V EG A N C H R I S T M A S | FO O D & D R I N K
The first thing he did when creating this
traditional elements in it like cranberries,
Christmas is a time for peace
book was coming up with his own versions
rosemary, sage and chestnuts.”
Oakley is coming up to his fourth Christmas
of the classics. Take the centrepiece of
as a vegan, and for him it’s a particularly
any festive lunch: The turkey. “That was
It’s all about the side dishes
the first thing I really needed to master,”
There’s no doubt the centrepiece is hugely
Oakley sighs.
important to Christmas dinner, but the
“I really do think Christmas should be a
sides are an essential supporting act.
peaceful time,” he reflects. “And hopefully
“I managed to come up with a recipe using
Brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, cabbage
people’s dinner tables start reflecting this
wheat gluten, also known as seitan,” he
- it’s all delicious, and Oakley argues these
by having no animals on them.”
says. “It’s actually very popular in Asian
are key to making or breaking a good
cooking and has been picked up by the
meal. His advice? If this is your first vegan
So many of us aren’t yet fully committed
vegan scene, but I’ve never seen anyone
Christmas and you don’t quite have the
to a vegan diet but are increasingly eating
make a stuffed vegan turkey before.”
confidence to tackle seitan yet, focus on
more plant-based meals. Even if you aren’t
nailing the accompaniments.
ready to take the meat-free plunge this
Because seitan doesn’t actually have much
poignant time of year to be plant-based.
Christmas, you can still do your bit for both
of a flavour (if anything, you want to mask
“If you have rubbish potatoes you’re not
animal welfare and the environment by
its flavour), Oakley had to work even harder
going to enjoy the meal,” Oakley says. “Or if
replacing the old classics with the same
to make it Christmassy.
your vegetables aren’t cooked right it could
dishes - but cruelty-free.
ruin everything.” Sure, it might sound a bit “I’ve tried to make sure that every flavour
hyperbolic, but this the biggest meal of the
Vegan Christmas by Gaz Oakley is published
and element I’m adding to my recipes
year we’re talking about - its importance
by Quadrille, priced £15. Available now.
has a traditional taste - my dinner last
can’t be over-exaggerated. Even if you’re
year tasted more Christmassy than any
not vegan or even vegetarian, you can work
non-vegan Christmas meal I’ve had in the
towards making a few more of the dishes
past,” he laughs. “I made sure it had all the
on your table cruelty-free.
199 5
Words by Prudence Wade, Press Association
H O U S E- M AG .C O.U K