Due to the rise of the vegan movement, plant-based Thanksgiving menus could be here to stay. This article will show how easy it is to have a successful vegan Thanksgiving dinner without compromising quality or taste.
Menu
If you plan on having a plant-based menu, this will be where you have to seek an alternative to poultry. The rest of the event is easy. Enjoy the food, spend time with loved ones, and feel good knowing you made the kinder choice for the planet.
The first step you will need to do is prepare a menu. Finding vegan recipes is so easy. You can always do a quick search online. Check out apps like Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration #veganthanksgiving, or ask the vegan community in Facebook groups for ideas.
Here are some delicious alternatives to serving turkey:
- Vegan Meatloaf
- Cauliflower steaks
- Roast vegetables
- Mushroom gravy
- Vegan Mac n Cheese
- Cranberry sauce
- Cornbread
- Green beans
- Garlic bread
- Mashed potatoes
- Seitan meat alternative with vegan stuffing
- Creamed corn
Preparation
For a great dinner party, let your guests know you plan to offer a vegan menu and check any dietary restrictions. A plant-based diet often uses nuts like cashews, coconut, dates, and other ingredients that others may be allergic to, so be sure to ask in advance.
While it can be overwhelming to break tradition, shifting the focus to the meaning of the holiday can help with your message. Remind your dinner guests that you are offering compassion and forgiveness and show them just how good a plant-based menu can be. If you have other vegan friends, ask for help, and encourage them to bring a plate to share.
Shopping
You can find many staple vegan ingredients at the local grocer; for others, you may have to go to wholefood stores or order online. The good news is that a vegan dinner can be budget-friendly, and key ingredients like rice, pasta, lentils, beans, and bread are less expensive than meat, dairy, and seafood.
If you can, buy your fresh produce at the local market and buy whatever is in season. Be sure to check your grocery store’s vegan/health food section, as you might be surprised to find a range of ready-made options, such as snacks and desserts.
Cooking
Allow yourself plenty of time to cook your menu before your guests arrive. In most cases, the vegetables, condiments, and desserts can be prepared in advance. Raw vegan desserts can be made the day before and placed in the fridge/freezer, ready to serve.
Consider how many dishes have to go in the oven, so you can leave enough time for each round of vegetables to cook. If possible, consider using cookware that makes your life in the kitchen easier, such as a slow cooker, rice cooker, blender, and large pots and pans. Cooking should be fun! Invite some family or friends around to help out and make a day of it!
Dinner
Once you are ready to eat, plate your vegan meals on share platters and invite your guests to join you for a plant-based Thanksgiving dinner to remember! No animals were harmed in creating your menu; your food is fresh, vibrant, and healthy and offers loved ones a chance to try something new.
Each year in the US, over 45 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving, most only between the age of 3 – 6 months old. Considering a turkey can live for up to 10 years, many are now seeking a more compassionate choice. There is not much more to say!
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