Bland, boring and restrictive have all been words associated with plant-based food. Read carefully: this does not have to be (and should not be) the case! At Merchant Gourmet, we champion tasty, mouth-watering food that is not only better for you, but also the planet. With over 30 years’ experience of creating delicious plant-based food, we’ve got your back this Veganuary. Here are 10 plant-based recipes packed with flavour to power you through the month, ensuring you never have to compromise on great taste. Ever.
1. SUMAC ROASTED AUBERGINE WITH PUY LENTILS & TAHINI YOGHURT
A little bit Ottolenghi, this flavourful dish can be whipped up in just 30 minutes. It heroes our Puy Lentils, pairing them beautifully with earthy roasted aubergine. Once you bring it all together with a creamy tahini sauce and sweet pomegranate juice it’ll soon become one of your staple plant-based recipes.
2. SWEET AND SOUR LENTIL ‘MEATBALLS’
You can never go wrong with sweet and sour. For when you’re craving that Friday night takeaway or need a comforting winter warmer, enjoy these juicy Puy Lentil ‘meatballs’ coated in that classic, sticky sauce.
3. MUSHROOM RISOTTO
Risotto ticks all the boxes for a simple, delicious plant-based dinner. Laced with our porcini mushrooms, it is packed with a rich, nutty flavour that truly feeds the soul when you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging in a cosy night in.
4. Comforting vegan cottage pie
Cottage pie has to be one of the most nostalgic and satisfying dinners out there. Made for those colder evenings, we’ve swapped the traditional version for this plant-based lentil recipe that packs the same great taste with double the goodness.
5. PUY LENTIL CURRY
Nothing should interfere with the sacred curry night, least of all Veganuary. In fact, curries are the perfect dish to pack a real punch in your plant-based cooking. This dinner recipe is full of spicy, mouth-watering flavours to be mopped up with rice and naan.
6. PESTO-EY STUFFED TOMATOES
Simple, speedy and satisfying. These stuffed beef tomatoes with our Italian-Style Grains are oozing with flavour and the perfect solution when you need a super quick and delicious plant-based meal.
7. CAJUN CHILLI NON-CARNE
See what we did there? We’ve replaced the meat with our saucy, Spicy Cajun-Style Lentils and Red Kidney Beans to make one of the nation’s favourite dinners vegan. An ultimate crowd-pleaser so be warned, if you make this dinner you must make enough for second and third helpings. It’s too good not to!
8. PEAR CHESTNUT CAKE WITH SALTED CARAMEL
Going plant-based does not mean sacrificing yummy desserts by any stretch. This indulgent pear and chestnut cake is the answer to your cosy night in and is best served with a hearty dollop of your favourite plant-based yoghurt or cream. It can also be frozen and enjoyed for even longer!
9. VEGAN CHOCOLATE AND CHESTNUT MOUSSE
We've teamed up with our friends, ManiLife to bring you the ultimate plant-based pud. Light yet airy, and seriously creamy - this chocolately mousse is everything you need this January.
This delectable pud is everything you want from a chocolate mousse. It toes the line between tasting rich and creamy yet simultaneously light and airy. Even better it’s fool proof and therefore the perfect showstopper to your dinner party.
10. BELUGA LENTIL BROWNIES
Don’t knock lentil brownies till you’ve tried them. Honestly, this recipe creates deep, rich, gooey squares of delight with a surprising kick of heat running through them from the chilli. A truly irresistible combination!
Which dish are you going to make first? Let us know and be sure to tag @merchantgourmet in your creations!
