Vegan Comfort Food: 8 Cosy Ideas for Cold Nights
When it is cold and dark by five o'clock, salad does not cut it. You want something warm, rich and a bit indulgent. The good news is that comfort food is one of the easiest things to make vegan. Here are eight cosy ideas, plus a few tricks to make plant-based food extra satisfying.
1. Creamy mushroom pasta
Cook mushrooms in a hot pan until deeply browned, add garlic and thyme, then stir in plant cream or blended cashews and a splash of pasta water. A spoon of miso adds savoury depth. Finish with black pepper and parsley.
2. Three-bean chilli
Onion, peppers, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin and chilli, then kidney beans, black beans and pinto beans in tomato. A square of dark chocolate and a splash of coffee make it taste like it has been simmering all day. Serve with rice, tortilla chips or a baked potato.
3. Loaded fries
Crispy oven fries topped with chilli, vegan cheese sauce, jalapeños, spring onion and a drizzle of vegan sour cream. For the crispiest fries, soak cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, dry them well and roast them at a high heat.
4. Homemade pizza night
Nothing beats pulling a bubbling pizza out of the oven on a cold night. Make the dough the day before and let it rise slowly in the fridge for the best crust. Top with roasted veg, vegan mozzarella and a drizzle of chilli oil. Our guide on how to make vegan pizza at home has the full method.
5. Lentil shepherd's pie
Brown lentils in a rich gravy with carrots, onion, peas and thyme, topped with creamy mash made with plant butter and oat milk, then baked until golden.
6. Coconut curry
Chickpeas, sweet potato and spinach in coconut milk with curry paste, ginger and lime. Ready in 30 minutes and even better the next day.
7. Smash burgers
Thin, crispy-edged plant-based patties, melted vegan cheese, pickles, onions and burger sauce in a toasted bun. Pair them with fries and a thick shake for the full experience.
8. Warm chocolate pudding
A self-saucing chocolate pudding is pure comfort, and easy to make vegan with oat milk, oil and cocoa. Serve with vegan ice cream melting on top.
How to make vegan comfort food richer
- Umami boosters – miso, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, tomato paste and mushrooms add deep savoury flavour.
- Creaminess – blended cashews, coconut milk, oat cream or a spoon of tahini.
- Fat is flavour – a good olive oil or plant butter makes a real difference.
- Brown things properly – take time to caramelise onions and sear mushrooms.
- Finish with acid – a squeeze of lemon or splash of vinegar lifts heavy dishes.
Cookbooks for cosy season
Settle in for winter with the books built for comfort:
- Vegan Pizzas! That's Right. Don't Hold Back – homemade dough and dairy-free cheese for the ultimate pizza night.
- Burgers, Shakes and Fries – plant-based fast-food classics.
- Vegan Desserts – Never Say No – rich chocolate cakes, tarts and sweet treats.
Grab a blanket, turn the oven on, and treat yourself.
