Easy Family-Friendly Vegan Comfort Recipes for Autumn

As the days grow shorter and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing more satisfying than sitting down to a comforting, hearty meal that warms you from the inside out. Autumn is the season for cosy evenings, wrapping up in jumpers, and, of course, indulging in some delicious comfort food.

But comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy or unhealthy – and it certainly doesn’t need to contain animal products. Vegan comfort food can be just as satisfying, hearty, and perfect for feeding your family. In fact, it’s easier than ever to create filling, wholesome dishes that even the most sceptical family member will love.

In this post, I’m sharing some of my favourite family-friendly, vegan comfort food recipes for autumn. These are all easy to prepare, don’t require any complicated ingredients, and are sure to be crowd-pleasers at the dinner table.

1. Hearty Vegan Shepherd’s Pie

A classic dish with a vegan twist, Shepherd’s Pie is the ultimate autumn comfort food. This dish is packed with vegetables and topped with creamy mashed potatoes, making it a filling and nutritious option for the whole family.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large carrots, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tin of green lentils, drained and rinsed
• 1 tin of chopped tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 500g potatoes, peeled and chopped
• 50g vegan butter
• 50ml plant-based milk (such as oat or almond)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Boil the potatoes in salted water until soft, then mash with the vegan butter and plant-based milk.
3. In a large pan, sauté the onions and garlic in a little oil until soft. Add the carrots and cook for a few more minutes.
4. Stir in the lentils, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, paprika, and thyme. Let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Add the frozen peas and cook for another 5 minutes.
6. Spoon the lentil mixture into a baking dish and top with the mashed potatoes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Tip: You can easily swap the lentils for mushrooms if your family prefers a meatier texture. Serve with steamed greens for an extra hit of veggies.

2. Creamy Butternut Squash Soup

Nothing says autumn like a creamy, comforting bowl of soup. Butternut squash is in season, making it the perfect star of this dish. This soup is rich, creamy, and full of flavour – but completely dairy-free.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 750ml vegetable stock
• 200ml coconut milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh coriander for garnish

Method:

1. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the butternut squash, cumin, and coriander. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Pour in the vegetable stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Stir in the coconut milk and blend the soup until smooth using a hand blender or food processor.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh coriander.

Tip: Serve with a warm, crusty bread roll for dipping. You can also add a pinch of chilli flakes for a bit of heat, or swap the coconut milk for oat cream if you prefer a milder taste.

3. Vegan Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s surprisingly easy to make a vegan version that’s just as creamy and indulgent as the original. This recipe uses a cashew-based sauce to create that cheesy flavour and texture, and it’s perfect for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 250g macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer
• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked in boiling water for 15 minutes)
• 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or oat)
• 1 clove garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Drain the soaked cashews and blend them with the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, mustard, plant-based milk, and garlic until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
4. Heat the pasta and sauce gently over low heat until warmed through. Season with salt and pepper.

Tip: For an extra crispy top, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. This dish is also great for sneaking in extra vegetables – try adding peas or sautéed spinach for a healthy twist.

4. Vegan Apple Crumble

Autumn is the perfect time for apples, and what better way to use them than in a comforting vegan apple crumble? This dessert is incredibly easy to make and tastes delicious with a dollop of dairy-free custard or ice cream.

Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 100g plain flour
• 50g rolled oats
• 50g brown sugar
• 75g vegan butter

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2. Place the apple slices in a baking dish and toss with the sugar and cinnamon.
3. In a bowl, mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar. Rub in the vegan butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
4. Sprinkle the crumble topping over the apples.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and the apples are bubbling.

Tip: Serve with vegan custard or a scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

Autumn is the perfect time to embrace hearty, warming vegan meals that the whole family can enjoy. These recipes are not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavour and nutrition, making them perfect for cosy nights in. Whether you’re new to veganism or a seasoned pro, these comforting dishes will make the autumn season even more enjoyable for you and your family.