12 Must-Try Hanukkah, Christmas, & Kwanzaa Recipes!
Try these mouthwatering Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa recipes — and feast ‘til your heart’s content! 100% vegan. 100% delicious!
Hanukkah
Hanukkah is an eight-day celebration beginning on the 25th day of the month of Kislev in the Jewish calendar, which can occur during late November to late December. The word “Hanukkah” means “dedication” — a name chosen to symbolize the restoration of a temple in Jerusalem over 2,000 years ago. According to the story, on the day the temple was restored, a menorah (ancient Hebrew lampstand) was lit using a very small amount of oil. The amount of oil was enough to last a single day, but miraculously it burned for eight. Because of this, Hanukkah is traditionally celebrated by feasting on oily foods for a period of eight days.
Latkes (potato pancakes)
Seitan “Brisket”
Challah (bread)
Sufganiyot (jam-filled donuts)
Christmas
December 25 is the day that Christians have chosen to celebrate as the birthday of Jesus, an ancient spiritual leader whose teachings formed the basis of Christianity. Today, Christmas is celebrated by many people around the world, whether they are religious or not, as a time when family and friends come together, feast, and exchange gifts. Christmas foods broadly vary depending on where it’s being celebrated in the world. Here are some vegan versions of popular recipes in U.S.:
Chestnut and Cashew Nut Roast
Rich and Creamy Potatoes
Simple Gravy
Christmas Pudding
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is a non-religious holiday that honors African culture and is celebrated from December 26 to January 1. The word “Kwanzaa” originates from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza”, which means “first fruits,” and symbolizes new beginnings. Today, Kwanzaa is a celebration of community, culture, and family. A Kwanzaa menu can vary quite broadly depending on family traditions — ranging from classic African-American soul foods to traditional foods of the African diaspora.
West African Peanut Stew
Creamy Mac and “Cheese”
Hoppin’ John (black-eyed peas and rice dish)
Sweet Potato Pie
New to veganism, and want to learn the basics before jumping into the kitchen? Download our free Vegan Starter Guide today! www.idausa.org/VegGuide