Thanksgiving Recipe Cheat Sheet

vegan green bean casserole

Make a vegan green bean casserole

Many of us are thankful for animals every day and choose not to include them on our plates each day of the year. Around the holidays, however, we are given the extra opportunity to let our compassion shine through via tasty vegan recipes that inspire our loved ones to extend their circle of compassion too.

One of the nicest (and sneakiest) ways that you can show others how fantastic vegan food is, is to offer to prepare the Thanksgiving meal—or at least some of it. The following are the top five recipe cheats that help to veganize many a traditional holiday dish:

Vegetable broth. If your family tends to use chicken stock for everything, vegetable broth is a simple substitution that costs about the same and comes in boxes or cubes and can act just like chicken broth.
Vegan margarine. Spreads like Smart Balance® 37% Light Buttery Spread are the perfect substitute for cholesterol-laden butter. Just use it exactly the same as you would butter in all your cooking.
Plain soy milk. For recipes that call for milk, you can just use the exact same amount of soy milk to replace the milk.
Silken tofu. You might not expect your Uncle Bill to enjoy tofu, but hidden inside a pumpkin pie, it just might not seem so scary after all.
Just make a vegan green bean casserole. This isn't an ingredient per se, but it is a secret weapon that helps to ensure a magical Thanksgiving dining experience for all. Woo them with this veganized recipe for the classic holiday dish.

For even more ideas on creating your compassionate holiday feast, check out these recipes and also this list of items of more instant versions (like premade gravy) at your local grocery store. Don't forget to include a yummy faux turkey to complete your masterpiece! Got a great vegan Thanksgiving tip? Post a comment!

Recent Comments

Mandy commented:

Nov 25, 2009 12:08 PM

Any suggestions for a tofurky-type alternative that is soy and gluten/wheat free
XIRosebeeXI commented:

Nov 25, 2009 1:17 AM

I'm happy to say that this is the 1st year my whole family will be eating a cruelty-free meal! My dad (not VEGetAriAN) really likes Quorn roast, so this year he will join us veg-heads and not get his own real turkey. My mom (veg 7 yrs),my bf(veg 1yr) and myself (8yrs). To strict vegans: no Quorn is not vegan...I believe it contains egg whites. *Happy Holidays*
KathyD commented:

Nov 24, 2009 5:35 PM

i disagree - everyone can show compassion to animals by purchasing and preparing a delicious tofurky and leave the turkey at the grocery store...
Anastasia T commented:

Nov 18, 2009 7:18 PM

My mom makes AWESOME VEGAN mashed potatoes. My mom always uses "Rice Milk" Plain flavor. then a bunch of different spices vegan butter by earth balance. It tastes SO good. We always have it with the vegan "tofurky". believe it or not, sometimes we have vegan mexican food on thanksgiving instaed lol. xoxo Ana T.

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