Vegan haggis is a delightful twist on Scotland’s traditional dish, offering all the rich, hearty flavors without any animal products. Perfect for those who follow a plant-based diet or are simply looking to try something new and nourishing, this recipe combines wholesome ingredients like lentils, oats, and a medley of herbs and spices to create a savory and satisfying meal.
The texture mimics the classic haggis, while the flavors pay homage to its Scottish roots with a modern, vegan-friendly approach.
Whether you’re celebrating Burns Night or just want a cozy, comforting dish, this vegan haggis recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and a depth of flavor that will warm you up on any chilly evening.
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to introduce plant-based meals to your family and friends without compromising on taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan haggis recipe is an absolute winner because it offers the traditional flavors and textures you crave, but in a wholesome, cruelty-free form. It’s made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a complex, savory profile that’s deeply satisfying.
It’s also:
- High in protein and fiber thanks to lentils and oats
- Gluten-free adaptable by swapping oats for gluten-free oats
- Perfectly spiced to evoke the classic haggis experience
- Versatile for meals, whether as a main, side, or stuffing
- Great for special occasions like Burns Night or a unique holiday dinner
Plus, it’s an excellent introduction to vegan cooking for anyone curious about plant-based versions of traditional dishes. If you enjoy this recipe, consider exploring other plant-powered meals like Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals or try your hand at a sweet treat like the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup steel-cut oats (or gluten-free oats for GF)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari (use coconut aminos for soy-free)
- 1 tbsp vegetable stock powder or 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water (flax egg)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish or loaf pan
- Oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)
- Food processor (optional, for finer texture)
Instructions
- Cook the lentils: Place the rinsed lentils in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 20-25 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water and set aside.
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water. Stir and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the grated carrot and chopped mushrooms, cooking for another 7 minutes until vegetables are tender and any moisture has evaporated.
- Add the spices: Stir in the ground coriander, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and bring out their aroma.
- Combine oats and flavorings: Add the steel-cut oats to the skillet, stirring well to coat them with the spices and vegetable mixture. Pour in the soy sauce and vegetable broth or stock powder dissolved in 1/2 cup water. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Mix lentils and flax egg: Transfer the cooked lentils to a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed vegetable and oat mixture along with the flax egg. Stir well to combine. Season with salt to taste. If you want a finer texture, pulse the mixture a few times in a food processor—just be careful not to blend it into a paste.
- Shape and bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish or loaf pan, pressing down firmly to compact it. Cover with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes to develop a slightly crispy top.
- Rest and serve: Allow the vegan haggis to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
For a nuttier flavor, try adding 1/3 cup toasted walnuts or pecans to the mixture before baking.
Want to make this recipe gluten-free? Simply substitute steel-cut oats with certified gluten-free oats.
If you prefer a smokier taste, add a small amount of liquid smoke or chipotle powder with the other spices.
For an extra burst of flavor, mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers. You can also experiment with different lentils like red or black lentils, but be mindful of their cooking times and textures.
Try serving this vegan haggis with traditional sides or plant-based twists such as mashed potatoes and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to elevate your meal further.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 kcal |
Protein | 15 g |
Carbohydrates | 40 g |
Dietary Fiber | 12 g |
Fat | 6 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 400 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan haggis is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Traditionally, haggis is accompanied by neeps and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes), which pairs beautifully with this plant-based version for an authentic Scottish feel.
For a modern twist, serve slices of the haggis alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty green salad. It also works wonderfully as a filling for vegan pies or savory pastries.
To add extra comfort, drizzle with a rich vegan gravy or the creamy Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes. For a festive occasion, pair it with a robust vegan red wine or a smoky whisky to celebrate Scottish heritage.
Conclusion
This vegan haggis recipe is a fantastic example of how traditional dishes can be reimagined for modern, plant-based diets without sacrificing flavor or comfort. It brings together wholesome ingredients and bold spices to create a dish that’s both nourishing and delicious.
Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or simply curious about new culinary experiences, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Making vegan haggis at home is also a wonderful way to celebrate culture and heritage in a compassionate way. Plus, it’s easy enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for holiday feasts.
If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other creative vegan meals like Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or check out some warming options from Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas.
Happy cooking and Slàinte Mhath!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Haggis
Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan twist on the traditional Scottish dish, using lentils and oats. Perfect for a comforting meal with rich spices and herbs.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H5M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Cook lentils in boiling water until tender, about 25 minutes, then drain.
- In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.
- Add cooked lentils, oats, spices, and vegetable broth to the pan.
- Simmer mixture on low heat, stirring frequently, until oats are cooked and mixture thickens, about 15 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to firm up.
- Serve hot with traditional sides like mashed potatoes and neeps.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 14 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 38 g
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