8 easy vegan Christmas dinner mains

The roast potatoes, sprouts and carrots are easy to make vegan. It is the centrepiece that needs a plan. Here are eight mains that look the part on the table, from very simple to a bit of a project.

1. Classic nut roast

Fry an onion, two sticks of celery and 250g of mushrooms until soft. Mix with 200g of chopped mixed nuts, 100g of breadcrumbs, a tin of green lentils (drained), a tablespoon of soy sauce, thyme and sage. Bind with 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons of water, press into a lined loaf tin and bake at 190°C for 45 minutes. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

2. Mushroom and chestnut wellington

Most ready-rolled puff pastry in UK supermarkets is made with vegetable fats, so it is often vegan; avoid the all-butter versions. Fill it with a thick mix of fried mushrooms, cooked chestnuts, spinach and thyme, roll up, brush with plant milk and bake for 35 to 40 minutes until golden.

3. Stuffed butternut squash

Halve and roast a squash for 40 minutes, then scoop out a little flesh and fill with cooked rice or couscous, cranberries, pecans and herbs. Back in the oven for 15 minutes. It looks impressive with almost no effort.

4. Lentil and mushroom pie

A rich lentil and mushroom stew with red wine (many supermarket own-brand wines are labelled vegan), topped with puff pastry or mashed potato. Make the filling a day ahead and it tastes even better.

5. Festive pithivier

Two rounds of puff pastry sealed around layers of roasted squash, spinach and a chestnut and cranberry stuffing. Score a spiral pattern on top before baking for a showstopper.

6. Whole roasted cauliflower

Par-boil a whole cauliflower for 8 minutes, rub with a paste of oil, garlic, smoked paprika and herbs, then roast for 45 minutes until charred at the edges. Serve with plenty of gravy.

7. Seitan roast

For a meaty texture, mix vital wheat gluten with stock, soy sauce, garlic and herbs, wrap tightly in foil and steam for an hour, then roast with a sticky glaze. It slices beautifully cold for Boxing Day sandwiches.

8. A shop-bought roast

There is no shame in buying the centrepiece. Most supermarkets now sell a vegan roast or wellington in the freezer or chilled aisles from November, and nut roasts are available year round.

See more in burgers, bakes and roasts.

Do not forget the trimmings

• Gravy: many gravy granules are accidentally vegan. Check the tub.
• Stuffing: most dry sage and onion stuffing mixes are vegan; make them up with water and a little oil.
• Pigs in blankets: wrap vegan sausages in strips of smoked rice paper or vegan bacon.
• Pudding: plenty of Christmas puddings and mince pies are vegan. See our Christmas listings.