A Vegan Thanksgiving Feast: 5 Recipes for a Plant Based Holiday Celebration
Thanksgiving can be a wonderful celebration for everyone, including those embracing a vegan lifestyle. These plant-based recipes are bursting with the warmth and flavors of the season, from savory mains to decadent desserts. Let’s create a Thanksgiving feast that’ll be the star of the table!
1. Vegan Stuffed Acorn Squash Recipe
This beautiful stuffed acorn squash serves as a showstopping main dish filled with grains, veggies, and cranberries for a burst of holiday flavor.
Ingredients:
2 acorn squashes, halved and seeds removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup wild rice or quinoa, cooked
1/2 cup mushrooms, diced
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
1/4 teaspoon sage
1/4 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Brush acorn squash halves with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
2. In a skillet, heat a bit of oil and sauté mushrooms until golden. Add cooked rice or quinoa, cranberries, nuts, sage, and thyme. Stir to combine.
3. Remove squash from the oven, turn over, and stuff with the rice mixture. Bake for an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs.
2. Creamy Vegan Mashed Potatoes Recipe
What’s Thanksgiving without mashed potatoes? These vegan mashed potatoes are creamy and fluffy, thanks to the secret ingredient: coconut milk.
Ingredients:
5 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/4 cup coconut milk (or any unsweetened plant milk)
1/4 cup vegan butter
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chives, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
2. Mash the potatoes with coconut milk, vegan butter, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Garnish with chives and serve warm.
3. Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts with Pecans Recipe
These roasted Brussels sprouts are sweet and savory, with a hint of maple and crunch from the pecans.
Ingredients:
1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/4 cup pecans, roughly chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
2. Roast for 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
3. Sprinkle with pecans before serving for a festive touch.
4. Savory Vegan Mushroom Gravy Recipe
This rich mushroom gravy adds depth to any Thanksgiving spread, perfect for pouring over mashed potatoes or stuffing.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
2 tablespoons flour (all-purpose or gluten-free)
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Sprinkle flour over the mushrooms and cook, stirring, for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Slowly whisk in vegetable broth and soy sauce. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Vegan Pumpkin Pie Recipe
This creamy vegan pumpkin pie captures all the spicy goodness of a traditional pumpkin pie without any dairy or eggs.
Ingredients:
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
1 cup coconut milk (or any creamy plant milk)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1 pre-made vegan pie crust
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, coconut milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, cornstarch, and spices until smooth.
3. Pour filling into the pie crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50-55 minutes, until set.
4. Let the pie cool completely before serving. Garnish with vegan whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
This vegan Thanksgiving feast is a true celebration of fall flavors and seasonal ingredients. From the hearty stuffed squash to the rich pumpkin pie, these recipes are sure to impress even the non-vegans at the table. Enjoy this bountiful spread and have a joyful, plant based holiday!
