Posted on December 03, 2015 by Kate Halsall

For the last few years, we host an early Christmas dinner for our friends. So whilst this blog may seem a little early, my meal planning has to happen NOW. Last year I shared what I would be eating at Christmas and it gave some of you some new ideas for veggies, vegans and meat eaters a like. As such we’re sharing again, so here is my Vegan Christmas!

I’m not going to post all the recipes here – but if you are inspired, please get in touch! And before you read on let me stress here , this menu will seem a little carby – but there’s a lot of protein here also, and more importantly it’s HEALTHY. If you can’t have a few extra healthy carbs at Christmas, then there’s just no point having Christmas Dinner!!

• Starter: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

With lots of garlic and chilli. I may even add red lentils, I haven’t really decided yet. But this is the perfect winter warmer to start the meal with.

• Main: Ratatouille Vegetable Tarts

I bet some of you gasped then – a tart, pastry, for a personal trainer, no way!! Actually you’re correct – no way! I’m making the base out of quinoa. It’s a first for me too so I’m excited, but this came recommended and the recipe seems easy – what could possibly go wrong?!

• Sides:

1. Sprouts! I love them. Usually I Stir Fry them with chilli and garlic, although this year I’m also toying with making sprout bhaji’s (healthy of course)…..I did also find a recipe for ginger and sesame sprouts
2. Kale or Savoy Cabbage. I’m getting hungry now. I’ve been looking at braised cabbage with shallots, but honestly I’ll either steam or stir fry for ease.
3. Roasted Veg. I’m not a parsnip fan…eugh…so this will generally refer to beetroot and potatoes – yum!

• Pudding: Roasted stone fruit crumble

Slurp! Remember that rhubarb recipe we posted a month or so ago? Well I’m replacing the rhubarb with peaches, nectarines and apricots; lots of vanilla and some cardamom.

Contrary to belief, a Vegan Christmas doesn’t have to be boring!

Enjoy!