7 Must-Try Recipes for a Delicious Christmas Celebration

Christmas is a season of togetherness, warmth, and festive feasting. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or baking treats for friends, this collection of Christmas favorites brings all the joy and flavor of the season, without causing harm to animals.

Stuffed Bell Peppers — Festive and Filling

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers (red or green)
• 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
• 1/2 cup cooked kidney beans or chickpeas
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp cumin powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp oil

Method

1. Slice the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds.
2. Heat oil, sauté onion and garlic. Add tomatoes, spices, corn, beans, and rice.
3. Cook for 5–6 minutes. Season well.
4. Stuff the bell peppers and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20–25 minutes.

Vegetable Cutlets — A Familiar Favorite

Ingredients

• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrot, beans, peas – boiled and finely chopped)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1/2 tsp garam masala
• 1/2 tsp red chili powder
• 1 tbsp chopped coriander
• Salt to taste
• Oil for shallow frying

Method

1. In a bowl, combine mashed potatoes, vegetables, breadcrumbs, and spices.
2. Mix well and shape into small patties or cutlets.
3. Heat oil in a pan and shallow fry cutlets on medium heat until golden and crispy on both sides.
4. Serve hot with mint chutney or ketchup.

Creamy Potato Gratin — Comforting Classic

Ingredients

• 4–5 medium potatoes (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup cashew cream or thick almond milk
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ¼ cup shredded vegan cheese (optional)

Method

1. Layer sliced potatoes in a greased baking dish.
2. Mix cashew cream with garlic, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast.
3. Pour over potatoes.
4. Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30 minutes.
5. Uncover, sprinkle with shredded vegan cheese, and bake for 15 more minutes until golden.

Butter Cookies — Crisp and Melt-in-the-Mouth

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegan butter or margarine (room temperature)
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Cream vegan butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
2. Add vanilla and mix well.
3. Add flour and salt. Mix to form a soft dough.
4. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
5. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Shape dough into small balls or press gently with a fork.
6. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
7. Cool completely before serving or storing.

Plum Cake — A Holiday Must-Have

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/4 cup warm water
• 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/2 cup chopped dried fruits (dates, raisins, apricots)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds)
• Zest of 1 orange

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a cake tin.
2. Soak dried fruits in orange juice for 30 minutes.
3. Mix flour, spices, baking soda, and zest in a bowl.
4. In another bowl, whisk oil, sugar, vinegar, and warm water.
5. Combine wet and dry mixtures. Fold in soaked fruits and nuts.
6. Pour into the tin and bake for 30–35 minutes.

Hot Chocolate — Cozy and Creamy

Ingredients

• 2 cups almond or oat milk
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp sugar or maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Whisk all ingredients in a saucepan.
2. Heat gently until warm and smooth.
3. Serve with a cinnamon stick or whipped coconut cream.

Gingerbread Cookies — Sweet and Spiced

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup molasses or date syrup
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1/4 cup plant milk
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp cloves
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Mix all wet ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add dry ingredients gradually to form a dough.
3. Chill the dough for 30 minutes.
4. Roll and cut into shapes. Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 8–10 minutes.

– Contributed by Meenal Rajapet

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Merry Christmas!