Share
Slow-cooked oxtail and lamb bredie are staple dishes when it comes to South African winter feasting, but plant-based meals are rising in popularity! If you’re not sure where to start, or want to expand your plant-based recipe repertoire, Fresh Living is here to help! Scroll down for 19 meat-free winter warmers that everyone will love.
1. GOA RED LENTIL AND VEG SOUP
Budget-friendly pantry ingredients shine in this spicy, warming soup. It’s perfect for any weeknight when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.
Get the Goa red lentil and veg soup recipe here.
2. LEEK, BROCCOLI AND COCONUT CREAM SOUP
This vibrant green soup is full of goodness!
Get the leek, broccoli and coconut cream soup recipe here.
Warm, comforting and packed with umami! This soup will not only warm you right up, it’s good for you, too! Miso is a Chinese soy-bean paste that boasts a long list of healthy minerals and vitamins that are great for gut health.
Get the 15-minute miso soup here.
4. CARROT AND QUINOA SALAD AND WITH HUMMUS DRESSING
Yes, you can enjoy a salad in winter! This salad is a great way to bulk up leftover roast veg.
Get the carrot and quinoa salad recipe here.
This filling bowl is inspired by Tex-Mex nachos. Forgo the meat and swap with beans. Don’t forget the nacho chips for a satisfying crunch!
Get the taco buddha bowls recipe here.
6. COCONUT AND CORIANDER POACHED MIELIES
Mielies are a popular South African street food that can be enjoyed steamed or grilled. We’ve put a twist on this favourite by poaching the mielies in coconut milk and coriander.
Get the coconut and coriander poached mielies recipe here.
This spicy tomato and rice dish is a West African classic. If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at making jollof rice, now’s your chance!
Get the jollof rice recipe here.
8. CAULI AND MUNG BEAN KITCHARI
Kitchari is a simple Ayurvedic dish that’s very similar to dahl. Make a big batch to eat throughout the week – it’s great for your gut.
Get the cauliflower and mung bean kitchari recipe here.
This is probably the easiest Indian dish you’ll ever make. All you need is potatoes and cauliflower and a mix of your favourite spices.
Get the aloo gobi recipe here.
Laksa is a Malaysian coconut curry soup served over noodles. It’s usually made with chicken or prawns, but butternut is the star in this vegetarian laksa.
Get the butternut laksa recipe here.
11. ROASTED ROOT VEG WITH DUKKAH
This root veg roast is definitely one to serve when you’re feeling a little fancy. Halve the roasting time by using baby veg. You can still use regular veg: chop them into smaller chunks before placing in the oven.
Get the roasted root veg with dukkah recipe here.
12. 5-INGREDIENT BUTTERNUT PASTA
Feeling the mid-month pinch? 5-ingredient butternut pasta to the rescue! The butternut and coconut milk pureé adds a creamy texture that’s not too rich and works perfectly with any pasta shape you have in your pantry.
Get the 5-ingredient butternut pasta recipe here.
13. ONE PAN TOMATO SAUCE AND PASTA
Slow-roasting tomatoes gives them a bold depth of flavour. Don’t reach for jars of tomato sauce: a little patience is all your need to make this dead-easy meat-free pasta dish. Best of all, one pan means you have less washing up to do!
Get the one-pan tomato sauce and pasta recipe here.
14. CAULI CREAM PASTA WITH LEMONY CRUMBS
Move over pasta Alfredo, this is the creamy pasta dish you need to make today!
Get the cauli cream pasta recipe here.
15. PEANUT NOODLES WITH BABY PAK CHOI
If you’re in the mood for Thai takeout, this peanut noodle recipe will satisfy your cravings. The peanut sauce is totally addictive. Make an extra batch and add to a jar to toss through salads or to use a marinade.
Get the peanut noodles recipe here.
16. CRUNCHY CURRIED TOFU FLATBREADS
Crunchy fried tofu has taken Instagram and TikTok by storm! Don’t get left behind, give this recipe a try! We guarantee you’re going to love it. We suggest tearing the tofu rather than slicing to get extra crispy edges (try to resist eating it all before plating).
Get the crunchy curried tofu flatbread recipe here.
17. LENTIL AND CAULI SHEET TART
Pot pie is a winter comfort classic, this sheet tart is our cheat’s version. Swap out the yoghurt for a dairy-free version to keep this recipe 100% plant-based.
Get the lentil and cauliflower sheet tart recipe here.
Sloppy joes are an American favourite to serve at summer barbecues. Typically made with minced meat, our plant-based recipe uses spicy brinjal and trust us, it’s packed with flavour!
Get the brinjal sloppy joes recipe here.
19. AVOCADO AND CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
Plant-based baking goes beyond cashew-cream fridge tarts. Flaxseeds act as a raising agent in plant-based baking – no more missing out on your favourite bakes.
