1. A Better Butter
One of the most important meal ingredients on this belt-busting holiday is butter. From adding a whole stick to veggies and pies, or simply glazing it over some dinner rolls, having a tub (or two) of a good dairy-free butter substitute is key to getting through the feast cruelty-free. Many brands of margarine, an imitation butter spread using non-animal fats, are vegan and can be found at any local grocery store, but always double check labeling before making your purchase.
Heads up! “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter!” is not dairy-free; instead, look for Earth Balance’s Original “Buttery Spread.” 100% vegan and delicious.
2. Eat Your Greens
An easy way to bulk up your meat-free feast is my bulking up on some good old veggies. The easiest to prepare are often our green friends, so take your mom’s advice and eat your greens! Green beans, spinach, broccoli and brussels sprouts are just a few of the yummy (and totally healthy) veggies you should prepare for your meal. Not only are the simple side dishes filling, but they’re chock full of the vitamins and nutrients that every veg needs.
Check out these delicious and nutritious recipes:
Crispy Garlic Brussels Sprouts with Sriracha Aioli
3. Potatoes Are a Veg’s Best Friend
It’s common knowledge that potatoes are some of the most tasty vegetables around, and if there was ever a time to splurge on their carby goodness, Thanksgiving is it. Luckily, there are infinite ways to prepare the starch and they intertwine with the holiday perfectly. Filling and easy to prepare without animal products, potatoes are a must for any veggie feast.
Mashed potatoes are a given, but here are a few more creative and cruelty-free tater creations:
Holiday Sweet Potatoes with Dandies Marshmallows
4. Staple Substitutes
This may be a given, but before cooking make sure you have a good lineup of some basic dairy and binding substitutes on hand; this will save time in the kitchen and make the cooking process simple and smooth. Some staples to look out for are non-dairy milk (unsweetened and original flavors are preferable for savory dishes, but don’t be afraid to go with sweetened for desserts!), non-dairy butters and vegetable stock. Grab a jar of applesauce or bundle of bananas if you’re planning on baking desserts without eggs. These are just a few veg items commonly found at most grocery stores, but getting your hands on additional vegan substitutes makes your dishes tastier.
Here are some highly recommended (though not necessary) substitutes that you can stock up on:
Vegan Mayo Is a Must (Cream Cheeze Too!)
The Famous Vegg! All the Eggs, Minus the Chicken
5. Depend on Dessert
Due to its frequently meatless content, dessert is typically overflowing with vegan options when staple substitutes are used. Brownies, cookies, cakes and beloved pies are all possible and totally delicious for the end of the feast. Go crazy here, simply because you can! As stated in the previous tip, applesauce and smashed bananas are perfect binders for desserts and sweetened milk substitutes make the dishes all the sweeter.
Check out these decadent desserts:
Too lazy to bake? Pick up some premade veg treats:
Whole Foods - Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie
Whole Foods - Chocolate Chip Cookies
Whole Foods - Double Chocolate Cake
BONUS PRO-TIP: Nutritional Yeast - ‘Nuff Said
Any vegan will tell you this cheese-tasting powder is key to amping up the flavor in a savory dish without adding an animal product. Easy and “cheesey.”
Just trust me on this.
