A Vegan Thanksgiving

By Yonni @vegandthecity
Ah...Thanksgiving.  The day most people equate with turkey and cranberries and stuffing and marshmallow topped sweet potatoes.  As a vegan who doesn't love cranberries, this poses a fun question - what do I do this year to mix it up, and nourish my comfort-food side with new recipes?

I found these recipes I wanted to share with you, as I was compelled to give them a try this year. I hope you like them!This first one is from a blog called Love and Lemons and is a roasted cauliflower and leek soup with cashews...it sounds so fabulous I am making it tonight!  Just click on the link for the blog to access it, gorgeous photos and all.


The second is from a blog called Oh She Glows, and was adapted from a 2011 recipe from Terry Walters.  It's not Tofurkey, and doesn't look like poultry, but it does sound wonderful.  The link to this blog can be found below.
Glazed Lentil Walnut Apple Loaf, Revisited
  • 1 cup uncooked green lentils
  • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
  • 3 tbsp ground flax + 1/2 cup water
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1.5 cups diced sweet onion
  • 1 cup diced celery
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1/3 cup peeled and grated sweet apple (use a firm variety)
  • 1/3 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup oat flour
  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme (or 3/4 tsp dried thyme)
  • salt & pepper, to taste (I use about 3/4 tsp sea salt + more Herbamare)
  • red pepper flakes, to taste
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp apple butter (or unsweetened applesauce in a pinch)
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar

Yield: 1 large loaf or various mini loavesIngredients:

Balsamic Apple Glaze:
1. Preheat oven to 325F. Rinse and strain lentils. Place lentils into pot along with 3 cups of water (or veg broth). Bring to a boil and season with salt. Reduce heat to medium/low and simmer, uncovered, for at least 40-45 minutes. Stir frequently & add touch of water if needed. The goal is to over-cook the lentils slightly (see pictures in post). Mash lentils slightly with a spoon when ready.2. Toast walnuts at 325F for about 8-10 minutes. Set aside. Increase oven temp to 350F.3. Whisk ground flax with water in a small bowl and set aside.4. Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sautee the garlic and onion for about 5 minutes. Season with salt. Now add in the diced celery, shredded carrot and apple, and raisins. Sautee for about 5 minutes more. Remove from heat.5. In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together. Adjust seasonings to taste.6. Grease a loaf pan and line with parchment paper. Press mixture firmly into pan. Whisk glaze ingredients and then spread half on top of loaf. Reserve the rest for a dipping sauce.7. Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes, uncovered. Edges will be lightly brown. Cool in pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. I usually wait until loaf is cool before slicing.
Read more: http://ohsheglows.com/2012/10/05/glazed-lentil-walnut-apple-loaf-revisited/#ixzz3K6Do7lIu