Given how versatile mushrooms are and what a great, nutrient-rich option they are for replacing meat, it goes without saying that mushrooms are an excellent choice when fasting before Christmas. During the fasting period before the holidays, we often realise how much meat we usually consume, because that’s when we have to think about what meat-free menu to make that the whole family isn’t already bored of.
In our recipes, we’ve already shown you a few times that mushrooms can be served in the morning, at lunchtime and in the evening, because there are so many ways to prepare them. But now we are focusing on how to serve them to your loved ones during when fasting and for Christmas.
Simple mushroom dishes to prepare before Christmas
Although many people choose to give up meat completely when fasting, and eat vegetable-based dishes or legumes to replace the protein they would otherwise get from meat, some people miss the texture of the meat itself. In this case, mushrooms are the best choice, as they are a perfect meat substitute when breaded, grilled or even made into stews.
They can also make delicious salads, hamburger patties, pasta dishes for lunch or dinner, or can be added grilled sandwiches or scrambled eggs for breakfast instead of the usual bacon or ham. This way, you won’t get bored of fasting meals and you won’t have the same rotation of 5 meat-free dishes.
As well as replacing meat, mushrooms have the added advantage that with a few champignons or oyster mushrooms, you can whip up a quick and easy meal in minutes, which is also useful when you don’t have much time to cook during the big festive preparations.
It also looks great on the festive table
Even when the fasting period is over, mushroom dishes still have a place on the festive table. Stuffed mushrooms or mushroom muffins are great appetizers, but we can also prepare them as main courses and side dishes.
Also, those who are following a meat-free lifestyle outside of fasting, don’t have to give up traditional Christmas dishes – you can prepare stuffed cabbage with mushrooms, too!
What’s more, if you don’t dive straight into a sea of heavy meaty foods after fasting, you can avoid the stomach upsets and uncomfortable visits to the emergency room around Christmas, since, after a period of fasting, those can easily cause a stomach ache.
We hope you have a really special and delicious Christmas feast filled with mushroom dishes. Soon we will share with you mushroom versions of traditional Christmas dishes.
Until then, try our vegan mushroom cream soup recipe, it tastes heavenly!
