Is there anything Natalie Portman can’t do? The award-winning actress has taken home wins at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the BAFTA Awards—just to name a few. She graduated from Harvard with a degree in psychology. And she speaks multiple languages, including Hebrew, French, and Spanish. But you can also add one more accomplishment to Portman’s lengthy resume: culinary master. Portman regularly shares vegan recipe videos to her Instagram account, which has more than 7 million followers.
Ready to learn how to cook vegan like Natalie Portman? Here are some of her tastiest plant-based recipe videos to date.
How to cook vegan like Natalie Portman
Portman often uses her platform on Instagram to give space to thought-provoking leaders and changemakers like Fatima Goss Graves, the founder and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center, and Patrisse Cullors-Brignac, the co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement. But she also invites vegan influencers and food bloggers to join in on her cooking adventures. Here are some mouthwatering vegan recipes she made with the help of a few special guests.
Matcha donuts
Portman was recently joined by Switzerland-based food and lifestyle blogger Yukiko Tanzi to make a decadent—and yummy!—batch of vegan matcha donuts. Tanzi, who underwent a heart transplant at the age of 29 following a long illness, regularly shares tasty plant-based recipes on her blog. These delectable donuts feature a matcha sugar glaze that is sure to leave you savoring every last bite.
Sweet potato falafel
In honor of World Vegan Day, Portman was joined by Jenné Claiborne to make a savory sweet potato falafel recipe. Also known as Sweet Potato Soul, the vegan chef, author, YouTuber, and blogger is no stranger to whipping up quality plant-based recipes using the sweet-tasting root vegetable. This video also includes a recipe for a spicy cucumber avocado salad for a complete dinner to remember.
Traditional Israeli dishes made vegan
Born in Jerusalem, Portman—nee Natalie Hershlag—has dual Israeli and American citizenship. Paying homage to her multicultural background, she often shares traditional Israeli recipes that she’s veganized.
Matza lasagna
Portman replicated one of her mother’s famous recipes: matza lasagna. It features sautéed onions and garlic, chopped veggies, matza, layers of vegan cheese, and noodles with a rich tomato sauce. “So this looks really janky cause my matza came all broken in the box, but it’s my mom’s matza lasagna recipe and it’s so delicious! #happypassover,” she wrote on Instagram.
Lentil salad
A classic Israeli dish, this lentil salad recipe is one of Natalie Portman’s favorites. The lentil salad features roasted sweet potatoes, kale, and vegan feta. Enjoy it as a side or a main dish—just make sure you save some room for dessert.
Traditional Israeli breakfast
“Here’s my take on a traditional Israeli breakfast of chickpeas, salad, and tahini, adapted from my mom’s recipe,” Portman wrote on Instagram. “It may seem complicated but it’s pretty much just a lot of slicing, stirring, and blending.”
Healthy kid treats
Portman shares two children with her husband, French dancer and choreographer Benjamin Millepied. Lucky for all three, she also whips up tasty, kid-approved treats that even the adults can enjoy.
Strawberry mint popsicles
It doesn’t have to be summer for you to enjoy these fruity popsicles. And be sure to pay heed to Portman’s serving advice: “Once frozen, kids can eat as is; adults can put in a glass, pour tequila over and let it serve as both ice and mixer,” she wrote on Instagram.
Almond butter and jelly oatmeal
Make breakfast the whole family will love. This oatmeal recipe features almond butter, strawberries, and maple syrup for a PB&J-esque meal that’s sure to start your morning off right. It also includes a homemade nut milk recipe, which Portman shows can easily be made with a blend of nuts (she used cashews, but any nut will do), dates, and water.
Vegan s’mores pancakes
Who doesn’t love a large stack of vegan pancakes—especially those of the s’mores variety? And you only need a handful of ingredients to whip this recipe up: flour, baking powder, apple cider vinegar, sugar, cinnamon, plant-based milk, and vanilla.
Comfort food
And Portman is certainly no stranger to crafting mouthwatering comfort food staples. Here are some of her top flavor-packed, plant-based recipes.
Vegan buffalo cauliflower wings
You can’t go wrong with buffalo cauliflower wings. In lieu of baking, these crispy, taste-bud pleasing vegan wings are made with an air fryer. Dunk them in your favorite dairy-free ranch and enjoy. Sharing is optional.
Savory and sweet tarts
This plant-based tart recipe can be savory or sweet. Portman shared on Instagram: “I used butternut squash, leeks, cauliflower, mushrooms (for savory tarts) and apples (for sweet tarts), but you can add whatever fruit and veggies you prefer.”
Spaghetti squash
Natalie Portman revealed she likes making this recipe to get her kids to eat their veggies. In order to whip up this simple spaghetti squash dish, all you need is spaghetti squash, sautéed garlic, olive oil, salt, and diced tomatoes. Serve it along with a side salad or a piece of french bread.
Beet and potato salad
One of the easiest recipes on the list to make, Portman’s beet and potato salad makes for a refreshing lunch, dinner, or appetizer. The delicious-looking dressing is made from a mix of whole-grain mustard, gherkin pickles, shallots, and red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
Which one of Natalie Portman’s recipes will you be whipping up first?
