Whether you’re committing to “Veganuary” or simply vowing to incorporate more veggies in your diet this year, there’s no need to sacrifice flavor and comfort. With this in mind, we turned to vegan blogger Lauren Hartmann for some recipe inspiration. From a hearty bowl of chili to creamy mac and cheese, here are five vegan comfort food recipes from Lauren’s cookbook Southern Vegan: Delicious Down-Home Recipes for Your Plant-Based Diet. Enjoy!
5 Vegan Comfort Food Recipes
Creamy White Bean Chili
As we wait for the arrival of spring and warmer weather, we’re all about recipes that will keep us toasty until then — and this creamy white bean chili is sure to do the trick. The recipe calls for a creamy sauce made out of white beans and vegetable broth in place of chicken or beef broth. Not to mention it’s a healthier alternative to a traditional chili recipe. Click HERE to see the complete white bean chili recipe.
Au Gratin Hash Brown Casserole
While hash brown casserole is traditionally viewed as a holiday staple, this au gratin version is a delicious meal that can be made year-round. The perfect blend of creamy and cheesy, bring a bowl of this casserole to any gathering for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Lauren recommends topping the dish with crushed cornflakes and chopped scallions or fresh chives. To see the complete recipe, click HERE.
Baked White Mac and Cheese
This baked white mac and cheese is likely to evoke some nostalgia. In her cookbook, Lauren writes, “The cheese sauce is the creamiest, cheesiest, simplest sauce I have ever encountered on my vegan journey.” She also tops the dish with crunchy pecans and breadcrumbs. You can find the recipe HERE.
Garlic Wild Mushroom Pot Roast
This recipe was inspired by Lauren’s desire to still enjoy a delicious pot roast while embracing a vegan lifestyle. The result is this mouthwatering vegan version with garlic, mushrooms, and red wine. It’s a simple and comforting meal that is a breeze to whip up on a busy weeknight. Lauren also recommends serving the dish over creamy grits. You can find the recipe HERE.
Gumbo
Full of delicious carbs, this vegan gumbo is sure to satisfy all tastebuds. Featuring Cajun-spiced roasted potatoes and topped with vegan sausage, this makes for the ultimate comfort meal — especially when the weather is chilly. To complete your meal, Lauren recommends serving the dish over rice. To see the full recipe, click HERE.
Recipes reprinted with permission from Southern Vegan by Lauren Hartmann. Page Street Publishing Co. 2020. All photography by Julie Grace and Lauren Hartmann.
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