Did you know that you can make your favorite comfort foods not only vegan, but also without butter or oil? From a stack of fluffy pancakes to a hearty bowl of mac and "cheese" to a luscious chocolate cake, this collection of oil-free vegan recipes is pure comfort food!
Why cook without oil?
Oil is pure fat and has a high-calorie density.
With that being said, some nutrition experts claim that certain oils are healthy while others believe all oils are unhealthy.
Followers of the whole foods plant-based diet (WFPB) avoid oils entirely and focus on unprocessed or minimally processed foods.
However, some vegans and vegetarians just want to reduce the amount of their oil intake whether or not they are strict WFPB eaters.
Although I personally am not taking part in an oil-free diet, I do try to cut back on the amount of oil I use and try not to have oil as part of every meal.
How to cook without oil
There are a number of ways to cook (and bake) without using oil.
Some recipes can simply be cooked in a non-stick pan or baked using non-stick bakeware without the use of any oil substitute.
For sautéing veggies, you can use water, vegetable broth and even vegan white wine.
Vegetable broth also works great for coating veggies before roasting them in the oven or for replacing the oil in gravies.
Nuts can be dry-roasted or roasted with other liquids to keep them oil-free.
Pureeing nuts, seeds and vegetables with water or plant-based milk is a great way to make sauces and vegan cheeses oil-free.
Using nut butters or a nut flour (such as almond) in place of oil is one way to make baked goods oil-free.
Fruit purees, such as banana or apple sauce, can also work to replace oil in baking recipes.
Aquafaba (canned chickpea liquid), which is often used as an egg replacement in vegan baking, can also double as an oil replacement in certain recipes.
Silken tofu also works to replace oil in a number of recipes such as vegan mayo.
Of course, these are just some ideas for cooking and baking without oil.
Oil-free vegan recipes
We've compiled some amazing vegan comfort food recipes that are also oil-free from some of the best food bloggers including ideas for breakfast, lunch/dinner, and sweets.
Breakfast
Cheesy Vegan Tofu Scramble
Scrambled eggs with cheese are a breakfast favorite and this vegan version made from tofu and nutritional yeast doesn't disappoint.
The Best Vegan French Toast Casserole by Shane & Simple
This vegan French toast casserole takes French toast to a whole new level. Not only is it an eggless version of the comfort food favorite, but it's also topped with a mouthwatering cashew coconut icing.
The Fluffiest Vegan Pancakes Ever by This Healthy Kitchen
What's not to love about a stack of fluffy pancakes topped with ooey-gooey maple syrup? This tasty vegan version can be made in one bowl with just four ingredients.
Tomato soup is one of the most loved comfort food soups, especially when the weather is cold. This warming vegan version is perfect for the whole family, grownups and kids alike.
I don't know about you, but when I think of comfort food, the first thing that comes to mind is mac and cheese. This vegan version features a panko bread crumb topping and can also be made gluten-free.
Pasta with meat sauce gets a vegan makeover with this Bolognese sauce made with red lentils. This hearty sauce is perfect over your favorite pasta, gluten-free if needed.
Vegan Pesto Pizza with Almond Ricotta by No Sweat Vegan
Pizza is hands down a comfort food favorite among many. This vegan version is loaded with flavor, featuring marinara, pesto, almond ricotta, cherry tomatoes and basil.
There's nothing like a savory pot pie to bring some comfort to the table. This vegan version features sweet potatoes, kale, soy curls and mushrooms for a flavorful and hearty meal.
This vegan meatloaf is the perfect comfort food main course to pair with your favorite mashed potatoes. This vegan version features a combination of lentils, mushrooms, and walnuts and a savory gravy you'll want to smother all over it.
If you've ever walked past that famous cinnamon roll shop in the mall and got a whiff of the cinnamony goodness, then you'll be happy to know that your kitchen can have all those glorious smells when you make this vegan version at home. These vegan cinnamon rolls also happen to be refined sugar-free.
Not only is this decadent chocolate cake vegan, but it's also gluten-free! Chocolate cake and chocolate frosting combine for the ultimate chocolaty treat. Perfect for birthday celebrations or whenever you're in the mood for some cake.
3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies by Health My Lifestyle
With only three simple ingredients, these banana oatmeal cookies are super easy to make. In this recipe, bananas double as an oil replacement and natural sweetener.
This strawberry hemp milkshake takes this classic drink to the next level with the addition of hemp seeds for protein. This vegan version is also refined sugar-free.
