4 Insanely Popular Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes You Must Try
By guest contributor Cheryl T. Parker
Going vegan is all the rage!
In fact, being vegan is not just rage, it is a lifestyle. And a very healthy lifestyle, indeed.
Being a vegan means abstaining from any animal products. While some people might think that it is very difficult to become a vegan, it is actually pretty easy.
And considering there are so many vegan substitutes available in the market, vegan dishes can be really delicious. In fact, many London catering companies are also creating signature vegan dishes because they have to cater to various vegan-only parties.
So, here are 4 really popular, really delicious and absolutely delectable vegan recipes that you must try!
1. The British route – The gluten-free vegan Shepherd’s Pie
You can never go wrong with shepherd’s pie. Just because you’ve turned vegan or because a family member is following a gluten-free diet doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a good not-so-old-fashioned family favourite!
Ingredients
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 – 4 garlic cloves, chopped
2 cups diced mushrooms
½ cup thinly sliced carrot
2 stalks celery, diced
½ cup fresh peas
1 cup cooked lentils
1 cup GF vegetable broth
Salt and pepper as per taste
1 tsp. GF dried thyme
1 Tbsp tapioca starch
One batch of vegan mashed potatoes
Recipe
Step 1: First make the vegan mashed potatoes. This is like making regular mashed potatoes, but instead of butter, you use vegan butter and skip the milk altogether. Set this aside.
Step 2: In a pan, heat the olive oil. Add all the vegetables (other than the peas), onion, garlic, and thyme. Let it cook for 10 minutes. Add the salt and pepper, mix well.
Step 3: Add tapioca starch in the vegetable mixture and mix till the vegetables are well coated. Add the vegetable broth and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Step 4: Add the peas and cooked lentils into this mixture. Mix well. Now, put this whole mixture into a casserole dish. Top with the mashed potatoes. Bake it at 400°F in a preheated oven for around 15 to 20 minutes.
2. The American route – Not-so-meaty steak
This is a recipe for crispy tofu steaks, for the days you’re craving a glass of wine with a delicious steak or chicken fillet. It’s a very simple recipe so you can make it within minutes and everyone will enjoy it.
Ingredients
A block off gluten-free firm tofu
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp of your favourite GF mustard, preferably Dijon
2 Tbsp. Pure tomato paste or GF tomato ketchup
1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp. water
½ cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
2 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil
Black pepper to taste
Recipe
Step 1: Drain the tofu and cut it into pieces, almost steak or fillet size. Dry out the excess water from the tofu by pressing it for a good 15 to 30 minutes. The drier the tofu, the crisper the final dish.
Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Mix the garlic, tomato paste, maple syrup, and water. Dip the tofu in the sauce, then in the breadcrumbs and finally into the pan.
Step 3: Let the tofu cook for 3 to 5 minutes per side, until golden brown. Serve hot and fresh!
3. The Italian route – Totally-gluten-free spaghetti
Everyone loves spaghetti. A big thanks to the inventor of the gluten-free spaghetti, so that people who are following a gluten-free and vegan lifestyle can enjoy their Italian favourites without thinking twice.
Ingredients
10 oz. gluten-free spaghetti of choice
1 can of pure chopped tomatoes
2 Tbsp. Pure tomato paste
4 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 onion, finely diced
Juice of half a lemon
½ cup GF vegetable broth
4 Tbsp. Extra virgin olive oil, divided
Fresh basil
2 cups chopped vegetables of your choice (mushrooms, baby corn, broccoli, peas, zucchini, etc.)
Salt and GF chilli flakes to taste
Recipe
Step 1: Cook the spaghetti per package instructions.
Step 2: In a pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for a few minutes. Then add the can of tomatoes. Mix in the vegetable broth and the tomato paste. Add salt and chili flakes as per taste.
Step 3: In a separate pan, sauté vegetables of your choice in 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Step 4: Mix the spaghetti, the sauce, and the vegetables together. Add some fresh basil and lemon juice and mix well.
4. The dessert route – Ultimate gluten-free chocolate cupcakes
Everyone loves desserts, and no dessert can be healthier than a vegan and gluten-free cupcake. So whether you’re hosting a party for your vegan friends or just making cupcakes for your family, these vegan cupcakes are perfect for everyone!
Ingredients
1 ½ cup certified gluten-free oat flour
2/3 cup pure cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
½ cup of water, at room temperature
½ cup almond milk, at room temperature
2 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
¼ cup of coconut sugar
¼ cup maple syrup
1 tsp. Pure vanilla extract
Recipe
Step 1: In a bowl, swift the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set this aside.
Step 2: Whisk together water, almond milk, and coconut oil. Now, add the maple syrup, vanilla, and coconut sugar. Mix well. Then, add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and whisk until you get a nice smooth batter.
Step 3: Pour the mixture into a muffin tin lined with parchment paper cups. Let the cupcakes bake in a preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 350 F. Once baked, let the cupcakes cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
Looking for more? Check out our selection of delicious gluten-free vegan recipes here!
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