As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are looking for delicious and healthy recipes to share around the dinner table. This year, we’re excited to present five plant-based recipes that are sure to impress your family and friends. From savory gravies to sweet treats, these dishes are not only nutritious but also packed with flavor.
1. Mommy's Mushroom Gravy 3.0
This recipe is a cherished family favorite, refined over the years to enhance its flavor and health benefits. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 2 large onions, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 16 ounces of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup of plant-based broth (preferably mushroom broth)
- 2 tablespoons of white miso
- 2 tablespoons of tamari
- 1/4 cup of oat flour
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a non-stick pan, sauté the onions over medium heat without oil until they begin to caramelize.
- Add a splash of water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Once the onions are translucent, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften and release their moisture.
- In a separate bowl, mix the broth, miso, and tamari until well combined.
- Gradually add the broth mixture to the pan, stirring to combine.
- Sprinkle in the oat flour to thicken the gravy, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.
- Season with black pepper to taste and let simmer until thickened.
This gravy pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes or biscuits, making it a must-have for your Thanksgiving feast.
2. Garlicky Mashed Potatoes
No Thanksgiving meal is complete without creamy mashed potatoes. This recipe is simple and delicious, featuring a hint of garlic and nutritional yeast for added flavor.
Ingredients:
- 6 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
- 6 tablespoons of nutritional yeast
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Instructions:
- Boil the cubed potatoes in water until tender, about 20 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes and return them to the pot.
- Mash the potatoes using a potato masher or fork.
- Stir in the minced garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, black pepper, and rosemary until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
These garlicky mashed potatoes are the perfect side dish to accompany your mushroom gravy.
3. Cranberry Salsa
This vibrant and tangy cranberry salsa is a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving spread. It can be served with chips or as a topping for rice and beans.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and chopped
- 1/4 cup of maple syrup
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
- In a food processor, combine the cranberries, jalapeño, maple syrup, and lime juice.
- Pulse until coarsely chopped.
- Stir in the cilantro if using.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
This salsa adds a refreshing burst of flavor to your holiday meal.
4. Better Board Featuring Hummus
Instead of a traditional butter board, try this plant-based version featuring delicious hummus and seasonal toppings.
Ingredients:
- 1 batch of Hickory Smokehouse Hummus (see below)
- Seasonal toppings such as roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized shallots, toasted pine nuts, and pomegranate seeds.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Hickory Smokehouse Hummus by blending chickpeas, tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and spices until smooth.
- Spread the hummus on a serving board.
- Arrange the seasonal toppings artistically over the hummus.
- Drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor.
This colorful board is not only visually appealing but also a hit at any gathering.
5. Plant-Based Snickers
For a sweet ending to your Thanksgiving meal, these plant-based Snickers are a healthier alternative to the classic candy bar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of pitted dates
- 1/2 cup of natural peanut butter
- Gluten-free pretzels
- 1 cup of dairy-free chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Slice the pitted dates in half and flatten them.
- Spread a layer of peanut butter on each date half.
- Place a pretzel on top of the peanut butter.
- Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle over the pretzel layer.
- Freeze for at least 30 minutes before serving.
These treats are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping it plant-based.
Conclusion
This Thanksgiving, embrace the flavors of the season with these five plant-based recipes. They are not only delicious but also promote a healthy lifestyle, making them perfect for family gatherings. Enjoy your holiday cooking and the time spent with loved ones around the table!
