2022's Most Popular Recipes <3

Not to toot my own horn or anything, but things keep getting better here at the blog imo. Every time I try out a new cuisine, recipe, or like, idea, I feel like things are getting better. I'm feeling so much more comfortable in the kitchen, (although there's most certainly hiccups) but I'm feeling like 2022 was my best year yet. I've written some absolutely fabulous recipes this year, and this post is going to celebrate the best of the best.

I'm revisiting a year's worth of recipes. Let's take a peek at how far we've come together and let's also get excited about how far we'll go. Let's look at my favourite recipes from this year!

JaNuArY

Cleaning Out The Crisper Pasta

I'm so proud of this recipe because it does exactly what its name suggests; it cleans out the fucking crisper of everything you've used half of, or could benefit from using up to clear space for fresh produce. This recipe uses up all of the bits and pieces in your fridge to create the most robust pasta. 

It's perfect because you can use whatever noodles, whatever veggies, herbs, spices, etc., and you've got a delicious pasta. This pasta features some gorgeous Mafalda noodles, ridged and stunning; much like lasagna noodles but in a longer, thinner scale. Those noods plus a delicious pan sauce, veggies, and fresh dill which is so wonderful and unexpected here.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/cleaning-out-the-crisper-pasta

Shepherd's Pie Potatoes

This recipe, flat out proves, that you don't need meat to create fabulous, hearty dishes like Shepherd's pie. It also reimagines the pie with all of those familiar components in a different style.

Essentially, we're talking seasoned, shepherd's pie filling, consisting of "meat", gravy, and veg, stuffed inside tater skins & topped with creamy, piped mashed taters. Don't forget the gravy y'all!

www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/shepherds-pie-potatoes

FEBruaRy

Curried Lentils & Eggs

This was one of my favourite breakfast / brunch creations at the time because it was inspired by Indian cuisine, and as we all know, Indian cuisine packs such a punch. It's as simple as some toasted spices, coconut milk, and canned lentils to create the base to cook our eggs in. The eggs are cracked directly in to the skillet & we serve it up with gorgeous grilled bread, crema, feta, and cilantro.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/curried-lentils-eggs

Penne Arabiatta with Mozz Stuffed Meatballs

I think it's safe to say by this point that I love meatballs. I think they're a testament to how far we've come with vegan / vegetarian alternatives to meat products. With what's available now, we can pretty much replicate any meat based dish successfully.

I loved this recipe because it was the perfect balance of everything. You had those juicy, delicious meatballs, stuffed with melty mozz, against that spicy, robust Arabiatta sauce. Plus, it's an easy dish to serve up, who wouldn't like a plate of pasta with cheesy meatballs?

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/penne-arabiatta-with-mozz-stuffed-meatballs

Gnocchi, Kale, & Broad Bean Pot Pie with Phyllo Crust

This was easily one of my favourite recipes of last winter! First of all, when it comes to comforting eats, I lean towards dishes like pot pies, lasagnas, things that are hearty and filling. This particular pot pie was one I created because I had extra phyllo sheets from a Spanakopita I'd made. That was the inspiration behind it, then, it came down to rummaging through the cupboards / fridge to create a creamy pot pie filling.

We've got plump, tender gnocchi taking the place of potatoes in the filling, along with smooth, hearty broad beans and green kale. Then, we top with layers of buttered phyllo and bake until golden brown. The satisfying crunch as you slice in to this beauty and serve it up is music to my ears.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/gnocchi-broad-bean-kale-pot-pie-with-phyllo-crust

MARcH

Potato Pancake Poutine Stacks

The ultimate Canadian delicacy, reimagined for the most satisfying brunch vibe ever. Layers of crispy, potato & zucchini "pancakes", squeaky, delicious curds, and a jazzed up pantry gravy that features fresh ingredients to make it feel more home made.

Reasons to love this include;

1. It's poutine.

2. It's fu<king poutine.

3. Poutine for breakfast? Hello!?! 

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/potato-pancake-poutine-stacks

Sundried Tomato & Ricotta Stuffed Shells with Creamy Wine Sauce

As someone who has probably eaten his weight in stuffed shells over his lifetime, I can guarantee you, these were the most decadent & delicious jumbo shells I've ever eaten. The ricotta filling features melty mozzarella, flavour packed sundried tomatoes, and heat from pepper flakes which helps to cut through the richness of this decadent skillet.

We've swapped out tomato sauce for a rich, creamy white wine sauce that envelops the shells in its lusciousness as they bake. I'm telling you, this is comfort in a skillet. Rich, creamy, and so flavourful. 

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/sundried-tom-ricotta-stuffed-shells-with-creamy-white-wine-sauce

APriL

Navy Bean Dahl

This dish was inspired by Rajma dahl, which is a red kidney bean dish and it was one I knew I wanted to recreate. All of those beautiful, pungent spices really get the house smelling fabulous. The spice blend includes Coriander, cumin seeds, Tandoori spice, Garam Masala, and cayenne, all of which pack so much flavour.

