Christmas 2024 calls for family dinners, celebrating the bond of unity over a hearty meal. Gathering around the table, sharing stories and enjoying meals embody the true magic of Christmas. But it puts a damper on the joy when some people don’t feel excluded due to their dietary preferences and lack of an inclusive menu.

Not everyone in the family eats vegetables or is comfortable with it, making it difficult to make sure everyone feels included. Whether it’s a vegan diet, gluten-free or other dietary preferences, it’s possible to be attentive to their needs. Don’t let anyone feel left out and instead create tasty meals that everyone can enjoy. Here are some vegetables and gluten free recipes to include on your menu for an inclusive holiday feast.

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Aperitif

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Recipe by Elizabeth Godecke

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/8-inch slices
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the dip:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 4-1/2 teaspoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1-1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Recipe

• This is a healthy recipe as it requires minimal oil when air fried. First, soak the sweet potato slices in cold water for about 20 minutes. Then let it dry.
• Next, preheat the air fryer to 360 degrees before inserting the slices.
• In a mixing bowl, add the oil and all other ingredients: chili powder, garlic powder, taco seasoning, ground cumin, cayenne pepper. Mix well and brush with potato slices. Shake the potato slices in a bowl to make sure they are well coated with all the seasoning ingredients.
• Lightly grease the tray in the air fryer. In a single layer, add the potato slices. Don’t stack them. Let them cook for a good 15 to 20 minutes. The slices should turn golden brown, indicating how crispy they have become. Serve it with a refreshing dip. This is a light starter with a sweet and sour taste that won’t fill you up, leaving plenty of room for the main course and dessert. This recipe is so simple that you can even ask your children to try making it.

Main course

Cauliflower Steak

Joanna’s recipe

Ingredients

• 1-2 cross-sections of cauliflower
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 3-4 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 3-4 tablespoons of butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 clove of garlic, chopped
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ lemon, juice
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 tablespoons flaked or sliced ​​almonds

Recipe

• Ideally, the main course contains tender meat, but this alienates the vegetarian. A great alternative is cauliflower steak which attempts to capture a juicy and rich texture. Use plant-based butter or other gluten-free options.
• First, cut the cauliflower into 1-inch-thick slices.
• Next, heat a pan and add oil. Now add crushed garlic and thyme. Then put the cauliflower and butter. Reduce the heat slightly.
• Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Add a tablespoon of water halfway through cooking and partially cover. Cook until tender.
• While the cauliflower is cooking, put the spices and nuts in a dry pan, lightly roast and set aside.
• Now prepare the salsa verde by mixing the parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, olive oil, spices and toasted nuts. Mix well and garnish with salsa verde on the cauliflower steak. It’s juicy and delicious.

Pan-fried vegetables with spices

Recipe by Hannah Sunderani

Ingredients

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of white miso
• 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt

To serve:

• Unsweetened coconut yogurt
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional for garnish)

Recipe

• This goes well with cauliflower steak. The crunchy texture of the vegetables also pairs well with the juicy salsa.
• Preheat your oven and place a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Now arrange the sweet potatoes, onion, cauliflower, grape tomatoes and chickpeas on the baking sheet.
• For the spice sauce, in a small mixing bowl, add olive oil, white miso, maple syrup, lemon juice, finely chopped garlic, coriander, turmeric, cumin and salt. Stir until well combined.
• Now, once the sauce is ready, drizzle it over the vegetables and mix everything well to make sure they are evenly coated. Spread the vegetables in a single layer. Don’t stack them.
• Let the vegetables roast for about 30 minutes or until browned, tender and sizzling. For a more even roast, stir the vegetables after 20 minutes and return to the oven for another 10 minutes. Serve with freshly chopped cilantro and yogurt.

Dessert

Christmas chocolate truffles

Recipe by Amit Sharma, co-founder and head chef of Love & Cheesecake

Ingredients

• 200 grams of dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• Crushed nuts, grated coconut or sprinkles for coating

Recipe

• Heat the cream and butter in a frying pan until simmering.
• Pour over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
• Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours until firm.
• Collect and roll into balls. Coat with cocoa powder, nuts or sprinkles. It’s a delight. It’s easy to make and can be topped with even more treats.

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