3 Thanksgiving-Inspired Vegan Recipes

From digmagonline.com

By Samantha Cox

The holidays can be a nightmare for vegetarians, vegans and others with dietary restrictions. Staple Thanksgiving dishes include ham, turkey and buttery mashed potatoes—nothing suitable for those avoiding animal products. With more and more people trying to cut down on animal products and by-products, there are more options for holiday dishes. Read alone for a few simple recipes to try during the holidays that will impress your loved ones. 

Sweet Potato Casserole

Sweet potatoes are a staple dish for the holidays. This recipe is a bit sweet and can even be eaten as a dessert. While simple, this dish is one to keep in the books. 

Ingredients: 

6 Sweet potatoes (or yams)

½ cup Soy/Oat milk

¼ cup Brown sugar

2 tbsp Vegan butter (Earth Balance is a good one that’s widely available)

1 tsp Vanilla extract

1 tsp Cinnamon

¼ tsp Nutmeg

¾ cup Pecans

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 F

Step 2: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes and boil for about 10 minutes, or when the potatoes can be easily poked through with a fork. 

Step 3: Drain the water and let the sweet potatoes sit for about 5 minutes. 

Step 4: Add all of the ingredients together, except for the pecans, and mash together with a whisk or potato masher. 

Step 5: Transfer to a casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly. 

Step 6: Top with pecans and bake for 20-30 minutes. 

Step 7: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes. 

Step 8: Enjoy!

Green Bean Casserole

Green beans can be easily made into a delicious side dish that everyone will enjoy. This recipe is simple yet elevates green beans in a way that will make you never enjoy plain ol’ green beans again. 

Ingredients: 

1 pound of green beans

Salt and pepper (for taste)

2 tbsp vegan butter

1 shallot 

2 cloves of garlic

1 cup of cremini mushrooms 

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

¾ cup of vegetable broth

1 cup of almond milk 

1 cup of crispy fried onions (make your own, or Trader Joe’s brand is typical vegan-friendly)

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425 F.

Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook green beans for about 5 minutes, or until soft. 

Step 3: Drain green beans and set to the side. 

Step 4: In a large skillet, combine vegan butter, shallots and garlic and cook on medium heat for 3-4 minutes. 

Step 5: Add mushrooms, salt and pepper and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes. 

Step 6: Sprinkle flour to coat the veggies. 

Step 7: Add almond milk and season for taste, then cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens. 

Step 8: Remove from heat and add fried onions. 

Step 9: Top with more fried onions and bake for 15 minutes. 

Step 10: Remove from the oven and serve.

Mashed Potatoes

Potatoes of all kinds are essential for every holiday meal. These mashed potatoes can easily be adapted to suit a vegan diet. 

Ingredients: 

6-8 medium golden potatoes 

1 tsp sea salt

½ tsp black pepper

5-6 cloves of garlic 

5 tbsp butter

¼ cup of chives

Step 1: Peel and cut potatoes in half, and then place in boiling water for 30 minutes or until soft. 

Step 2: Drain potatoes and let sit for 2 minutes. 

Step 3: Mash potatoes until smooth. 

Step 4: Add in vegan butter, salt, pepper and garlic and mix. 

Step 5: Top with fresh chives and your favourite vegan gravy if desired. 

Step 6: Enjoy!

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