15 Easy Plant-Based Comfort Recipes to Satisfy Any Craving

Comfort food doesn’t have to mean heavy, meat-filled dishes. Plant-based comfort foods are here to satisfy your cravings while being kinder to your health and the planet. Whether you’re vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals into your diet, these recipes are packed with flavor, warmth, and satisfaction.

Creamy Vegan Mac and Cheese

For a comforting bowl of vegan mac and cheese, you’ll need elbow pasta, cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and plant-based milk. Start by boiling the pasta until tender, then blend soaked cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, and plant-based milk until smooth. Pour this creamy sauce over the pasta and mix well. You can add a sprinkle of paprika or some sautéed veggies for extra flavor. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for those comfort food cravings without any dairy.

Hearty Lentil Stew

This hearty lentil stew is filling and packed with plant-based protein. To make it, sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until soft. Add garlic, dried thyme, and cumin for flavor, then toss in lentils, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes. Let the stew simmer until the lentils are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve with fresh herbs and a slice of crusty bread for a cozy, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

For a plant-based twist on a classic, this vegan shepherd’s pie is sure to please. Start by cooking lentils until soft, then sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and peas in olive oil. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, and tomato paste, then simmer until thickened. Top with mashed potatoes made from boiled potatoes and plant-based butter, and bake until golden brown. This savory pie is full of comfort and perfect for a chilly evening.

Plant-Based Chili

For a quick and hearty plant-based chili, you’ll need black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and chili spices. Sauté the onions and peppers in olive oil, then add the beans, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes to blend all the flavors. Serve with avocado slices or a sprinkle of vegan cheese for a deliciously warming meal.

Vegan Alfredo Pasta

This creamy vegan alfredo pasta is rich and comforting, made with simple ingredients like cashews, garlic, nutritional yeast, and almond milk. Cook your favorite pasta, then blend the sauce ingredients until smooth. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta, and toss it together until everything is coated. Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition. This plant-based pasta dish is perfect for a cozy night in.

Sweet Potato Black Bean Enchiladas

For these savory sweet potato black bean enchiladas, you’ll need tortillas, black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, enchilada sauce, and your favorite plant-based cheese. Fill each tortilla with a mixture of mashed sweet potatoes and black beans, then roll them up and place in a baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden, and serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra flavor.

Vegan Mashed Potatoes with Mushroom Gravy

Comforting mashed potatoes get a plant-based makeover with a rich mushroom gravy. Boil potatoes until soft, then mash with plant-based butter and a splash of almond milk. For the gravy, sauté mushrooms, garlic, and onions until tender, then stir in flour and vegetable broth to thicken. Pour the gravy over the mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting side dish that pairs well with any meal.

Vegan Baked Ziti

This vegan baked ziti is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner. Cook ziti pasta and layer it with marinara sauce, vegan ricotta made from blended tofu, and shredded vegan mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also add sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra texture. It’s cheesy, saucy, and everything you want from a classic baked ziti—without any dairy or meat.

BBQ Jackfruit Sandwiches

For a plant-based BBQ sandwich that’s full of flavor, use canned jackfruit as a substitute for pulled pork. Drain and rinse the jackfruit, then sauté it with BBQ sauce, onions, and garlic until tender. Pile it onto toasted buns and top with coleslaw for crunch. These BBQ jackfruit sandwiches are tangy, sweet, and perfect for satisfying those BBQ cravings without any meat.

Vegan Chocolate Pudding

For a sweet, plant-based treat, this vegan chocolate pudding is rich, creamy, and easy to make. You’ll need avocado, cocoa powder, plant-based milk, and maple syrup. Blend all the ingredients together until smooth, and chill in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving. The avocado gives it a creamy texture without any dairy, and the cocoa powder delivers a deep chocolate flavor that feels indulgent.

Vegan Pot Pie

This cozy vegan pot pie is loaded with vegetables and plant-based goodness. Start by sautéing onions, carrots, peas, and potatoes in olive oil until soft. Add vegetable broth and flour to create a thick, creamy filling. Pour the mixture into a pie crust, cover with a top layer of dough, and bake until golden brown. This dish offers all the comfort of a traditional pot pie but without any animal products, making it a great option for plant-based eaters.

Coconut Curry Soup

For a warm, flavorful dish, try this vegan coconut curry soup. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pot, then add coconut milk, vegetable broth, curry powder, and diced sweet potatoes. Let the soup simmer until the sweet potatoes are tender, then toss in spinach and chickpeas for extra nutrition. This creamy, spicy soup is perfect for cold days when you need something comforting but still healthy.

Vegan Sloppy Joes

Enjoy a plant-based version of a classic favorite with these vegan sloppy joes. Start by sautéing onions and garlic, then add lentils, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir in mustard, brown sugar, and a dash of vinegar to create a tangy, flavorful sauce. Serve on toasted buns for a satisfying and messy meal that’s sure to be a hit with both vegans and meat lovers alike.

Cauliflower Buffalo Wings

For a spicy, crispy snack, cauliflower buffalo wings are the perfect plant-based comfort food. Coat cauliflower florets in a batter of flour, garlic powder, and water, then bake until golden. Toss the baked florets in buffalo sauce, then return them to the oven for an extra crisp. Serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for game day or any time you’re craving something spicy.

Vegan Chickpea Tacos

These vegan chickpea tacos are easy to make and full of flavor. Sauté chickpeas with taco seasoning, then serve them in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings like avocado, salsa, and shredded lettuce. Add a squeeze of lime for extra zest. These tacos are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy plant-based comfort food while still keeping things light and fresh.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout.

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