Planet Veggie

As the crisp autumn air sets in, there’s nothing better than indulging in hearty, comforting meals that align with your vegan lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just starting out, these recipes are perfect for cozying up during the cooler months. Here are my top 10+ favourite vegan recipes that will make your fall deliciously warm and satisfying.

1. Pumpkin Spice Overnight Oats

Start your day with a fall-inspired breakfast that’s both nutritious and delicious. These overnight oats combine the flavours of pumpkin spice with the creamy texture of oats. Simply mix rolled oats with almond milk, pumpkin puree, chia seeds, and a touch of maple syrup. Let it sit overnight, and you’ll wake up to a ready-to-eat, nutrient-packed meal. The warm spices in the oats are reminiscent of autumn and provide a comforting start to your day.

What makes this recipe truly special is its convenience. You can prepare it the night before, saving you precious time in the morning. Plus, the ingredients are flexible; you can easily swap in different spices or add toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. It’s a versatile, healthy, and satisfying breakfast option that keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup almond milk (or other plant milk)
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• ½ tsp pumpkin spice
• Optional toppings: nuts, seeds, dried fruit

Instructions:

1. Mix oats, almond milk, pumpkin puree, chia seeds, maple syrup, and pumpkin spice in a jar or bowl.
2. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
3. In the morning, stir the mixture and add your favourite toppings.
4. Enjoy your easy, pre-made breakfast!

2. Butternut Squash Soup

This velvety soup is the epitome of autumn. Roasted butternut squash blends perfectly with onions, garlic, and a hint of sage, creating a dish that is both flavourful and comforting. The addition of coconut milk adds a creamy texture, making this soup irresistibly rich. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a cold fall evening.

Not only is this soup incredibly delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for immune health, especially as the weather gets cooler. The simplicity of this recipe allows the natural sweetness of the squash to shine, while the sage and garlic add depth to the flavour. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp sage
• Olive oil for roasting

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the squash in olive oil and roast for 25-30 minutes until soft.
2. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
3. Add the roasted squash, vegetable broth, and sage. Simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Blend the soup until smooth and stir in coconut milk.
5. Serve with crusty bread.

3. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash is not only beautiful but also the perfect vessel for stuffing. Fill it with a mixture of quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and spinach for a dish that’s both visually stunning and incredibly tasty. The combination of sweet and savoury flavours, with the tartness of cranberries and the nuttiness of pecans, will leave you craving more.

This recipe is also highly nutritious. Quinoa is a complete protein, and the squash is packed with fibre and vitamins. It’s a dish that’s not only good for your taste buds but also for your health. Plus, the presentation is sure to impress your guests, making it a great option for a fall dinner party.

Ingredients:

• 2 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
• 1 cup quinoa, cooked
• ½ cup cranberries
• ½ cup pecans, chopped
• 2 cups spinach, wilted
• Olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle the acorn squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast face down for 40 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix the cooked quinoa, cranberries, pecans, and spinach.
3. Stuff each squash half with the quinoa mixture.
4. Return to the oven for 10 minutes.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

4. Mushroom and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

This vegan take on the classic shepherd’s pie uses mushrooms and lentils as the base, creating a hearty and flavourful filling. The mushrooms provide a meaty texture, while the lentils add protein, making this dish both satisfying and nourishing. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked to perfection, this dish is a true crowd-pleaser.

One of the best things about this shepherd’s pie is how comforting it is. The combination of earthy mushrooms, savoury lentils, and smooth potatoes creates a dish that’s perfect for chilly evenings. It’s also a great recipe for meal prepping, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups mushrooms, chopped
• 1 cup cooked lentils
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 potatoes, boiled and mashed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft. Add the lentils and season with salt and pepper.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with mashed potatoes.
4. Bake for 20 minutes until golden on top.
5. Serve warm.

5. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Nothing says fall like a warm bowl of chili. This version combines sweet potatoes and black beans with a rich, spiced tomato base. The sweetness of the potatoes balances perfectly with the hearty black beans and the heat from the spices, creating a flavourful and comforting dish. It’s easy to make, packed with protein, and perfect for meal prepping.

This chili is not only delicious but also incredibly filling. Sweet potatoes are a great source of fibre and vitamins, while black beans provide protein and iron. It’s a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of cornbread or rice. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favourite toppings, like avocado, fresh cilantro, or vegan sour cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cubed
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 cups vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté the onion and garlic. Add the sweet potato and spices, cooking for 5 minutes.
2. Add the black beans, tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender.
3. Serve with toppings like avocado, cilantro, or vegan sour cream.

