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
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 BrothIn 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 VegetablesAdd sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts. Cook until tender (about 10–12 minutes).
- Add Mushrooms & GreensStir in mushrooms, cauliflower, kale, and spinach. Simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Add ProteinsGently add tofu, tempeh, and beans. Let them warm through in the broth.
- Cook Noodles SeparatelyBoil soba or rice noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Assemble Hot PotPlace 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.


