Vegan Thanksgiving: One Step At a Time
by Rosa Colucci
November 14, 2024
The biggest food holiday of the year is just around the corner, for vegans and vegetarians, Thanksgiving is a holiday that can test your limits, regardless if you are a guest or host.
Thanksgiving staples (Turkey, stuffing, veggies sides and pies) can be loaded with animal products. Going vegan for this big meal has lots of benefits. More interesting flavors, less prep time and a overall wellness are just a few reasons to switch.
It’s easier than ever to put this holiday feast together because everyone is more food aware these days and the Internet is full of vegan hacks and recipes. This a a great opportunity to tackle new dishes to share with friends and family. The key is finding delicious and mindful alternatives that everyone will enjoy.
First things, first, if you are having a potluck, make sure your guests know you are doing a vegan meal. If they want to bring something, suggest a fresh fruit platter, veggie tray or even share a simple vegan side dish recipe they can prepare. Most guests are happy to contribute, they just want it to be simple have some direction. Put tent cards on the buffet table so everyone will know what’s in them. Don’t complicate it, a card with “Mashed Potatoes, and a circled “V” symbol lets everyone know what they are eating.
If you have your own foolproof recipes, you can flip them with some simple substitutes. Vegan butter and unsweetened almond milk can be substituted 1-1 for most recipes. You can also add more spices to amp up the flavors. A great (and very organized) resource for vegan cooking is from none other than Martha Stewart. Her website has a dedicated section.
I pulled together some fun recipes that you can showcase for your feast:
Turkey: Look to celebrating those great root vegetables and serve Stuffed Butternut Squash, Lentil Loaf or go Italian with Vegan Lasagna
Sides:
Mashed Potatoes: Easy to amp up with roasted garlic and a substitute of vegan butter and almond milk. Top off with porcini mushroom gravy and voila. A totally elevated side dish.
Orange Roasted Rainbow Carrots: This simple recipe from the Barefoot Contessa is a fan favorite
Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Green Herb Sauce Roasting with Parchment Paper makes the difference.
Sautéed Shredded Brussels Sprouts This Barefoot Contessa recipe is my favorite way to prepare sprouts. Literally ten minutes from start to finish.
Extras:
Orange Scented Cranberry Sauce: This is a sweeter tangier version of the classic side dish.
Cranberry Chutney: This make-ahead dish will delight everyone and bonus: you can make extra for holiday hostess gifts.
If baking is your thing, then go all in and create a dream dessert; You can also place a bakery order with a local bakery or ordering through your local Whole Foods Market. If you want to convert some baking recipes, bookmark this Invaluable article by Ruby Bhogal, a finalist on The Great British Bake Off for reference.
Award-winning Food blogger Richa Hingle put together a Sheet Pan Thanksgiving Dinner with easy prep and loads of deliciousness is anchored by a beautiful lentil loaf with gravy. Best of all, recipes can be prepped in advance to make your day even easier.
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