Vegetarian Traditional Mincemeat

Bursting with festive flavors, this Vegetarian Traditional Mincemeat recipe is a plant-based twist on the classic holiday favorite, perfect for pies, tarts, and other festive treats. Made with a medley of dried fruits like raisins, currants, and apricots, along with zesty citrus, warm spices, and a hint of optional dark rum, this recipe delivers a rich, aromatic filling packed with natural sweetness and texture. The inclusion of grated Granny Smith apple and finely chopped almonds adds a fresh, nutty depth, while melted butter ties the mixture together for a luxuriously smooth consistency. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this preservative-free mincemeat can be stored for up to three months, allowing its flavors to mature beautifully. Whether you’re crafting traditional Christmas desserts or exploring new ways to bake with mincemeat, this recipe delivers a delightful taste of the holiday season, all while remaining meat-free.

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 200 grams Raisins
• 200 grams Currants
• 100 grams Dried apricots, finely chopped
• 100 grams Candied peel, finely chopped
• 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and grated
• 150 grams Dark brown sugar
• 100 grams Unsalted butter
• 50 grams Almonds, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground allspice
• 1 large lemon Lemon zest
• 1 large orange Orange zest
• 80 ml Fresh orange juice
• 3 tablespoons Dark rum (optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the raisins, currants, chopped dried apricots, candied peel, and chopped almonds. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 2

Add the grated apple, dark brown sugar, lemon zest, orange zest, and orange juice to the bowl. Stir well to incorporate all the flavors.

Step 3

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Pour the melted butter into the fruit mixture and stir until fully combined.

Step 4

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice over the mixture. Stir to evenly distribute the spices and create a warm, fragrant aroma.

Step 5

Transfer the mixture to a medium saucepan and place it over low heat. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 45 minutes, or until the fruits have softened and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency.

Step 6

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mincemeat cool slightly. If using, stir in the dark rum for a deep, warming flavor.

Step 7

Once cooled completely, transfer the mincemeat to sterilized jars, ensuring they are tightly packed. Seal with lids and store in a cool, dark place for up to three months.

Step 8

Before using, allow the mincemeat to mature for at least one week to develop its full flavor. Use in pies, tarts, or any festive dessert of your choice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1240.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3605.0

Total Fat 114.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 52.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 221.4mg	0%
Sodium 216.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 656.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 41.2g	0%
Total Sugars 552.1g
Protein 29.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 725.1mg	0%
Iron 12.5mg	0%
Potassium 5217.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 27.2%

Protein: 3.1%

Carbs: 69.6%