The Weekly 5: Holiday-worthy mains

Pot pie, tempeh marsala, sushi rolls + more 🍄

Hi friends,

As you can tell by the gift guides incessantly arriving in your inbox and this Mariah song playing everywhere you go, we are waist-deep in the holiday season.

Whether you’re hosting a winter dinner party, or planning your Christmas/Hanukkah menu, you might be feeling stuck about where to begin - especially if it’s your first year making it plant-based. So, I’m dedicating this week’s round-up to some festive and slightly out-of-the-box ideas to get you started…

1. Cauliflower Pot Pie

A TNB reader favorite, this cozy pot pie has a creamy potato-cauliflower filling and a store-bought puff pastry crust. A simple salad or roasted green beans is all you need to turn it into a complete meal.

2. Tempeh Marsala

Instead of the typical chicken, this technique uses tempeh “cutlets”, which get smothered in a glossy, savory mushroom sauce. Goes perfectly with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, celeriac purée, or creamy polenta.

3. Veggie Sushi Rolls

These colorful nori rolls are filled with seared tofu, crunchy fresh vegetables, and quick-pickled onions. (You could make these in advance, or prep all the fillings and make the rolls with your guests.) Upgrade these to a full feast with sesame garlic edamame and miso eggplant.

4. Mujadara (Brown Rice and Lentils with Fried Onions)

On their own, these humble ingredients - brown rice, lentils, onions - don’t amount to much. But together, and prepared with care, cumin-scented mujadara is a homey way to feed a crowd. (The garlicky yogurt sauce is not optional.) Pairs perfectly with maple roasted carrots or purple cabbage slaw.

5. Caramelized Onion Galette

This savory tart does require a sizable time commitment - to make and chill the dough, caramelize the onions, and prep the cashew “ricotta” - but I promise, the results are 100% worth it. I like to serve it with Greek baked beans and kale caesar salad.

Planning to make one of these? Tell me how it goes in the comments section or tag me with your creation on Instagram.