Oh-so-delicious 5-Course Gluten-Free & Vegan Christmas Recipes

The season of festivities, joy and lots of indulgences is here! Amidst all those parties and commitments, we know you’re pushing all the healthy eats to next year (we’re doing it too, we understand)

And so, we’re here with much needed holiday season recipes that are vegan, gluten free and most importantly – DELICIOUS! You can enjoy these by yourself or prepare them for friends and family as well. We love them all and hope you do too!

THE SNACK

Candied Nuts

Sweet, savoury, crunchy and oh-so-satisfying these Candied Nuts can be made days in advance. Not only do they make a great snack for guests to munch on during your Christmas part, they also make an incredible edible gift.

 

vegan recipes - Candied nuts

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 300 grams mixed nuts of your choice
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Pinch ground black pepper to taste

Method:

  • Heat water, oil and agave syrup in a large frying pan until it starts to bubble (should take around 30 seconds)
  • Add the nuts and stir until they’re coated with the oil and syrup mixture – do this for around a minute until they’re slightly brown and crispy.
  • Mix together the sugar, salt and black pepper in a small bowl, then add to the pan and stir into the nuts.
  • Keep the pan on a medium heat and stir continuously for a few minutes – the nuts should become nicely caramelised quite quickly.
  • Remove the pan from the heat as soon as you think the caramel coating turns a nice golden-brown colour – be careful to not heat for too long as the sugar will burn very quickly.
  • Spread the nuts out over a plate or a sheet of baking paper, separating out any clumps, and leave them to dry out for a while until completely cooled – they may be quite soft at this stage, but ready to eat once they’ve cooled down. 
  • Keeps in an airtight container for up to a week.

THE APPETIZER

Carrot and Seed Loaf

Gluten-free and vegan, this Carrot and Seed Loaf is as perfect for the festive season as it is all year round. Easy to make, it pairs well with a side salad or along with your favourite dairy-free yoghurt dip.

 

gluten free recipe

 

Ingredients:

  • Carrots 3 large sized (or 400g approx.)
  • 150g ground sunflower seeds (1 cup)
  • 150g ground pumpkin seeds (1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 heaped tablespoon dried rosemary
  • 1 heaped tablespoon fresh or dried parsley
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt

Method:

  • Chop the peeled carrots into small pieces. Boil or steam until soft. Drain and then mash.
  • Grind seeds into a coarse powder
  • Crush garlic and finely chop herbs (if using fresh)
  • Mix seed meal, carrots and all other ingredients together.
  • Firmly press mixture into a loaf tin (lined with parchment paper). A 1kg loaf tin works well (approx. 20x10x6cm). Make sure that you press really firmly to encourage the binding process – if you are too timid, it tends to fall apart. If you get it just right, then it magically forms into a perfectly sliceable loaf.
  • Bake in a preheated oven at gas mark 6 (200˚C/400˚F) for approximately 45 minutes.
  • Gently lift from the loaf tin by pulling out the loaf along with the parchment paper. Turn over onto a bread board and slice with a bread knife.

THE MAIN COURSE

Vegan Mushroom & Walnut Balls

All good things come together to create this firecracker of a main course. Filling and delicious as is, better served over gluten-free spaghetti tossed in a simple marinara sauce.

 

easy vegan main course

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked brown rice
  • 1 caramelized onion
  • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
  • 300 grams mushrooms, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup oats

Method:

  • Prepare brown rice ahead of time and keep aside.
  • Prepare the caramelized onions in advance and let it cool down. 
  • Add oil, mushrooms and all seasonings to a non-stick pan or pot, cook over medium heat until the mushrooms have released their juices and softened. Set cooked mushrooms aside.
  • In a food processor add walnuts and oats and process for 20 seconds until crumbly.  Add cooked brown rice, caramelized onions and cooked mushrooms.  Pulse until everything is well combined and no large chunks of anything remain. However, do not over-process the mixture – you don’t want it to turn into mush.  A little texture is good.
  • Use a table spoon to scoop out the mixture and form it into balls with your hands.  You should have about 18 balls.  Preheat a large non-stick pan over medium heat and coat the bottom of the pan in olive oil.  Once the oil is hot, place the balls in the pan.  The balls should not be touching each other, so do it in batches.  Cook the balls about 5 minutes per side or until all sides are seared, crispy and golden brown.
  • Serve over your gluten-free spaghetti with a generous garnish of grated gluten free cheese.

THE SIDE DISH

Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy outside and melt in your mouth inside, these herb roasted potatoes are what dreams are made of. This side dish definitely packs a punch and all you need are 4 ingredients to get it done.

 

Herb Roasted Potatoes

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 kg potatoes
  • 2 ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tsp mixed dried herbs
  • Salt

Method:

  • Pre-heat your oven to 200C (390F) and then peel and chop your potatoes
  • Now place the potatoes into a large pot of water and a few pinches of salt and bring to a boil
  • Par boil the potatoes for 12 minutes 
  • Now pour 2-3 tbsp of olive oil into a large baking dish/tray and place in the oven to get very hot ready for the potatoes
  • Drain the potatoes and place the potatoes back into the pot you boiled them in, place the lid on and give them a couple firm shakes. This helps to break them up and to get nice and crunchy
  • Remove the baking dish from the oven, place the potatoes inside (you should hear them sizzling from the hot oil)
  • Drizzle over a good few glugs of olive oil across the potatoes making sure each is covered evenly, along with a few pinches of salt and your herbs. Give it a toss.
  • Place in the oven for 45 minutes
  • Remove from the oven, turn the potatoes so they cook evenly and place back in the oven for 45 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy

The Dessert

Vegan Rum Balls

We didn’t think vegan and gluten free desserts could taste heavenly, but we changed our minds with this recipe. Perfectly chewy, fudgy and flavourful, this one is our new favourite Christmas dessert.

