that you’re free to use whatever fresh vegetables you have on hand. For this recipe, you’ll make a Mediterranean salad of greens, chickpeas, red peppers, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and more. But again, you can tweak the ingredients to whatever’s available. No matter what you do, though, don’t skip the dressing. It’s the best part! A blend of tahini, lemon juice, garlic powder, cumin, and salt, the sauce is filled with rich, umami flavors with a tangy twist.
16. Teriyaki Tofu Rice Bowl
Here’s another vegan rice bowl I’m sure even carnivores will enjoy. I mean, who doesn’t love anything coated with teriyaki sauce, amirite? Pan-fried tofu cubes are bathed in a sweet and savory teriyaki glaze, and served on a bed of fluffy white rice. Top your bowl with fresh veggies like sliced bell peppers or steamed broccoli for added texture and nutrition.
17. Vegan Spanish White Bean Stew
Packaged with protein and fiber from the white beans, this stew is sure to leave you feeling full and satisfied. But that’s not why you’ll want to make this stew. It’s the phenomenal flavors and textures. Paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor that complements the garlic and onions, while the tomatoes add a pop of brightness. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping for a hearty and cozy meal.
18. Vegan Stuffed Jumbo Shells with Spinach
Stuffed with a homemade spinach ricotta filling, these jumbo pasta shells are nothing short of mind-blowing. But it’s the fact that the stuffing is so ridiculously cheese-free and yet vegan that truly blows me away. Turns out, a simple blend of cashews, tofu, nutritional yeast, and herbs will do the trick!
19. Firecracker Vegan Lettuce Wraps
These are not your ordinary vegan lettuce wraps, folks! Sure, they’re wrapped in lettuce, and yeah they have tofu bits and a delectable firecracker sauce. But they also have a secret something that makes them out-of-this-world delicious: brown rice noodles. They’re carbs, alright, but they’re made with brown rice, which is healthier and rich in fiber, so it’s alright.
20. Vegan Pesto Pasta
If you think about it, pesto sauce is actually already mostly vegan, except for the parmesan cheese. The solution is simple: nutritional yeast. If you haven’t heard of it yet, it’s time to add this vegan staple to your pantry. This deactivated yeast is filled with cheesy and nutty flavors, making it the perfect addition to veganuary recipes. It’s also packed with B vitamins and protein. It’s a healthy and delicious option for topping salads, popcorn, and best of all, pesto!
21. Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme
While there is a way to order vegan at Taco Bell, why will you when you can make your very own vegan Crunchwrap Supreme at home? The combination of browned sofritas tofu, black beans, cashew queso, and vegetables on a crispy tostada crunch is just as satisfying.
22. Sweet Potato Chili
This sweet potato chili. is wonderfully warm and comforting. The sweet potatoes add an extra depth of flavor and texture to the dish! Their heartiness makes them a perfect meatless substitute. Black beans add protein and texture, while cocoa powder makes it taste like chocolate. I kid, of course. The cocoa powder does nothing but amp up the chili’s flavor!
23. Roasted Stuffed Butternut Squash
Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind when thinking about fresh produce. But it’s actually a great time for root vegetables like squash. Roasting them brings out their natural sweetness, and stuffing them with a tasty filling makes for a satisfying vegan meal. The filling includes quinoa, mushrooms, kale, and walnuts for an epic combination of texture and flavor. Top it all off with some vegan Parmesan cheese or nutty avocado slices for an extra hit of yumminess.
24. Creamy Vegan One-Pot Pasta
We can all agree that it’s super easy to make a creamy pasta dish. What about one that’s vegan, though? Well, it turns out, it’s not that hard at all. Thanks to cashews and nutritional yeast, you can still make a gloriously creamy pasta dish even without dairy.
25. Vegan Caramelized Onion Pasta
A dish with caramelized onions in it is guaranteed to be exceptional. A case in point is this vegan pasta dish. With just how sweet and umami-rich the onions are in this dish, absolutely no one will miss the meat. Not only is it vegan, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make. If you think caramelizing onions takes forever, surprise! You need less than an hour to make this whole dish!
26. Vegan Taco Salad with Creamy Southwestern Dressing
Salads don’t have to be bland and boring, and this recipe is proof. A mix of ingredients you’d normally see in tacos, this salad is far from boring, for sure. It’s packed with black beans, colorful veggies, and taco-seasoned chickpea walnut crumbles, to boot. For the dressing, you have a creamy sauce with a southwestern twist! It’s made with vegan yogurt, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and lots of herbs and spices. This sauce is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything.
27. Vegan Slow Cooker Peanut Stew
A stew made with peanuts? I know that sounds kind of odd, but hear me out. Drawing inspiration from the West African dish, maafe, this stew is made of chickpeas, sweet potatoes, and peanut butter. Simmered in the slow cooker for 6 hours, this seemingly unassuming stew is packed with serious flavors.
28. Vegan Biscuits and Gravy
The classic Southern dish biscuits and gravy may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of vegan recipes. But it’s actually quite easy to veganize. Simply swap out the sausage for vegan alternatives such as tofu or plant-based breakfast sausage. Then, use non-dairy milk and vegan butter in the sauce. The result is a hearty, comforting dish that will please any vegan or non-vegan alike.
29. One-Pot Mushroom Stroganoff
This vegan dish is made with a combination of delicious, earthy mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and cashew butter. This one-pot mushroom stroganoff is sure to be a hit. Serve it over wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes for a comforting winter meal.
30. Instant Pot Vegan Chili Mac and Cheese
If you’re looking for a delicious, vegan twist on classic comfort food, look no further than chili mac and cheese! This dish combines the spicy flavors of chili with creamy vegan cheese sauce and pasta for a satisfying meal. The vegan chili adds protein and fiber, while the vegan cheese gives it that gooey, indulgent texture. Top it off with some diced tomatoes, avocado slices, or jalapenos for extra flavor and crunch. Click on a star to rate it!
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