19 Cozy Vegan Winter Recipes to Warm You Up

When winter comes, I want meals that are hearty and warming from the inside out. I lean on recipes that are simple to make, use seasonal vegetables, and can simmer on the stove for a while to fill the kitchen with a good smell.

These dishes are my favorites for cold evenings when you just need something solid and comforting to eat.

1. Hearty Lentil Shepherd’s Pie

A savory filling of brown lentils and vegetables topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden. This is my ultimate comfort meal for a cold night.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 65g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 18g

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2. Creamy Potato Leek Soup

Potatoes and leeks simmered until soft, then blended with vegetable broth until smooth. I like to finish it with a swirl of plain vegan yogurt.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 250
2. Protein: 6g
3. Carbs: 45g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 6g

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3. Smoky Black Bean Chili

A thick, smoky chili with black beans, corn, and fire-roasted tomatoes. I always make a big pot because the leftovers taste even better the next day.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 15g
3. Carbs: 58g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 20g

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4. Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Pasta in a rich, creamy sauce made from blended butternut squash and nutritional yeast. The squash gives it a warm color and a slightly sweet taste.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 410
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 72g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 10g

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5. Chickpea and Dumpling Stew

A brothy stew with carrots and peas, topped with soft, fluffy dumplings that steam right in the pot. This is the coziest recipe I know.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 340
2. Protein: 13g
3. Carbs: 58g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 12g

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6. Sweet Potato and Peanut Stew

Chunks of sweet potato in a rich, slightly spicy broth made with tomato and peanut butter. It’s very filling and perfect with a slice of crusty bread.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 390
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 15g
5. Fiber: 14g

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7. Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup

A hearty soup with chewy wild rice, lots of mushrooms, and fresh thyme. It feels a little fancy but is just simple, wholesome ingredients.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 6g

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8. Beefy Lentil Stew

Brown lentils and mushrooms cooked with rosemary and soy sauce for a deep, savory flavor that reminds me of a traditional beef stew.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 20g
3. Carbs: 50g
4. Fat: 4g
5. Fiber: 22g

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9. Baked Pasta with Ricotta

Rigatoni baked with marinara sauce and dollops of a simple vegan ricotta made from tofu and herbs. The baked top is my favorite part.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 420
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 68g
4. Fat: 10g
5. Fiber: 11g

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10. Curried Split Pea Soup

Yellow split peas cooked down with carrots, celery, and curry powder until thick and creamy. This soup is very warming and simple to make.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 350
2. Protein: 22g
3. Carbs: 62g
4. Fat: 3g
5. Fiber: 26g

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11. White Bean and Kale Pot Pies

A creamy filling of white beans and kale topped with squares of puff pastry and baked. I make these in small dishes for individual servings.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 460
2. Protein: 17g
3. Carbs: 58g
4. Fat: 19g
5. Fiber: 14g

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12. Spicy Coconut Noodle Soup

Rice noodles and vegetables in a warming broth made with ginger, lemongrass, and coconut milk. It’s both light and deeply flavorful.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 380
2. Protein: 10g
3. Carbs: 52g
4. Fat: 16g
5. Fiber: 7g

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13. Root Vegetable Roast with Gravy

A mix of potatoes, parsnips, carrots, and onions roasted until caramelized, served with a rich mushroom gravy. It’s a simple, satisfying main dish.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 290
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 55g
4. Fat: 7g
5. Fiber: 12g

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14. One-Pot Spanish Rice and Beans

Rice, kidney beans, and tomatoes cooked together with smoked paprika and bell peppers. It’s a complete, flavorful meal from a single pot.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 370
2. Protein: 14g
3. Carbs: 72g
4. Fat: 5g
5. Fiber: 18g

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15. Creamy Tuscan Bean Soup

Cannellini beans, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes simmered in a savory broth. I stir in a little bit of oat milk at the end to make it creamy.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 310
2. Protein: 16g
3. Carbs: 50g
4. Fat: 6g
5. Fiber: 16g

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16. Swedish Lentil Meatballs

Soft lentil and oat meatballs served over mashed potatoes with a creamy dill gravy. This is my cozy, Nordic-inspired comfort food.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 400
2. Protein: 18g
3. Carbs: 62g
4. Fat: 11g
5. Fiber: 16g

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17. Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal

A warm, spiced oatmeal dish baked with chunks of apple and walnuts. I make it on Sunday and reheat slices for breakfast all week.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 280
2. Protein: 8g
3. Carbs: 48g
4. Fat: 8g
5. Fiber: 8g

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18. Stuffed Acorn Squash

Acorn squash halves roasted and filled with a savory stuffing of wild rice, cranberries, and pecans. It looks impressive but is easy to put together.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 320
2. Protein: 7g
3. Carbs: 62g
4. Fat: 9g
5. Fiber: 10g

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19. Hot Spiced Apple Cider

Simmered apple cider with orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. The scent fills the whole house and makes it feel like the holidays.

Nutrition per serving:

1. Calories: 120
2. Protein: 0g
3. Carbs: 30g
4. Fat: 0g
5. Fiber: 0g

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