 

Vegan Deserts

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups almonds
  • 1 cup dried figs (pre-soaked and strained)
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder
  • juice of ¼ lemon
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp rum (OR 2 tsp rum essence)
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • pinch of salt
  • Optional: more cocoa powder for dusting (or can use icing sugar or shredded coconut)

Method:

  • Place the almonds into a food processor and process until they are finely crumbled (just a bit less fine than almond flour).
  • Add in all remaining ingredients and process until everything is combined and the mixture begins to form into a ball.
  • Take small bits of the mixture and roll into balls using your hands.
  • Optional: Roll in some extra cocoa powder for a dusted finish.
  • Enjoy right away or refrigerate for an hour or more for a firmer consistency.

We hope these recipes add in some merriment to your holly jolly Christmas celebrations. 

Six Scrumptious Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipes for Your Plant-Based Friends

A good host knows the responsibility of serving a hearty meal. Food arguably has the power to make or break a gathering. You want your friends to not only have a good time but also leave with their stomachs and hearts brimming with joy & contentment. But for some, hosting a party of gluten-free, plant-based people can be a bitter challenge, especially when you wouldn’t reach out for vegan or gluten-free munchies yourself.

But worry you shall not, for here we have a scrumptious list of ten easy-to-make vegan & gluten-free recipes that will leave your guests craving more!

  • Creamy Vegan Potato Salad

This creamy and luscious potato salad is a proven crowd-pleaser. Think of it as a more elevated potato side dish, it’s not your usual mash or run-of-the-mill wedges but rather a crunchy, creamy, soft & tangy, herb-infused potato side dish you wish you’d made more of! Made with only six simple ingredients, get the full recipe here.




  • Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables

What’s a meal without curry, right? Vegan or not, Thai curry is a dish that you simply cannot go wrong with. Loaded with veggies and all the green goodness, this Thai curry is made extra special with spring vegetables such as asparagus, carrots & spinach! The dish is best served with steamed rice, and although you won’t believe it with the pictures, it is super easy to make. Find the full recipe here.



  • Quick & Vegan Channa Masala

This article wouldn’t be complete without a tantalizing, spicy Indian dish and it is the hearty & humble channa masala that makes the list! This saucy chickpea dish is not only easy to make but really elevates the palate of the table with its warm & fragrant spices. You’ll find the full recipe for vegan & gluten-free Channa Masala right here!




  • Gluten-Free & Vegan Margherita 

No party is complete without a pizza and we’re going to show you how to make the most perfect vegan and gluten-free pizza that will blow your guests away. Made using a chickpea base, this is as healthy as a pizza can get while being its (vegan) cheesy best. Get the full recipe here!

*Please note: the article contains both vegan & non-vegan topping options.



  • Vegan & Gluten-Free Scones

Hosting a high tea? Elevate the experience with these elegant & delicious scones that are also vegan & gluten-free. Yes, you read that right! Scones aren’t the easiest pastry dish to make without gluten, but we’ve found you a recipe that makes the most tender GF scones. Find the recipe here!



  • Vegan Caramel Slice (No Bake)

Polishing this piece off with a perfect vegan dessert, we present to you the gooiest and most irresistible Caramel Slice. Made with almond flour, dates, and dark chocolate, these sweet little squares offer some divine decadence that is also, believe it or not, vegan & healthy! Find the full recipe here.



Vegan GF Recipes

Six Scrumptious Vegan & Gluten-Free Recipes
for Your Plant-Based Friends

A good host knows the responsibility of serving a hearty meal. Food arguably has the power to make or break a gathering. You want your friends to not only have a good time but also leave with their stomachs and hearts brimming with joy & contentment. But for some, hosting a party of gluten-free, plant-based people can be a bitter challenge, especially when you wouldn’t reach out for vegan or gluten-free munchies yourself.

But worry you shall not, for here we have a scrumptious list of ten easy-to-make vegan & gluten-free recipes that will leave your guests craving more!

2. Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables
What’s a meal without curry, right? Vegan or not, Thai curry is a dish that you simply cannot go wrong with. Loaded with veggies and all the green goodness, this Thai curry is made extra special with spring vegetables such as asparagus, carrots & spinach! The dish is best served with steamed rice, and although you won’t believe it with the pictures, it is super easy to make. Find the full recipe here.

3. Quick & Vegan Channa Masala
This article wouldn’t be complete without a tantalizing, spicy Indian dish and it is the hearty & humble channa masala that makes the list! This saucy chickpea dish is not only easy to make but really elevates the palate of the table with its warm & fragrant spices. You’ll find the full recipe for vegan & gluten-free Channa Masala right here!

4. Gluten-Free & Vegan Margherita
No party is complete without a pizza and we’re going to show you how to make the most perfect vegan and gluten-free pizza that will blow your guests away. Made using a chickpea base, this is as healthy as a pizza can get while being its (vegan) cheesy best. Get the full recipe here!
*Please note: the article contains both vegan & non-vegan topping options.

5. Vegan & Gluten-Free Scones
Hosting a high tea? Elevate the experience with these elegant & delicious scones that are also vegan & gluten-free. Yes, you read that right! Scones aren’t the easiest pastry dish to make without gluten, but we’ve found you a recipe that makes the most tender GF scones. Find the recipe here!

6. Vegan Caramel Slice (No Bake)
Polishing this piece off with a perfect vegan dessert, we present to you the gooiest and most irresistible Caramel Slice. Made with almond flour, dates, and dark chocolate, these sweet little squares offer some divine decadence that is also, believe it or not, vegan & healthy! Find the full recipe here.