A Cozy, Vegan Thanksgiving: Easy Crockpot Recipes to Wow Your Guests
Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, friends, and food, but it’s also a perfect time to embrace plant-based options that are not only delicious but also inclusive for anyone at the table. Whether you’re fully vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to add a healthy side dish, having a few plant-based recipes makes Thanksgiving feel welcoming for everyone. Plus, with crockpots, you can prepare flavorful dishes while keeping your ingredients pure and your kitchen less cluttered. If you’re crazy for crockpots, like I am, stay tuned for my upcoming cookbook Crazy for Crock Pots, where you’ll find more easy, plant-based inspiration for every occasion.
This blog will guide you through the benefits of a vegan-friendly Thanksgiving and give you two satisfying, plant-based recipes that make hosting easier. We’ll start with a hearty main course and pair it with a tasty side dish—all in the slow cooker to keep your day stress-free!
Why Go Vegan or Add Vegan Options to Your Thanksgiving?
Switching to plant-based dishes for Thanksgiving isn’t just about health; it’s also about providing delicious options that allow everyone to join the celebration. A plant-based diet has been shown to support heart health, reduce inflammation, and increase your daily intake of fiber and essential nutrients. Plus, it’s a great way to create dishes that are gentle on the environment. Whether you’re aiming for a completely vegan Thanksgiving or just a few key dishes, adding these options can enrich your Thanksgiving spread.
Benefits of Using a Crockpot for Vegan Dishes
1. Time-Saving: Crockpots allow for set-it-and-forget-it cooking, so you can focus on entertaining.
2. Flavorful and Tender: Slow cooking enhances flavors and tenderizes ingredients, making vegetables and legumes extra delicious.
3. Less Kitchen Clutter: One-pot cooking reduces the mess, which is especially helpful during a holiday meal.
4. Nutritious: Crockpots cook at a low, even temperature, preserving more nutrients in your food.
Vegan Thanksgiving Main Course: Crockpot Mushroom & Lentil Loaf
Our main course is a satisfying vegan mushroom and lentil loaf. It’s packed with earthy flavors and a great alternative to a traditional meat loaf. With protein-rich lentils, umami-packed mushrooms, and savory herbs, this loaf will be a star at the table.
Ingredients
• 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 oz mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (optional, helps bind)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the Lentils: In your crockpot, add the lentils and vegetable broth. Set to high and cook for about 1.5 hours or until the lentils are soft and tender.
2. Prepare the Vegetable Mix: While the lentils are cooking, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms, and sauté until they’re soft and most of the liquid from the mushrooms has evaporated.
3. Combine Ingredients: Once the lentils are ready, add the sautéed vegetable mix to the crockpot along with oats, walnuts, breadcrumbs, ground flaxseed, soy sauce, tomato paste, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. Adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Form the Loaf: Use parchment paper to line the crockpot if you want to make it easier to remove the loaf later. Form the mixture into a loaf shape inside the crockpot. (Or for best results, put the ingredients inside a disposable loaf pan inside the crockpot for best shape and removal.)
5. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, checking occasionally to ensure it’s firming up. It should hold its shape and be firm to the touch when done.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the loaf from the crockpot (use the parchment paper to help lift it out), slice, and garnish with fresh parsley. This loaf pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce or a vegan gravy.
Vegan Thanksgiving Side Dish: Crockpot Maple-Glazed Carrots with Pecans
Carrots are a staple at any Thanksgiving meal, but this version adds a rich maple glaze and a crunchy pecan topping. It’s as beautiful as it is tasty, and the crockpot does all the work to bring out the natural sweetness of the carrots.
Ingredients
• 2 lbs baby carrots or large carrots cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients: Place the carrots in the crockpot. In a small bowl, mix together maple syrup, melted vegan butter, cinnamon, and salt. Pour this mixture over the carrots, stirring to coat evenly.
2. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the carrots are tender and glazed. Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure they’re evenly coated.
3. Add Pecans: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle chopped pecans over the carrots.
4. Serve: Garnish with fresh rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and flavor. These carrots make a stunning side dish for your Thanksgiving table.
Other Ideas for a Vegan-Friendly Thanksgiving Spread
If you’re inspired to add even more vegan options to your Thanksgiving table, here are a few ideas that pair perfectly with these crockpot recipes:
• Mashed Cauliflower: A lighter take on mashed potatoes that’s creamy, delicious, and easy to make vegan.
• Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Roast Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic for a tangy, caramelized side.
• Vegan Stuffing: Use a vegetable broth base with your favorite herbs and vegetables for a stuffing that everyone can enjoy.
Hosting Tips for a Vegan or Vegan-Inclusive Thanksgiving
1. Communicate with Guests: Let everyone know you’re adding vegan options so they’re aware they have choices.
2. Label Dishes: Clearly label your vegan dishes to make it easy for guests to navigate the spread.
3. Make Desserts Inclusive: Consider a vegan dessert like a pumpkin pie made with coconut milk or a vegan apple crisp.
4. Stay Flexible: Don’t worry if not everything is vegan—simply having options makes your table feel more inclusive.
Closing Thoughts: Give Thanks the Vegan Way
A plant-based Thanksgiving is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with food that’s vibrant, inclusive, and a little gentler on the planet. Plus, with these crockpot recipes, you’ll have less time in the kitchen and more time to spend with family and friends. Keep an eye out for my upcoming cookbook, Crazy for Crock Pots, where you’ll find more delicious vegan recipes that make everyday meals easy and flavorful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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