Yes, there are plenty of plant-based comfort food recipes that are perfect for beginners to try. Whether you’re new to cooking or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are both delicious and easy to make. Below, I’ve outlined a few simple and tasty options that are sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
1. Vegan Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that many people love. This plant-based version is just as creamy and flavorful as the original, but without any dairy. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
- Cook 2 cups of elbow macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a blender, combine 1 cup of soaked cashews, 1 cup of vegetable broth, 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast, 1 tsp of garlic powder, and salt to taste. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir to combine. Feel free to add in any additional seasonings or veggies, like broccoli or peas.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
2. Lentil Shepherd’s Pie
Shepherd’s pie is a hearty and comforting dish that can easily be made plant-based by swapping out the meat for lentils. This recipe is full of savory flavors and is perfect for chilly nights. Here’s how to make it:
- Cook 1 cup of lentils according to package instructions.
- Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery in a pan until softened. Add in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the cooked lentils, frozen peas, corn, tomato paste, vegetable broth, and seasonings (like thyme, rosemary, and salt) to the pan. Simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer the lentil mixture to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes. Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown.
3. Chickpea Curry
Curry is another comforting dish that is easy to make and packed with flavor. This chickpea curry recipe is both satisfying and simple, making it perfect for beginners. Here’s how to whip it up:
- Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic in a pan until softened.
- Add in curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in a can of coconut milk, a can of diced tomatoes, and drained chickpeas. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve over rice and garnish with fresh cilantro. Feel free to add in extra veggies like spinach or sweet potatoes.
4. Vegan Chili
Chili is a classic comfort food that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This plant-based version is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Here’s a simple recipe to try:
- In a large pot, sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic until softened.
- Add in canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained and rinsed beans (like black beans and kidney beans), quinoa, vegetable broth, and seasonings (like chili powder, cumin, and paprika).
- Simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chili has thickened and the quinoa is cooked through.
- Top with avocado, vegan sour cream, and chopped green onions.
5. Vegan Banana Bread
Who doesn’t love a slice of warm, freshly baked banana bread? This vegan version is moist, flavorful, and perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Here’s a straightforward recipe to get you started:
- Mash 3 ripe bananas in a bowl.
- Add in melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and non-dairy milk. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.