Happy Home-Cooked Vegetarian Christmas

Christmas is synonymous with turkey and bacon wrapped sausages, but being vegetarian at this time of year doesn’t have to just be about the bland nut roast. Here's Wendy, with some seasonal vegetarian Christmas menu recipes to see you through the festive season.

Wendy's Vegetarian Christmas Menu Recipes

Starter

For years I’ve served soup as an easy vegetarian starter, but this year I want to branch out a bit. When you think of seasonal vegetables in December, most people think of Brussels sprouts, but the vibrantly-coloured beetroot is also in season in December. I’ve found two beetroot-based starters to try, which look and sound delicious: This lentil and beetroot couscous with halloumi from Delicious Magazine. And this marinated beetroot with grilled goat’s cheese from BBC Good Food. They are both delicious, which makes it a hard decision to choose between the two!  

Main Course

Try this delicious vegetarian kale, chestnut and mushroom pie from Delicious Magazine, as a tasty alternative to nut roast. Alternatively, try this butternut squash and filo pie recipe for a pie that’s going to ‘wow’ even the most die-hard meat eater.  

Dessert

A surprising amount of shop-bought desserts contain gelatin, so I tend to try and make my own dessert. One that I’ve made for years is this bread and butter brioche pudding, spiced up with whisky and marmalade. Adding some dark chocolate to the recipe is a move that is heartily recommended by me! Alternatively, this gingerbread cake is simple, sweet and striking.  

Drinks

Of course, pretty much all drinks are vegetarian but Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without sharing a few festive drink ideas. This Christmas I shall be trying a couple of rosemary based cocktails as the rosemary is still going strong in my garden. I have these two bookmarked to try: This Rosemary Gin Fizz recipe from Cookie and Kate. And this whisky rose cocktail recipe from Anne Sage.   Have a very merry Christmas!     You may also like Hannah’s festive tipples or these 5 Alternative Festive Foods as suggested by Clare.