Five spectacular plant-based recipes to fuel your Veganuary

As the new year gets underway, many of us look to make healthier lifestyle choices, with one of the most popular dietary trends being Veganuary.

The annual event, which has been running for over 10 years, encourages people to eat only plant-based foods for the entire month, raising awareness of the many benefits of a vegan diet in the process.

Whether you’re ready to switch to a plant-based diet or just want to reduce your intake of meat, fish or dairy, we have a number of delicious vegan recipes to fuel your eating aspirations this month. 

Each dish is enriched with pure maple syrup, a natural, vegan-friendly sweetener that will add a touch of indulgence to your food and drink without the need for animal products.

Vegan iced coffee vanilla latte

There are plenty of dairy-free alternatives to cow’s milk for coffee enthusiasts looking to get their daily hit of caffeine, and in this vegan iced coffee, we’ve gone for the distinctively nutty flavour and creamy texture of soya milk. 

The recipe is incredibly simple, starting by mixing together an espresso shot with two tablespoons of sweet-tasting maple syrup in a tall glass. Then, all you need to do is add the soya milk, vanilla extract and ice cubes. 

If soya milk isn’t to your taste, feel free to substitute in any other dairy-free milk – oat milk, almond milk and hazelnut all work wonderfully well with the woody, caramel-like accents of the maple syrup and the richness of the vanilla.

Vegan aubergine and maple hot pot

Not only does this vegan hot pot fit the bill of a nutritious, plant-based dish, but it also satisfies the cravings for hearty, comforting meals that tend to arise during the middle of winter.

Made with aubergine, tomatoes, red chilli and an array of spices, packed into a single pot and left to simmer on the stove for up to half an hour, the dish is bursting with flavour and also very easy to prepare. 

The ingredients used in the recipe will make around five portions, making this a great meal to share with friends and family – and maybe even convince them to try Veganuary for themselves!

Vegan crème brûlée

You’d be forgiven for thinking that a classically creamy crème brûlée would only be possible with the help of dairy products, but this rich and decadent vegan crème brûlée proves otherwise! 

No cream, cow’s milk or egg yolks are needed, with the recipe instead using coconut milk, cornflour, cashew nuts, maple syrup and maple sugar to replicate the creamy mixture that serves as the base for the crème brûlée. 

Once this mixture is blended – and the flavour is enhanced further with vanilla extract and a pinch of turmeric – it’s ready to transfer to the fridge to sit overnight. Then, all that’s left to do is drizzle some more maple syrup over the surface and leave to set for another hour before tucking in!

Vegan strawberry cake

Not only is this vegan strawberry cake a real sight to behold, but it also has all the sponginess and decadence that you would expect from a dairy-based cake. 

The sponge is made primarily with plant-based milk, olive oil and a generous dose of maple sugar. Once prepared, the batter is split in two, with one mixed with strawberry extract and pink food gel to create a stunning marble effect. 

Bringing everything together is the strawberry buttercream, made with vegan butter, icing sugar, strawberry jam and some more pink food gel. Once the cake is assembled, a few sliced strawberries complete the dish.

Vegan poutine with brandy maple gravy

We couldn’t finish this list without including a classic dish from our home country of Canada! Traditionally, poutine is made with cheese curds and gravy – this vegan poutine sticks to tradition but incorporates plant-based ingredients to make the dish vegan-friendly. 

The vegan cheese mix is made by blending softened cashews with coconut oil, miso paste and several other ingredients before leaving it to set in the fridge. Meanwhile, you can make the gravy by heating dairy-free butter with onions, garlic, brandy, maple syrup and vegetable stock. 

With the three different components prepared, carry out the finishing touches by portioning the French fries onto an oven dash and then laying the cheese curds on top, before heating the dish in the oven for a few minutes. Serve with a generous drizzle of the maple gravy!

Happy Veganuary!

Vegan eating doesn’t have to be one-dimensional – as these recipes prove, there are plenty of alternatives to all your favourite dishes! 

Hungry for more recipe inspiration? Looking for a wider range of vegan sides, drinks, mains and desserts? Be sure to explore the rest of our maple syrup recipes!