6. Carrot Ginger Soup

With its vibrant colour and bold flavour, this carrot ginger soup is a must-try for autumn. The sweetness of the carrots pairs beautifully with the zing of fresh ginger, making it a refreshing yet warming choice for lunch or dinner. It’s a simple recipe that requires minimal ingredients, yet delivers a powerful flavour punch.

What makes this soup stand out is its health benefits. Carrots are packed with beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body and supports eye health, while ginger aids in digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties. This soup is not only delicious but also nourishing, making it a perfect choice for a healthy autumn meal.

Ingredients:

• 5 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, sauté the onion and ginger until fragrant.
2. Add the carrots and vegetable broth. Simmer for 20 minutes until the carrots are soft.
3. Blend until smooth and stir in the coconut milk.
4. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

7. Vegan Pumpkin Bread

Pumpkin bread is a fall staple, and this vegan version doesn’t disappoint. Made with whole wheat flour, pumpkin puree, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this bread is moist, flavourful, and perfect with a cup of tea. The aroma that fills your home while it bakes is just as enjoyable as the taste.

This pumpkin bread is also quite versatile. You can add in nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips to suit your taste. It’s a great option for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Plus, it’s easy to make in large batches, so you can enjoy it throughout the week or share it with friends and family.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¾ cup whole wheat flour
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 cup almond milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan.
2. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients.
3. Combine both mixtures and pour into the pan.
4. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
5. Let cool before slicing.

8. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

Brussels sprouts take on a whole new level of deliciousness when roasted. Toss them in olive oil, roast until crispy, and finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the sprouts, while the balsamic glaze adds a tangy contrast that elevates the dish.

These roasted Brussels sprouts make a fantastic side dish for any autumn meal. They’re not only tasty but also incredibly healthy, packed with vitamins C and K. The crispy exterior and tender interior make them a textural delight, and the balsamic glaze adds a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp balsamic glaze
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

9. Maple Glazed Tempeh

Tempeh is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, and when glazed with maple syrup and soy sauce, it becomes a sweet and savoury delight. The tempeh absorbs the glaze beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s both flavourful and satisfying. Serve it over a bed of brown rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

What’s great about this recipe is its simplicity and nutritional value. Tempeh is fermented, which makes it easier to digest and rich in probiotics. The maple glaze adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavour of tempeh. This dish is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate more plant-based protein into your diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 block tempeh, sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the tempeh and cook until golden on both sides.
2. Pour the soy sauce and maple syrup over the tempeh, allowing it to caramelize.
3. Serve over rice or quinoa.

10. Apple Crisp

No autumn is complete without a dessert featuring apples. This vegan apple crisp combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat topping. The contrast between the soft, warm apples and the crispy topping creates a dessert that’s both comforting and satisfying. Serve it warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for the ultimate fall treat.

This apple crisp is not just delicious, but also easy to make. It’s a great way to use up apples from a fall harvest or a trip to the orchard. The oats provide fibre, and the apples are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this a dessert you can feel good about indulging in.

Ingredients:

• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ½ cup flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup vegan butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish.
2. Layer the apples in the dish. In a bowl, mix the oats, flour, sugar, and cinnamon.
3. Cut in the vegan butter until the mixture is crumbly. Sprinkle over the apples.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.

How to Make Cooking More Fun and Relaxing

Cooking can sometimes feel like a chore, but with the right mindset and a few simple changes, it can become one of the most enjoyable parts of your day. One way to make cooking more fun is by turning it into a creative process. Try experimenting with new ingredients, flavours, and recipes that excite you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and make something you’ve never tried before. The act of creating something new can be incredibly rewarding and make the entire cooking experience more enjoyable.

Another great way to make cooking more relaxing is by setting the right atmosphere in your kitchen. Play your favourite music or a podcast that you love while you cook. Soft lighting and a clean, organised space can also do wonders for your mood. Creating a positive and calm environment helps reduce stress and allows you to focus on the joy of cooking rather than the task itself.

Wearing comfortable clothing, like cooling nightwear, can make your cooking experience much better. When you’re dressed in something soft and cosy, you’re more likely to feel relaxed and at ease. Cooling jams are perfect because they help regulate your body temperature, keeping you comfortable even if the kitchen heats up. This added comfort can make all the difference, turning cooking into a soothing activity you look forward to.