There’s nothing better for most people in England on a cold day, than a homemade casserole. But modern ethics and nutrition means that many people are choosing plant-based alternatives to lamb and beef. Here are a few simple recipes to get you started.
Apple & Cider Veggie Sausage Casserole (Delicious Magazine) takes 40 minutes to roast in the oven (so add some roast spuds and apple crumble at the same time, to save on energy). Made with onion, stock, herbs and Cox or Pippin apples. Serve with mashed spuds and steamed veggies.
For older children and those with swallowing difficulties, slice sausages lengthwise and lengthwise again, to prevent choking hazards. Use vegan butters with no palm oil. Keep these recipes away from pets due to toxic ingredients (fresh dough for dumplings, garlic, onion, leeks, chives, mushrooms, green potatoes/onions, jackfruit).
Veggie Stew with Ale & Pearl Barley (The Veg Space) is about as traditional as it gets. And cheap too. And filling. Made on the stove or in a slow cooker, it contains chestnut mushrooms, vegetables and barley in a thick beer gravy.
Butter Bean Stew (The Veg Space) is made with lemon, sun-dried tomatoes and walnuts. You can batch-cook this and freeze leftovers.
Vegan Dumpling Stew (Short Girl, Tall Order) is packed with vegetables. The homemade dumplings are served with cannellini beans, though you could any tinned beans leftover in the cupboard.
Hearty Vegan Stew (Veggie Society) features homemade gnocchi dumplings, meaty jackfruit with peas and carrots, in a thick red wine gravy. A one-pot dish that checks all the comfort food boxes.
Vegan Irish Stew (Planted & Picked) replicates this tasty stew from the Emerald Isle. Made with two pounds of mushrooms, it also contains root veggies, potatoes, onions and celery. Obviously served in Guinness.
Lentil Stew (Crowded Kitchen) is for the purists, who only want natural ingredients. No fake meat, just healthy lentils. Heaps of veggies are combined with garlicky croutons (never give leftover croutons or crusty/stale/mouldy bread to garden birds).
