Whether you come from a roast chicken Christmas dinner family, a gammon and crackling Christmas luncheon family, or a garlic and olive oil-lathered leg of lamb Christmas Eve family, you know what it feels like to be uncomfortably stuffed at the end of the festivities.
And to be honest, feeling like a turkey is not ideal for anyone.
This festive season, rather than worrying about overindulging or feeling uncomfortable after the main meal, why not add some extra plant power to your festive feast?
Not only can plant-based meals be a delicious way to add more fibre, variety, and nutrient-dense ingredients to the table, but they can be just as tasty and celebration-worthy as the traditional meat-centred meals.
Going more plant-forward also gives you the opportunity to really go ham with new additions and substitutions. Having a big, heavy, piping-hot dinner to celebrate Christmas sometimes feels out of place in South Africa, when our Christmases include sunny days, picnics, and beach adventures, instead of snow days and hot toddies.
So perhaps this festive season, the sides earn leading roles, and local flavours earn their place at the festive table.
From easy swaps that the kiddos can have fun helping to prepare, to more ambitious dishes, find some glorious green inspiration for your festive tablescape…
Mashed Potatoes
Swap out the heavy cream and butter for plant-based milk and tofu, adding extra protein and fibre to a Christmas staple. Taste and season as you go, maybe adding in a tablespoon of homemade chutney or chakalaka, and Bob’s your uncle - plant-powered, flavour-packed taters.
Stuffing
The helping on the plate that I savour the most during my family’s festivities, stuffing usually contains sausage meat. Achieve a similar taste and texture by incorporating walnuts, vegetarian broth, lentils, mushrooms, and whole-grain bread together. Rich, nutty, and slightly crumbly - everyone at the table will be eyeing out this dish for seconds.
Bobotie
A traditional South African meal that has graced tables all over the country can be just as delicious without the mince and eggs. Make a legume substitution, along with some tofu or a chickpea flour batter, and enjoy spilling the beans about your updates to a greatly loved classic with your family.
Mince Pies
For those with a bit of a sweet tooth, a mince pie can really go down a treat. By combining some coconut oil, moo-less milk, and ice-cold vodka with some flour, you can create a sturdy pastry. Then you simply need to mix grated apple, dried fruit, cherries, and a few of your favourite nuts for a delicious, not-too-sweet filling.
Tarte Tatin
A French dish that looks just as beautiful as it tastes, a tarte tatin is a slightly fancier apple tart. Turn it on its head this year by making it savoury with a mixture of beetroot, red onion, and vegan puff pastry. Season it with star anise, citrus, pepper, coconut sugar, and vinegar, and watch jaws drop as you flip it out of the baking dish.
Wellington
Using traditional boerewors sausage seasoning, coriander and cloves, you can outshine past dinners with a vegan Wellington. Tempeh, black beans, and seeds hold great potential for a seriously tantalising dish. Brown it in the oven, checking to make sure you don’t have a soggy bottom on your hands, and make a rich red wine sauce using some of our local, world-class wines. You might just have every naysayer eating their words, and then some.
More plants, more variety, and a few clever switches can make your festive table feel fresh without asking you to abandon the traditions you love. Trial a couple of these substitutions before the big day, add some creative flair, and you will have even the pickiest eater asking you for recipe advice.
