🦃 Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and you know what that means: a feast that celebrates gratitude, togetherness, and delicious food! But what if you or your guests follow a vegan lifestyle and you want to ensure everyone can enjoy a mouthwatering Thanksgiving meal? Fear not! In this article, we've got you covered with a bountiful selection of vegan recipes that are sure to make your Thanksgiving celebration a memorable and cruelty-free one. From savory mains to delectable sides and tempting desserts, we've got it all. Let's dive in and explore these delightful vegan alternatives for your Thanksgiving table!
Table of Contents
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Vegan Main Courses
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Delicious Vegan Side Dishes
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Irresistible Vegan Desserts
1. Vegan Main Courses
Stuffed Acorn Squash with Wild Rice and Cranberries 🍽️
For a stunning centerpiece that's as delicious as it is beautiful, consider making stuffed acorn squash. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 acorn squash, halved and seeds removed
- 1 cup wild rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the squash halves on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine the wild rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked wild rice, cranberries, pecans, parsley, and garlic.
- Stuff each squash half with the rice mixture and return to the oven for another 20-25 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley.
Vegan Lentil Loaf 🥘
Lentil loaf is a hearty and satisfying alternative to traditional meatloaf. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked brown lentils
- 1 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 1/2 cup finely chopped carrot
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix well.
- Press the mixture into a greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the lentil loaf cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Mushroom Wellington 🍄
This elegant and savory dish is sure to impress your guests. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 sheets vegan puff pastry
- 16 ounces cremini mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup vegan cream cheese
Instructions:
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic and sauté until translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook until they release their liquid and become tender.
- Stir in the spinach and parsley, and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and spread the vegan cream cheese over it.
- Spoon the mushroom mixture on top of the cream cheese.
- Roll out the second sheet of puff pastry and place it on top of the mushroom mixture.
- Seal the edges of the pastry sheets and brush with a bit of almond milk.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown.
- Slice and serve your Mushroom Wellington with pride!
2. Delicious Vegan Side Dishes
Vegan Mashed Potatoes 🥔
Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes are a Thanksgiving essential. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/4 cup vegan butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Add almond milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper. Mash until creamy and smooth.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze 🌿
These Brussels sprouts are a fantastic addition to your Thanksgiving table. Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and browned.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.
Cranberry Orange Sauce 🍊
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without cranberry sauce. Here's a tangy and sweet vegan version:
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the sauce thickens.
- Let it cool before serving.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole 🥦
A Thanksgiving classic made vegan! Here's what you'll need:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound green beans, trimmed and blanched
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (check for vegan options)
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 1 cup crispy fried onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, almond milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the green beans and half of the crispy fried onions.
- Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake for 25 minutes.
- Sprinkle the remaining crispy fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until they're golden and crispy.
3. Irresistible Vegan Desserts
Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream 🥧
No Thanksgiving dessert table is complete without pumpkin pie. Here's a vegan twist on the classic:
Ingredients: For the Pumpkin Pie:
- 1 1/2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 vegan pie crust
For the Coconut Whipped Cream:
- 1 can coconut cream, refrigerated for at least 6 hours
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions: For the Pumpkin Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a blender, combine all the pumpkin pie ingredients except the pie crust. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the pie is set.
- Let it cool before serving.
For the Coconut Whipped Cream:
- Open the can of refrigerated coconut cream and scoop out the solid part into a mixing bowl. Discard the liquid.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract to the solid cream.
- Whip until light and fluffy.
- Serve a dollop of coconut whipped cream on each slice of pumpkin pie.
Vegan Apple Crisp 🍏
Warm, comforting, and full of autumn flavors, this vegan apple crisp is a delightful Thanksgiving dessert:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced apples
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup melted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Toss the sliced apples with lemon juice and place them in a baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, almond flour, coconut sugar, melted vegan butter, cinnamon, and salt.
- Sprinkle the oat mixture over the apples.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse 🍫
This rich and creamy chocolate mousse is a perfect ending to your vegan Thanksgiving feast:
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Fresh berries for garnish
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine avocados, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh berries.
4. Tips for Hosting a Vegan-Friendly Thanksgiving
- Communicate with your guests: Let your guests know in advance that you'll be serving a vegan Thanksgiving. This way, they can come prepared or offer to bring their own vegan dish.
- Plan your menu: Carefully select your dishes and ensure they are vegan-friendly. Many traditional Thanksgiving recipes can be easily adapted with plant-based ingredients.
- Use vegan substitutes: There are numerous vegan substitutes available for dairy, eggs, and meat. Experiment with these to create delicious vegan versions of your favorite dishes.
- Check labels: When shopping for ingredients, always check labels to make sure products are vegan. Many products are marked with a "V" symbol to indicate they are vegan.
- Ask for help: If you're new to vegan cooking, don't hesitate to ask for help from friends or family members who are experienced in vegan cuisine.
- Include plenty of sides: Load up on vegan side dishes as they are often the star of the show. Colorful salads, roasted vegetables, and hearty grains can be a real crowd-pleaser.
- Offer vegan alternatives: Provide vegan versions of condiments and toppings like vegan butter, dairy-free whipped cream, and vegan gravy.
5. Final Thoughts
🌱 Thanksgiving is a time to come together and celebrate the things we're grateful for. What better way to express gratitude than by choosing a compassionate and cruelty-free meal that respects the Earth and all its inhabitants? These vegan recipes are not just for vegans but for everyone who wants to enjoy a Thanksgiving feast that's full of flavor, love, and inclusivity. So, whether you're hosting a vegan Thanksgiving or simply looking to add some plant-based options to your table, we hope these recipes have inspired you to create a memorable and delicious holiday celebration. Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍁✨
