As the snow begins to thaw, and the days are finally getting lighter, St. Patrick’s Day, a celebration of Irish history and culture, is almost here. Regardless of whether or not you have Irish heritage, you may want to get into the holiday spirit with some delicious food. Want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but are a vegetarian or would rather not eat meat? Check out these recipe ideas to get into the festive spirit on March 17, all while eating meat-free dishes.
Veggie mash with greens offers up a hearty meal. Traditionally made with potatoes and cabbage, kale, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli make this gluten and soy-free dish a hit. Top with a bit of vegan butter for a salty twist, or go oil-free by using water instead of sautéing in oil. Serve alongside some hearty bread.
If you would love to eat some veggies on St. Patrick’s Day, give these “corned” ones a try. While ‘corned’ relates to spices, rather than corn, the vegetable, this blend offers plenty of the traditional tastes for a pleasant mouthfeel. Combine onions, garlic, carrots, potatoes, vegetable stock, turnips, cabbage and radishes with coriander and mustard seeds, as well as peppercorns, cinnamon, dill and Dijon mustard. Want something heartier as well? Seitan or tofu that has been pan-fried to a golden brown could work here.
Roasted asparagus that has been peeled and dipped in lemon juice, vegan pesto with pumpkin seeds and crispy bread makes a delicate appetizer that even those who eat meat will love. Serve on a platter with vegan crackers and cut up vegetables.
All purpose and whole wheat flours, baking soda and powder, sea salt, milk, vinegar and spinach make the bread base. Top it off with oats, caraway or sunflower seeds. This bread goes perfectly with the spread of your choice, although we recommend jam or butter.
Beef-free tips, wine, vinegar, onions, spices and more make this classic free of meat, but just as good as the traditional version. Tip: marinade the “beef” in liquid to let it soak in and be more flavorful upon serving. Potatoes or carrots, or a steamed vegetable of your choice, would add some dimension and heartiness to the dish as well.
With just four ingredients, potatoes, butter (vegan or non-vegan), salt and flour, these scones are a breeze to form and make. Ideal for breakfast, lunch or a snack, these are best topped with butter and enjoyed alongside a classic meal, such as a ‘Full Breakfast,’ which includes baked beans, scramble, vegan sausages, tomato, fried mushrooms and your favorite toast, cut into triangles. Dig in and savor this Irish and Scottish favorite.
Soft and tender, this cake, featuring Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, is a decadent, warm treat. Top with whipped cream or ice cream, or, if you really love apples, more slices apples that have been warmed and topped with cinnamon-sugar.
Dark chocolate, cheesecake and Irish Cream come together as one in these brownies. While these take more time to make than classic brownies due to their components, it is well worth it to see loved ones’ faces once they have taken a bite. They are rich, but oh-so-delicious and perfect with milk.
This vegan, gluten-free stew is just the thing to have on a chilly evening. Onion, garlic, mushrooms, potato and carrots sit in a savory broth before being garnished with parsley. A slice or two of Irish soda bread may be just the right side dish to serve with it.
Mashed potatoes, lentils, parsley and plenty of chopped vegetables puts a veggie twist on the classic dish. Use almond milk for a dairy-free version. Top with parsley, chives or ketchup, it is up to you!
Moist and delicious, this foolproof cake can be made in just one bowl. You may want to make a double batch of the Guinness-sweetened frosting and eat one bowlful plain by yourself, the recipe author says it is that good. Cool, frost and delight in this dessert to cap off a successful St. Patrick’s Day.
Wear your green an get celebrating with these vegetarian and vegan ideas. Rest assured that no animals were harmed in your meal preparations, and enjoy the dishes in the days to come. Cheers!
