Thanksgiving, a holiday notorious for being the one day where it is completely socially acceptable to gorge ourselves with pie, turkey and gravy until we are fat and happy. It’s a celebration with the carnivore in mind. This literal “stuffing” ourselves with food sounds like a pretty stereotypical American thing to do if you ask me. But what about the 10 percent of people who don’t allow themselves to indulge in the “delicious” turkey and gravy that this holiday has imposed as the only foods acceptable to eat on this day? What about those who don’t enjoy this carnivorous approach? What do they do? They go vegan with it!
If you do decide to stick to the plant-based Thanksgiving, then you’re in luck because I have provided you with recipes for an entire Thanksgiving feast! It may seem daunting to take the plant-based route on such a meat-heavy holiday but no fear, you get to stuff yourself just as the next guy. We aren’t going healthy vegan for this Thanksgiving, you can eat your kale tomorrow:
1. Vegan Pumpkin Pancakes
Courtesy: The Minimalist Baker
Starting Thanksgiving off on the right foot involves these bad boys. Pumpkin pancakes pair perfectly with a hot cup of Joe and the Macy’s Day Parade. Don’t forget to top them off with some vegan butter and drown them in maple syrup; the only acceptable way to eat pancakes.
2. Roasted-Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Courtesy: Food Network
You can still enjoy mashed potatoes even if you’re vegan! Even though they are usually loaded with butter and cream, these ones are just as good, especially with the roasted garlic. Just throw some vegan butter in there and get creamy with it.
3. Mini Vegan Pot Pies
Courtesy: Minimalist Baker
Who doesn’t love a good pot pie? I remember how fire my mom’s chicken pot pies were and here’s a no-death solution. Also, the fact that they are mini makes them ten times cuter.
4. Pumpkin Pie Jars
Courtesy: Hot for Food
Okay, let’s be honest, how adorable are these pumpkin pie jars? The innovative deconstruction of the typical pumpkin pie is genius AND they are vegan!
(P.S. if you aren’t familiar with Hot for Food you should check it out! Go to hotforfoodblog.com and there are tons of creative recipes. Lauren, the blogger, also has a YouTube channel under the same name!)
And there you have it, collegiettes! A complete menu for your Vegan Thanksgiving! If you are just starting out as a vegan like I am and there aren’t all vegan options on the table, it might be tempting to quickly finesse a buttery biscuit when no one is looking. You also might get some hate from Grandma for not eating her homemade apple pie that is contaminated with butter and eggs. Sorry G-ma, I’m sure it’s delicious but veganism wins this battle. Don’t worry, these recipes will definitely be satisfying enough to help you look past that enticing turkey. Vegan Thanksgiving for the win!