It’s no secret that oil is not a health food. Yet the struggle to go totally oil-free when transitioning to a healthy whole-food, plant-based diet is real. Fortunately, with a little guidance, it’s not hard to deliver flavor, rich texture, and golden brown deliciousness minus the added fat. Below are our hand-picked favorites!
For sure, it takes a little culinary know-how to recreate traditionally oil-laden favorites like pesto, French fries, quesadillas, hash browns, fried rice, tacos, brownies, and salad dressings without the added fat. But don’t fret: These tantalizing recipes use easy cooking techniques such as baking, steaming, breading, roasting, pan-toasting, and sautéing so you can skip the oil without skimping on flavor.
Totally Oil-Free Vegan Recipes
SOURCE: www.forksoverknives.com
Potato Pancakes
Who needs oil-fried potato pancakes that leave you feeling full and heavy? Just wait until you try this zesty, crunchy, whole-food version that is 100 percent oil-free.
Ultimate Vegan Gravy
Low in fat and rich in flavor, this vegan gravy is ready in just 30 minutes.
Roasted Veggie Pasta
In this easy recipe, pasta and a colorful medley of roasted veggies are tossed with herbs for a fresh, hearty meal.
Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas
You won’t miss the queso in these vegan quesadillas, which are stuffed with a succulent mixture of mashed sweet potato, salsa, rice, and refried beans.
Chinese Noodles in Ginger Garlic Sauce
Noodles, bok choy, broccoli, button mushrooms, and carrots soak up the savory sauce in this healthful, nourishing dish.
Oil-Free Hummus
Store-bought hummus almost always contains added oil. If you’re looking for a healthier option, this 10-minute recipe from Rip Esselstyn is your new go-to.
Herbed Fingerling Potatoes
Rather than slathering potatoes in fat, consider simmering them in a flavorful, herb-infused broth. Your tastebuds won’t know the difference.
Tacos de Hongo
Topped with guacamole, these crunchy tacos with a hearty mushroom filling won’t let you down in the flavor department. Transform your family’s Taco Tuesday with this oil-free entrée.
Garlic Hash Browns with Kale
Browned to perfection and ready in only 25 minutes, this take on a breakfast classic will leave ’em begging for more.
Curried Millet Cakes with Creamy Red Pepper Coriander Sauce
These little croquettes—a recipe which usually uses butter or oil to get crispy and golden on the outside—are baked to crunchy perfection.