A Plant-Based Thanksgiving Dinner

Turkey Alternatives and Unique Recipes

Thanksgiving is no longer just about turkey and gravy. With more people embracing plant-based lifestyles, the holiday table has transformed to include dishes that celebrate flavor, creativity, and compassion. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just looking to try something new this Thanksgiving, this guide offers plant-based alternatives to traditional dishes, starting with a stunning “turkey” replacement.

1. Meatless "Turkey" Roast with Herb-Citrus Glaze

If you're searching for that centerpiece vibe, a meatless turkey roast can do the trick. Using plant-based meat, you can craft a dish that's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for slicing.

Ingredients:

• 2 packs of plant-based ground "meat" (like Beyond or Impossible)

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped

• 1 tsp thyme

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Glaze:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 2 tbsp orange juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, mix the plant-based meat, breadcrumbs, almond milk, onion, garlic, parsley, sage, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

3. Shape the mixture into a loaf or oval shape resembling a roast and place it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

4. Whisk together the glaze ingredients and brush half over the loaf.

5. Bake for 25 minutes, brush with more glaze, and continue baking for another 20 minutes until golden. Let rest before slicing.

2. Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Wild Rice and Mushrooms

A hearty and comforting alternative, these stuffed cabbage rolls are a flavorful nod to traditional stuffing.

Ingredients:

• 1 head of green cabbage

• 1 cup cooked wild rice

• 1 cup finely chopped mushrooms

• 1 small carrot, grated

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Blanch cabbage leaves in boiling water until pliable.

2. Sauté onion, mushrooms, and carrot in olive oil. Combine with wild rice and season with salt and pepper.

3. Place a scoop of filling onto each cabbage leaf, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in a baking dish.

4. Pour marinara sauce over the rolls and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.

3. Cauliflower Gravy for the Ultimate Mash

Transform your mashed potatoes into a star with this creamy, low-fat cauliflower gravy.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1 tbsp nutritional yeast

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam cauliflower until tender. Blend with vegetable broth, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Heat gently before serving over mashed potatoes or your plant-based turkey roast.

5. Cranberry-Pear Galette

Switch up the classic cranberry sauce for this rustic dessert that blends tart cranberries with the sweetness of pears.

Ingredients:

• 1 vegan pie crust

• 2 ripe pears, sliced

• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• Plant-based milk for brushing

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Toss pears and cranberries with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch.

3. Place the filling in the center of the rolled-out crust, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the filling, pleating as you go.

4. Brush crust with plant-based milk and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden.

Plant-Based Traditions, Reimagined

Thanksgiving is about more than food. It’s about love, community, and creating memories. With these vegan and vegetarian recipes, your table will celebrate all of that while offering something special for every guest. Whether it’s the savory meatless roast or the sweet, rustic galette, your plant-based Thanksgiving dinner will be the talk of the table.

Who needs turkey when the possibilities are this delicious? 🥦🍂

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