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HomeWFPB RecipesMainThe All-American Whole Food Christmas Hot Pot

The All-American Whole Food Christmas Hot Pot

This holiday hot pot is more than just a centrepiece—it’s a celebration of nourishment, colour, and community. Built on a smoky miso-ginger broth, it layers seasonal vegetables, hearty plant proteins, and whole-grain noodles into a warming dish that feels indulgent yet deeply restorative.

A Feast of Flavour and Wellness

  • Broth Base: The miso paste provides gut-friendly probiotics, while garlic and ginger add immune-boosting compounds perfect for winter wellness. Smoked paprika lends a cozy depth reminiscent of a holiday hearth.
  • Root Vegetables & Greens: Sweet potatoes, carrots, kale, spinach, and Brussels sprouts deliver a powerhouse of vitamins A, C, and K, along with antioxidants that support glowing skin and strong immunity. The festive star-shaped carrots and jewel-like cherry tomatoes add both visual joy and phytonutrient diversity.
  • Mushrooms & Crucifers: Shiitake or cremini mushrooms bring umami and beta-glucans that support immune health, while cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contribute sulforaphane, known for its anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.
  • Plant Proteins: Tofu, tempeh, and beans provide complete protein, fibre, and minerals like iron and magnesium—keeping energy steady through the holiday season without the heaviness of animal products.
  • Whole-Grain Noodles: Soba or brown rice noodles offer sustained energy through complex carbohydrates, balancing the meal with a satisfying texture.
  • Seasonal Garnishes: Pomegranate arils and cranberries add bursts of colour and antioxidants, while fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro bring cleansing chlorophyll and digestive support.

💚 Health Benefits at a Glance

  • Heart Health: Low in saturated fat and cholesterol-free, this hot pot supports cardiovascular wellness.
  • Digestive Support: Fibre-rich vegetables and legumes promote healthy digestion and satiety.
  • Immune Boosting: Garlic, ginger, mushrooms, and leafy greens strengthen the body’s natural defences.
  • Anti-Inflammatory: Cruciferous vegetables and colourful plant compounds help reduce inflammation.
  • Balanced Nutrition: A synergy of macronutrients—protein, complex carbs, and healthy phytonutrients—makes this dish both comforting and energising.

This hot pot embodies the spirit of an All-American Christmas: familiar, abundant, and joyful, yet reimagined through a whole food plant-based lens. It’s a dish that gathers everyone around the table, offering warmth, flavour, and the gift of health in every bowl.

All-American WFPB Christmas Hot Pot

Catherine BarclayCatherine Barclay
A festive, plant-powered centerpiece that brings warmth and colour to the holiday table. This nourishing hot pot features a smoky miso-ginger broth, hearty root vegetables, vibrant greens, and protein-rich tofu, tempeh, and beans. Whole-grain noodles soak up the rich flavours, while jewel-like garnishes of pomegranate and cranberries add a seasonal sparkle. Cozy, wholesome, and entirely whole food plant-based—perfect for gathering family and friends around a steaming pot of holiday comfort.
Course Main Course

Ingredients
  

Stock (broth) base

  • 8 cups low-sodium vegetable stock (broth)
  • 2 tbsp white miso paste
  • 2 tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger sliced. or a tbsp of grated frozen ginger
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

Vegetables

  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup kale chopped
  • 1 cup brussels sprouts halved
  • 1 cup carrot sliced into festive star shapes
  • 1 cup kumara (sweet potato) cubed
  • 1 cup mushrooms shiitake or cremini
  • 1 cup cauliflower florets
  • 1 cup corn kernels frozen or fresh
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes

Proteins & Hearty Elements

  • 1 block extra-firm tofu cubed
  • 1 cup tempeh slied thinly
  • 1 cup cooked black beans or kidney beans

Noodles

  • 8 oz whole grain soda noodles or brown rice noodles

Seasonal garnishes

  • fresh cranberries for decoration only
  • fresh parsley or coriander (cilantro)
  • pomegranate arils

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Broth
    In a large pot, bring vegetable broth to a simmer. Add miso, tamari, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and smoked paprika. Let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavours.
  • Add Root Vegetables
    Add sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Cook until tender (about 10–12 minutes).
  • Add Mushrooms & Greens
    Stir in mushrooms, cauliflower, kale, and spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Add Proteins
    Gently add tofu, tempeh, and beans. Let them warm through in the broth.
  • Cook Noodles Separately
    Boil soba or rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Assemble Hot Pot
    Place noodles in bowls, ladle hot broth and vegetables over the top

Holiday Table Presentation Ideas

  • Festive Garnish: Sprinkle pomegranate arils and fresh parsley over each bowl for a red-and-green Christmas look.
  • Cranberry Ring: Float a few whole cranberries in the serving pot for decoration (remove before eating).
  • Carrot Stars: Use small cookie cutters to shape carrots into stars or snowflakes before cooking.
  • Table Setting: Serve the hot pot in a large cast-iron Dutch oven or ceramic pot placed at the center of the table, surrounded by small bowls of toppings (extra beans, herbs, chili flakes).
  • Decor Touch: Place sprigs of pine or rosemary around the serving pot on the table for a natural, wintry aroma.
Keyword Hotpot, plant-based, vegan, wfpb, wholefood
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Catherine Barclay
Catherine Barclay
Normally you might find me behind the coding of our sites but over the years I have become much more concerned about what has been happening in the kitchen as well - families do that for all of us don't they? Background experience is in Account Management and Web Development but as my passion has grown for WFPB so has my desire to speak out.
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