The key here is to toast your spices and make sure you're using dry beans as opposed to canned. The dry beans retain their texture a little bit better in that beautiful sauce. 

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/navy-bean-dahl

Stuffed Peps

Stuffed peppers have long been one of my favourite dishes, and I'd shared quite a few variations on the blog. However, I'd yet to share one that was familiar and traditional to me, one that I'd seen growing up, and that's what these stuffed peppers are.

Tender bell peppers stuffed with a meaty brown rice filling, and baked under some melty cheese. They're hearty, familiar, and so yummy, definitely one of my faves!

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/stuffed-peps

MaY

Mushroom Bourguignon

I chose this recipe because it was created as a result of watching the Julia Child challenge on the Food Network. Weeks of French, culinary challenges inspired by Julia Child's legacy of a career. It was through this that I decided I needed to write a Mushroom Bourguignon recipe.

My Mushroom Bourguignon has everything you'd expect from the classic French dish. Tender cremini mushrooms, pearl onions, and the richest, brown sauce. Smother a baked tater with this and you'll thank me later!

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/mushroom-bourguignon

Meatball & Ricotta Stuffed Shells

I chose this recipe because it was one of the first recipes I worked on with my sister from start to finish. We worked on everything together from the meatballs to the ricotta filling and I think it's one of my favourite stuffed shell recipes to date. Creamy ricotta filling & tender meatballs stuffed inside jumbo shells & baked in tomato sauce until bubbly and wonderful. This is one dish you're going to want to make over and over again.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/meatball-ricotta-stuffed-shells

JUnE

Mexican "Meat" Sliders

I selected this recipe for two reasons; 1. I worked on it with one of my very bets friends, and 2. They were so addictive and fun.

​K, we've got seasoned veggie meat crumble, melty cheese, sliced red onions, green onions, chipotle mayo, and the toastiest slider buns, all coming together for the most flavourful and adorable little sliders. We had so much fun creating them together, adding or taking away as we went along until they were perf.

Get the recipe!

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/mexican-meat-sliders

Polenta with Meatballs, Pesto, & Tomato Sauce

The year of the meatball? Seems that way. I chose this recipe because it was something I worked on with one of my other best friends, combining our love of polenta & meatballs in to something absolutely delicious.

Tender, juicy meatballs, creamy polenta, fresh and flavourful pesto, and the perfect red sauce to go along with everything. Sliding that meatballs through that creamy pesto - sauce - polenta mix is everything.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/polenta-with-meatballs-pesto-tomato-sauce

Totchos

K, these were by far one of the most flavourful little snacks I created the entire year. It's the components of these tater tot nachos that really shine here. I made a robustly seasoned lentil "meat" mixture, esquites salad which is one of my fave salads on this planet. Basically, it's Mexican Street Corn but stripped from the cob - creamy and zesty. Next, whatever glorious garnishes you can dream of - salsa verde, cilantro, chipotle mayo, green onions, cabbage, ugh, whatever you want to add will be fabulous.

Swap the chips and get those tater tots roasting!

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/totchos

juLy

Whipped Feta with Roasted Mixiany Tomatoes

I chose this recipe because it screams summer vibes. You get that smooth, velvety whipped feta, roasted cherry tomatoes that provide acidity and pops of freshness against the dip, and lots of pepper flakes & balsamic reduction. Every bite is like a taste of summer in my opinion. Also, how gorgeous is this? I think it makes the perfect centerpiece for a little summer get together.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/whipped-feta-with-roasted-mixiany-cherry-tomatoes

Summer Sheet Pan Gnocchi

This was my most clicked on recipe for the month of July and honestly, I'm not surprised. My Summer Sheet Pan Gnocchi is the perfect summer dish for so many reasons. You're skipping the stovetop which means no boiling water pumping out unwanted heat, that's a win. You're using up a bunch of produce to clean out the crisper, that's a win. Finally, everything is sauced and tossed together & baked altogether as well, easy clean up is always a win. Plus, it's absolutely delicious in its simplicity. This is a year round dish imo.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/summer-sheet-pan-gnocchi

AUGusT

Pinto Bean & Corn Queso Jackets

Not only was this my most clicked on recipe from August, I also happen to love it so much. This recipe is an example of taking something simple and making it gorgeous.

