Thanksgiving on a Vegan Diet

October 8, 2010

Thanksgiving is upon us and what is someone committed to a vegan diet to do, when most people associate the Thanksgiving meal with meat. When I’m invited to a festive dinner that will most certainly include “the bird”, my approach over the years has been to totally enjoy the company, bring one or two kick-butt veggie dishes and engage in great conversation with family and friends. I never discuss my views and no one makes a fuss if I don’t have turkey on my plate (more for everyone else).

What do I serve when I am hosting a Thanksgiving meal? I’m glad you asked! Below is a menu that I have prepared featuring recipes from my all-time favourite cookbooks and chef authors. I built the menu around a Thanksgiving Tart, which includes walnuts, cranberries, chickpeas, spinach, parsley, and thyme, and Pumpkin Pie & Chocolate Truffle Mini-Tarts  for dessert. Roasted veggies are a must, as well as a rice dish – wild rice, cranberries and hazelnuts just scream festive. I chose a salad to add greens and a lightness to the menu and the ingredients in the salad are easy to find – substitute baby greens for the spinach if you want, walnuts for the pecans and apple for the pear. I love mushrooms and the soup is rich, earthy and loaded with flavour, it’s not heavy so it workd perfect as a starter and it’s easy to make. The cranberry sauce and the scones add another festive touch and I love including a recipe from a friend.

Choose one or two recipes, or make the entire menu; my hope is that these recipes inspire you and allow you to see how delicious and satisfying a vegan Thanksgiving meal can be. Thanksgiving is about family, friends and gratitude; food prepared with loving-kindness and compassion for all completes the picture.

Enjoy!

Posted by Donna | Filed Under Nutrition 

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