Recipes For A Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about giving thanks and gathering with loved ones to enjoy a delicious meal. But if you’re looking to have a vegan Thanksgiving this year, it might be a little bit more of a challenge! Luckily there are plenty of delicious recipes out there that will make your holiday meal perfect. This post will discuss some of the most delicious recipes for a vegan Thanksgiving feast! So sit back and relax and learn how to create a Thanksgiving dinner that everyone will love the vegan style!

The Challenge Of Being Vegan On Thanksgiving

For many vegans, the holiday season can be a challenge. Family gatherings often revolve around traditional dishes that are heavy on meat and dairy, leaving little room for plant-based options. This can be especially true on Thanksgiving when the focus is squarely on the turkey. However, it is possible to enjoy a delicious vegan Thanksgiving with a little creativity.

The key is to focus on seasonal produce and flavorful spices. Roasted squash, for example, makes a great stand-in for turkey, and cranberry sauce provides a welcome pop of color and sweetness. By thinking outside the box, vegans can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal that is both delicious and cruelty-free.

Recipes For A Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving

If this is your first Thanksgiving as a vegan, or you merely want to mix things up, try out some of these fantastic recipes:

Roasted Delicata Squash Stuffed with Wild Rice and Cranberries

Just because you don’t eat turkey doesn’t mean you have to miss out on delicious stuffing! This recipe combines fall flavors with wild rice, cranberries, and roasted delicata squash. It’s sure to be a hit at any Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

• 1 delicata squash, peeled and seeded
• 1 cup cooked wild rice
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Cut the delicata squash in half and remove the seeds.

3. Arrange squash halves cut side down on a baking sheet.

4. Drizzle olive oil over the squash and bake for 45 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork.

5. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

6. Mix cooked wild rice, dried cranberries, parsley, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium bowl.

7. Stuff each roasted butternut squash half with wild rice mixture and serve immediately.

Maple Glazed Tempeh

No Thanksgiving table is complete without a savory main dish, and this maple-glazed tempeh will fit the bill perfectly. The sweet and smoky flavors of maple syrup and smoked paprika give it a delicious twist on traditional Thanksgiving flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of tempeh, sliced into 1/2-inch thick slices
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, combine maple syrup, soy sauce, smoked paprika, and olive oil to create a marinade.

2. Place tempeh slices in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Let sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook tempeh slices for about 4-5 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

4. Brush with remaining marinade and continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes.

5. Serve hot as a main dish or sliced in sandwiches the next day.

Crispy Smashed Potatoes with Garlic & Herbs

Potatoes are another Thanksgiving staple, and this recipe adds some extra flavor and crunch with garlic, herbs, and a crispy exterior. Perfect as a side dish or even a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound baby potatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

2. Wash and dry the potatoes, then place them on a baking sheet.

3. Using a potato masher or fork, smash each potato until flattened but still intact.

4. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper.

5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until crispy and golden brown. Serve hot.

Cranberry Orange Sauce

A tangy and sweet cranberry sauce is a must for any Thanksgiving feast. This recipe adds a citrus twist with orange juice and zest for added flavor. And with just four ingredients, it’s easy to whip up quickly.

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces fresh cranberries
• 1 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• Zest of one orange

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine all ingredients and bring to a low simmer over medium heat.

2. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened slightly.

3. Serve warm or chilled as a topping for various dishes, from mashed potatoes to tofu turkey slices.

Mushroom Gravy

Even if you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you’ll love the depth of flavor they add to this savory gravy. Serve it over mashed potatoes or tofu turkey slices to enhance any Thanksgiving dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces sliced mushrooms
• 1 small yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, until they soften and release their juices.

2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.

3. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1 minute, then slowly pour in the vegetable broth and soy sauce, stirring constantly.

4. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes until thickened. Serve hot over your favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie with Coconut Whipped Cream

What would a Thanksgiving dinner be without a delicious dessert? This vegan pumpkin pie is creamy and decadent, topped with a fluffy coconut whipped cream for the perfect finish to your meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 15 ounces of canned pumpkin puree
• 3/4 cup vegan brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon cloves
• 1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and place the prepared pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and spices until well combined.

3. Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust and bake for 35-40 minutes until the center sets.

4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

5. To make the coconut whipped cream, scoop the solidified coconut cream from the can and place it in a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer, whip until fluffy and creamy. Serve on top of slices of pumpkin pie.

Try These Recipes For A Perfect Vegan Thanksgiving!

Whether you’re hosting a vegan Thanksgiving or just looking to add some new dishes to your traditional feast, these recipes are sure to impress. From smashed potatoes to a creamy pumpkin pie, there’s something for everyone at the table. And feel free to get creative with these recipes – add your own twists and flavors to make them truly your own. After all, this holiday is all about giving thanks and sharing a meal with loved ones!