How to have your first vegan Thanksgiving dinner
Ok, maybe you’re not inviting the turkey friends over for Thanksgiving this year, but here’s some great way to have a plant-based holiday meal.
1. Centre your meal around an array of vegetables.
The main course doesn’t have to be protein. And there are some great ways to get WFPB (whole food plant-based) protein on the table. You won’t miss out on the fibre either. 'For example, why not try this cauliflower “steak”?
2. Focus on flavour.
A plant-based Thanksgiving meal can mean taking the spices we’ve traditionally associated with the season and try them on something new.
I keep a small pre-mixed spice jar in the drawer for just this:
Parsley - Sage - Rosemary - Thyme
Onion powder - Sumac
Made you sing a Simon & Garfunkel song, didn’t I?
You can add this to veggies and then roast them. Or why not try it on tofu and pop it in the air fryer with a drizzle of olive oil? I have added this blend to popcorn! It’s great on potatoes, rice and even in a salad dressing.
3. Um, potatoes have oodles of micronutrients & fibre, my friends.
But you have to leave the skin on. Go for different colours of potatoes to add some prettiness to your table, but also so anti-oxidants to your gut, brain, heart, liver and skin. Every part of your body will thank you.
One regular old potato will get you a couple grams of fibre with the skin on, but don’t stop there with this basic root. This recipe is guaranteed to be a family favourite. You can read more about how nutritious a potato can be in this post too.
4. Don’t forget the dessert.
That’s right. There’s no sacrificing going on during a plant-based Thanksgiving or holiday celebration. That being said, dessert can be enjoyed any ordinary day. Grab this pumpkin creme torte recipe now!
5. Nourish before you shop
This is a must before any grocery trip, but especially during a big holiday shop. I’ve come home with copious amounts of canned pumpkin thinking I have a family of 35. Um, thank goodness dogs can eat pumpkin :)
Whip up a quick smoothie, top some yogurt with your best homemade granola, or pop those oats in the fridge overnight.
Want the low down on how to set the table for a vegan Thanksgiving? Grab the weekend meal plan here.
