The holidays are the perfect time to show that compassion belongs on the plate too. Whether you are cooking for fellow vegans or sharing a table with non-vegan friends and family, these two simple, crowd-pleasing dishes prove that plant-based food can be nourishing, comforting, and absolutely delicious.
✨ Quinoa, Spinach & Lentil Casserole
A cozy, protein-packed dish made with quinoa, red lentils, spinach, warming spices, and creamy oat cream, finished with melty vegan cheese. It is hearty enough to anchor a holiday meal and light enough to leave everyone feeling good afterward.
🍐 Pear Crumble
Tender baked pears tossed with coconut sugar and topped with a cinnamon crumble that turns golden and bubbly in the oven. Simple ingredients, classic comfort, and the kind of dessert no one questions as being plant-based.
These recipes are perfect for sharing, for introducing someone new to plant-based eating, or for reminding yourself that eating with compassion does not mean sacrificing flavor or tradition.
Wishing our entire Team VPA family a joyful holiday season and a strong, healthy New Year. Here’s to fueling our miles, our recovery, and our values with plants. 💚🌎💪
🥘 Quinoa, Spinach & Lentil Casserole
Hearty, protein-packed, and full of warming spices.
Serves: 6
Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
• 5.3 oz (150g) dry quinoa
• 5.3 oz (150g) dry red lentils
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 14 oz (400g) frozen spinach, thawed
• ½ tsp each: paprika, cumin, coriander, garlic powder, turmeric
• 6 fl oz (180 ml) oat cream
• 4.4 oz (125g) shredded vegan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 356°F (180°C) and lightly oil a 9x9-inch baking dish.
2. Rinse quinoa and cook in boiling water for 2–3 minutes. Add lentils and simmer another 10–12 minutes until just tender. Drain well.
3. In a skillet, heat ½ tbsp oil and sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add spinach and cook until heated through and excess moisture evaporates.
4. Combine quinoa, lentils, spinach, spices, salt, pepper, and oat cream in the baking dish. Mix well.
5. Sprinkle vegan cheese on top.
6. Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden. Let rest a few minutes before serving.
🍐 Pear Crumble
Simple, cozy, and the perfect plant-based dessert.
Serves: 8
Time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
Crumble Topping
• 4.25 oz (120g) all-purpose flour
• 3.5 oz (100g) coconut sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 4 oz (115g) vegan butter, melted
• Pinch of salt
Filling
• 2.2 lbs (1kg) pears, peeled and chopped
• 1.5 oz (45g) coconut sugar
• 1 oz (30g) cornstarch
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Toss pears with coconut sugar and cornstarch until evenly coated.
4. Spread pears in baking dish and sprinkle crumble topping evenly over fruit.
5. Bake 45 minutes until golden and bubbling.
6. Cool at least 20 minutes before serving.
✨ From our Team VPA family to yours
May your holidays be filled with movement, gratitude, good food, and compassion on your plate. Here’s to a strong, vegan powered New Year. 💪🌍🌱
