Christmas dinner is a highly anticipated event in many households, and the meal is often the highlight of the festive season. While traditional dishes such as roast turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce may be at the forefront of the menu, vegetarians may be left wondering what they can eat beyond just side dishes.
Thankfully, there are many delicious and festive vegetable options that can be incorporated into a Christmas dinner. From hearty root vegetables to flavorful Brussels sprouts and colorful carrots, the possibilities are endless. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best veggie dishes to serve at Christmas dinner, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy a delicious and satisfying feast.
Traditional Christmas Vegetables
Christmas dinner is a tradition where families gather together to enjoy a hearty meal and reflect on the year that has passed. While there is often a lot of focus on the meats, sides and garnishes that make up the festive feast, it is essential not to underestimate the role of Christmas vegetables. Some of the most traditional Christmas vegetables include Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas, parsnips and potatoes, among others.
Brussels sprouts are undoubtedly the most iconic Christmas vegetable and are typically served boiled or roasted. Carrots are another staple that is often diced or sliced into batons, while peas are often served either later in the day or mashed into a puree. Roasted parsnips have a unique, sweet flavor that makes them perfect for the winter months, and roast potatoes are a must for any festive feast. These traditional Christmas vegetables set the foundation for any menu and make for a delicious and nutritious Christmas meal.
Non-Traditional Christmas Vegetables
While Christmas vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips are a staple on the dinner table, there are many other options to choose from. Non-traditional vegetables can spice up your menu and add a burst of flavor to your dishes.
One vegetable to consider is celeriac, also known as celery root. With a delicate and nutty flavor, celeriac can be roasted, boiled or mashed. Another option is kale. This superfood can be used in salads, soups, or sautéed as a side dish. Jerusalem artichokes, also known as sunchokes, have a unique flavor that can be roasted or mashed. Whatever you choose, incorporating these non-traditional vegetables into your Christmas menu can add an exciting twist to your holiday meal.
Vegetarian Christmas Dinner Ideas
Vegetarian Christmas dinner ideas can be just as delicious and satisfying as traditional meat-based meals. One option is to make a vegetarian roast, using a combination of vegetables, nuts, and grains. A popular choice is a nut roast, which can be made with ingredients such as cashews, chestnuts, and mushrooms. Another option is a lentil and vegetable shepherd’s pie, which can be made with a filling of vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and beans, topped with mashed potatoes.
If you want to go for something a bit fancier, you could try making a root vegetable tart, using ingredients such as sweet potato, parsnip, and beetroot, topped with crumbled goat’s cheese. Alternatively, roasted cauliflower steaks can be a satisfying and flavorful main dish, served alongside roasted root vegetables and a gravy made with vegetable stock. With so many options to choose from, vegetarians can enjoy a festive and tasty meal that everyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary preferences.
How to Incorporate Seasonal Vegetables into Christmas Dinner
Incorporating seasonal vegetables into your Christmas dinner is a great way to add some color and variety to your meal. Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are all popular winter vegetables that can be roasted for maximum flavor. Try adding some rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
Another great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables is by making a colorful salad or side dish. Kale, pomegranate seeds, and roasted squash make a beautiful and healthy salad, while roasted cauliflower with tahini sauce is a delicious and unexpected side dish. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegetables and experiment with different cooking techniques and flavors. By incorporating fresh, seasonal produce, you’ll make your Christmas dinner both tasty and nutritious.
Vegetable Side Dishes for Christmas Dinner
Vegetable side dishes are essential in any Christmas dinner, and they bring color and variety to the table. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the perfect combination that will complement the main course and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Roasted root vegetables are a popular choice during the festive season. A delicious mix of sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and beets roasted in a honey and balsamic glaze or a simple blend of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Another option is to serve a warm Brussel sprout salad with crispy pancetta, pecans, and pomegranate seeds, or add creamed spinach, glazed carrots or green beans flavored with garlic and almond flakes to your dinner menu. Vegetable side dishes are a versatile and healthy addition to your festive feast, ensuring that your guests feel healthy and energized while enjoying the meal.
Healthy Christmas Vegetable Recipes
If you’re looking for healthy ways to jazz up your Christmas veggie dishes, you’re in the right place. From roasted root vegetables to Brussels sprouts salad, there are many healthy Christmas vegetable recipes to choose from.
One of the easiest and most delicious ways to prepare your veggies is by roasting them. Simply rinse your preferred veggies and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them with some olive oil, salt, pepper, and any herbs of your choice, then roast them in the oven until they’re tender and slightly crispy. You can try using a mix of carrots, parsnips, sweet potatoes, and beets. Alternatively, you can make a hearty vegetable soup or a green salad with your favorite greens, nuts and seeds, and a few other veggies of your choice. The options are endless, so be creative and give your Christmas veggies some healthy and tasty alternatives this holiday season.
Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Veggie Tray
The holiday season is incomplete without a Christmas veggie tray to munch on. With its vibrant colors, crisp textures, and fresh flavors, it is a perfect appetizer to start your Christmas dinner with. Here are a few tips to make the perfect Christmas veggie tray for your guests.
Firstly, choose a variety of veggies that cater to everyone’s taste buds. You can add carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans, and bell peppers. Arrange them neatly on a platter, and sprinkle some herbs like rosemary or thyme to add extra flavor. Secondly, add some dips to elevate the taste of the veggies. You can choose from hummus, ranch, spinach dip, or any other dip of your choice. You can also make several dips and place them in small bowls around the tray for your guests to choose from. These simple tips can help you create a delicious and festive Veggie tray that will have your guests coming back for more.
Final Words
When it comes to deciding what vegetables to include in your Christmas dinner, there are numerous options. It’s important to consider what vegetables your guests enjoy and to ensure that there is a balance of flavors and textures. Roasting veg such as potatoes and parsnips are a staple, but don’t forget to incorporate greens like sprouts and carrots as well as more unique options like celeriac and Jerusalem artichoke for a well-rounded meal. Ultimately, the most important thing is to create a delicious and enjoyable meal for all to share and savor.
Whatever veg you choose, the focus should always be on creating a festive and enjoyable atmosphere for your guests. Whether you’re catering for vegans or simply want to create a range of options, by putting thought and care into the vegetables you choose, you can ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the flavors of the season while taking delight in the feast as a whole. As long as there’s plenty of food, good conversation and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, you’re sure to have a Christmas dinner to remember.