We've got a giant russet potato, a can of Mexican Pinto Beans, and the easiest, cheesiest corn queso ever. That's it! Then, your garnishes are what take this from drab to fab. Sliced jalapenos, herbs, red onions, tajin, whatever you have to make it colourful and stunning. Defs a fave of mine.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/pinto-bean-corn-queso-jacket-potatoes

Zucchini Lemon, and Basil Fettuccine

Lemon and basil scream summer vibes and this zucchini fettuccine recipe is absolutely divine. This recipe was inspired by a couple different ones from the Pasta Queen, my current insta obsession. This recipe is simple and reliant on the freshest ingredients. Juicy lemons, herbaceous basil, nutty grana padano, and some golden brown, crispy zucchinis. This was one of my favourite recipes I'd ever written and I hope you guys enjoyed it!

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/zucchini-lemon-basil-fettuccine

SepTEmBer

Spicy Summer Flatbread

This recipe was one of my absolute faves of the year. It's absolutely gorgeous & colourful, perfect for summer eats. I whipped this up as a send off to Summer, a little thanks for everything, flatbread style.

Pepperoncini, melty mozz, red onions, feta, cherry tomatoes, and pea shoots. It's stunning, spicy, and so easy to make. I'd suggest whipping this up anytime you've got the Winter Blues for a little taste of summer all year round.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/spicy-summer-flatbread

Roasted Zucchini Lasagna with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

I loved this lasagna so much. I love lasagna period, but this one was so flavourful and special because there were so many individual components that came together to create something wonderful. Roasted zucchini, freshly prepared pesto, blended red pepper sauce, and layers of tender noodles and ricotta filling. Nothing really ignites hunger like a lasagna bubbling away in the oven for hours. Revisit this recipe!

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/roasted-red-pepper-lasagna-with-zuccs-pesto

OctoBer

Vegetarian Irish Breakfast Baguettes

This recipe is close to my heart because it's inspired by the many delicious breakfast baguettes I consumed while I lived in Ireland. It was my favourite thing to eat after working nights because it was so hearty & filling, it put me out for hours.

A toasty baguette, stuffed with crispy hash browns, baked beans, shredded cheddar, sautéed mushrooms, and a fried egg. It's carb coma vibes in the bets possible way.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/vegetarian-irish-breakfast-baguettes

noVembEr

Crispy Grana Brussel Sprouts

I can confidently say that these were the best brussel sprouts I ate the entire year. Gloriously crispy cheese crust on every single sprout, pure magic. The sound the knife makes as it scrapes against that golden brown crust is unparalleled. Trust me, make these and you'll see why they're my favourite.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/crispy-grana-brussel-sprouts

Pesto Meatball Baguette Sliders

If you haven't noticed yet, I'm obsessed with making & eating vegan meatballs. They're undeniably juicy and so realistic nowadays, you're really not missing anything by ditching meat in your diet. 

Crispy, crunchy, toasty baguette, pepperoncini, fresh pesto, juicy meatballs, and melty mozzarella. They're absolutely delicious & so fun to eat. Plus, this recipe couldn't be easier to put together.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/pesto-meatball-melt-baguette-sliders

decEmbeR

For me, the colder weather always makes me hungry for foods that are cozy, comforting, and hearty. These dishes might feel heavy in the summer, but they're perfect for tucking in to when the weather is cold. Creamy, rich, and decadent, is what I'm in to when winter strikes. Shall we take a peek at my two favourite December dishes thus far?

Brussel Sprout Gratin

Winter vegetables are versatile, and my brussel sprout gratin makes use of one of my favourite winter crops, brussel sprouts! There's absolutely nothing not to love about this creamy, brussel sprout bake.

It all starts with roasting some brussels until tender. Then, all you need is cream, some seasonings, and a crispy, crumby topping, to get golden brown in the oven and you're all set to go. I'm obsessed with this recipe and I'll be making it again at least once a month, that's how much I enjoyed it!

www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/brussel-sprout-gratin

Mixed Potato Au Gratin

Au Gratin potatoes are probably one of my favourite ways to eat potatoes, going all the way back to my youth and those boxed potato mixes we were fond of. For what it's worth, they were always delicious, golden and bubbling out of the oven. Making them from scratch couldn't be easier, so ditch the box and make my Mixed Potato Au Gratin.

Layers of russets & sweet potatoes, layered with sliced shallots, mixed cheeses, garlic, and thyme. I added some pepper flakes for heat because I love that, and baked for over an hour until glorious. Trust me, you'll love these taters.

​www.thehappyveg.ca/recipes/mixed-potato-au-gratin

T H A N K  Y O U

As always, I have to thank all of you for continuing to come to the blog and showing your support. Although this blog started out as a means of distracting myself from my mother's terminal cancer, it has become something I cherish and look forward to doing every day. This blog has become sort of a safety blanket for me while also providing me a purpose. It's helped me learn so much in the kitchen, improvising and creating new recipes and ideas. It has also given me a more powerful voice in my advocacy for animals across the globe.

Thank you all so much. 2022 had some amazing recipes but 2023 is an opportunity to create new and exciting things and I cannot wait to do so.

HAPPY VEG