17 International Comfort Foods Made Vegan for #NationalComfortFoodDay!

Comfort food can be found in any part of the world and it is getting more popular as the colder, darker months are upon us. Merriam-Webster defines comfort food as “food prepared in a traditional style having a usually nostalgic or sentimental appeal.” So, it’s no wonder that most people associate their comfort-food-of-choice with a specific origin or cultural value. We went through our Food Monster App and found 17 vegan comfort food recipes from around the world so that you can celebrate National Comfort Food Day! Try something new this winter, or go with on old favorite to stay warm and cozy.

1. United States: Cauliflower Mac and Cheese 

This rich, cheesy Butternut Cauliflower Mac and Cheese casserole is so warm and cheesy, but lower in saturated fat compared to the traditional dish. The secret is replacing the cheese with a sauce made from butternut squash and cauliflower, then folding in dairy-free cheese shreds so you still get that ooey-gooey texture. Yum!

2. Poland: Onion and Sweet Potato Pierogis

Pierogi are Slavic potato-filled dumplings that can be stuffed with savory or sweet fillings, making them the ultimate comfort food. Serve up these Onion and Sweet Potato Pierogis that are miraculously savory AND sweet all in one dough crescent.

3. Italy: Stuffed Conchiglioni With Cashew Ricotta

Who doesn’t love pasta? This Conchiglioni is coated with a spicy tomato sauce that’s spiced up with garlic, fresh basil, pepper, and dried mint. The homemade cashew ricotta is incredibly similar to the real deal.

4. India: Yellow Dal With Curry Leaves 

This Yellow Dal is simple to prepare, has incredible flavor, and is perfectly comforting without being too rich. It’s made from hearty lentils that are cooked with tomato, aromatics, and turmeric, then topped with tempered mustard seeds and curry leaves. Fresh curry leaves are the star of this dal. Tempered with spices and coconut oil, then added to the dal at the end, they add such an aromatic, tasty flavor to the whole dish.

5. France: Ratatouille 

Quick sheet pan Ratatouille dinner recipe for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a hearty and low-calorie recipe made with garden fresh vegetables. Sheet pan dinners and one-pot dinners are the BEST. They’re quick to make, the ingredients cook evenly and the cleanup is easy. This is a simple, family-friendly meal that is colorful, fragrant, and absolutely delicious!

6. Mexico: Potato Tacos With Brussels Sprouts Slaw 

Homemade fluffy quinoa tortillas filled to the brim with soft white potatoes, black beans, and a fresh Brussels sprouts slaw. A perfect medley of seasonal-inspired and Mexican flavors! Taco Tuesday (or any other day) will never be the same again with the addition of these beautiful Potato Tacos!

7. Chinese/Thai Fusion: Almond Ginger Pad Thai

The smooth, creamy, sauce is really the star here in this twist on the Thai classic. Though it is traditionally made with a peanut base, this Almond Ginger Pad Thai calls for almonds because they’re incredibly healthy and they add a fantastic depth of flavor. The ginger, lime, and cilantro that round out the sauce. Perfect over tender noodles and sautéed veggies.

8. New England: Fried Hearts of Palm ‘Crab’ Cakes

Finally, a Crab Cake anyone can enjoy! These veggie crab cakes are deliciously simple to make and taste better than the real thing. Perfect on top of a salad, dipped in your favorite sauce, or added to a wrap.

9. Ireland: Portobello Lentil Shepherd’s Pie 

Everyone needs a go-to recipe for shepherd’s pie and this one is a must-try. This hearty, Savory Shepherd’s Pie has a delicious filling of French lentils, sautéed mushrooms, and vegetables in a red wine gravy. Topped with creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate plant-based comfort food.

10. Britain: Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Enjoy a hefty scoop of warm Pumpkin Bread Pudding loaded up with fall-spiced coconut whipped cream! Raisins are mixed into this recipe for a more classic bread pudding feel. Pumpkin has a way of complimenting so many different additions, so get creative and make this one your own.

11. Japan: Stir-Fry Udon Noodles

Dinner is not going to be boring! This delicious Stir-Fry is perfect for a crowd or for meal prepping for a good variety of texture, flavor, and color!

12. Spanish Fusion: Chili With Cornbread Dumplings 

This Spicy One-Pot Chili can really feed a crowd. Packed with beans, beefy crumbles, and warming spices that are then topped with homemade cornmeal dumplings, this chili will leave you feeling satisfied. You can also make whatever chili recipe you love and add these little cornbread dumplings right before serving.

13. Morocco: Cauliflower and Chickpea Tagine 

The best part about Tagine cooking is you can throw all your ingredients in the pot, cover, and let it cook until it’s done. But, even if you don’t have a tagine, you can make this cauliflower and chickpea tagine! This hearty stew has a spicy, slightly sweet tomato base that is packed with tender cauliflower and chickpea. It’s perfect for serving with flatbread and your favorite grains.

14. Greece: Roasted Garlic Skillet Bread

This traditional Greek Bread has a hearty golden brown crust that’s flecked with salt and inside it’s soft, moist, and delicious. The roasted garlicky goodness is perfectly distributed in each bite of this beautiful loaf of bread– it’s perfection.

15. Germany: Ratsherrenpfanne

This Hearty Vegetable and Mushroom Soup is easy to make and incredibly budget friendly. It is a simple coconut cream sauce with lightly browned onions, steamed broccoli, and mushrooms. The simplicity of this stew is its strongest point.

16. Australia: Raw Lamingtons

A Lamington is an Australian dessert made from sponge cake coated in chocolate and then rolled in coconut flakes, typically with jam or cream sandwiched in the middle. These raw lamingtons have two pieces of sponge cake made with almond and coconut flour with a layer of mixed berry chia jam. If you’ve never tried a lamington before, then this raw version is a fantastic place to start.

17. Korea: Kimchi Chigae

Kimchi Chigae is a Korean recipe that has the aim of making sure nothing goes to waste. Like bibimbap, it’s about taking what’s in your fridge that you would otherwise not serve at the table and putting them into a pot until they become delicious again. If you like spicy food, you will love love love this recipe. It’s easy, delicious, and healthy to boot!

17. Sweden: Kardemummabullar

Beautiful and delicious Swedish Cardamom Buns are served with coffee for the afternoon for Fika. Fika means “to drink coffee “in Swedish. It is a moment to take a break, hang with friends and enjoy a pastry. Cardamom flecked rolls are soft and pillowy, fragrant, mildly sweet and delicious. They pair well with coffee and tea.

If you’re looking for more international vegan dishes to make, check out Around the World With 15 Vegan Pasta Recipes!, 10 Ways to Cook Eggplant With Global Flavors, 15 International Vegan Desserts, 15 Vegan International Rice Preparations, and 10 Essential International Spices For Any Kitchen by downloading the Food Monster App. The app is available for both Android and iPhone and has free and paid versions. It’s loaded with thousands of allergy-friendly recipes and cooking tips, and has hundreds of search filters and features like bookmarking, meal plans and more!

Lead image source: Yellow Dal With Curry Leaves