We celebrated early last night with our own vegan Thanksgiving feast!
A friend stopped by to see me at work yesterday looking for Brussels Sprouts. She shared
this recipe with me from
recipe.com. Of course, I don't eat pancetta, but I do love brussels sprouts, and balsamic vinegar, and garlic, and, well, everything else in this salad! Result:
Warm Brussels Sprouts Salad
1 lb brussels sprouts
1-2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oils
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, peeled & minced
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup veggie broth
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. Pick all the Brussels sprouts apart so you have one big pile of leaves.
2. In a large saute pan, toast sunflower seeds for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the olive oil and heat.
4. Add separated Brussels sprouts leaves, cranberries, onions, and garlic. Toss well to combine all the ingredients.
5. Add the balsamic vinegar and veggie broth and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until the Brussels sprouts leaves have just wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve warm.
Next, I had some butternut squash hanging out in the fridge. Next to it I found zucchini. What's more perfect for Thanksgiving than squash?? I found
this recipe on
vegweb.com and gave it a shot, with a twist. It turned out pretty delicious! Could have used a little more crisp - but it worked!
Warming Butternut Squash2 tablespoons virgin coconut oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 small butternut, peeled and cut into small cubes
1 medium - large zucchini, cut into small cubes
1/4 cup vegetable stock
sea salt and pepper, to taste
1 - 2 tsp curry powder
pinch cinnamon
1. Put the oil and garlic in a large, deep skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. When the garlic begins to color, add the squash, zuchinni, and stock and sprinkle with salt, pepper, curry powder, and cinnamon.
2. Bring to a boil, cover, and turn the heat down to low. Cook, stirring once or twice, until the squash is tender, about 15 minutes. Uncover the pan and raise the heat to medium-high. Cook, shaking the pan occasionally and stirring somewhat less often, until all the liquid is evaporated and the squash has begun to brown, 5-10 minutes.
3. Turn the heat back down to low and cook until the squash is as browned and crisp as you like. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper or other spices as needed.
4. Put squash in small baking dish(es) and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes.
What would Thanksgiving be without baked potatoes? Baked at 400 degrees, rubbbed with olive oil & salt, baked for 45 minutes. Top with Vegenaise instead of butter & sour cream!
Today, I will join my family(s) for their Thanksgiving feasts. Luckily, they are considerate enough to make sure I have 2 dishes to eat with them. I see lots of sweet potatoes and salads in my future.
Happy Thanksgiving!
