Thanksgiving is all about taking time to be with family and friends as well as enjoying delicious food that you might otherwise not eat during the year. However, not everyone wants to eat turkey or might have some ethical opposition to consuming it.
Making a vegetarian or vegan-friendly holiday is easier than you might expect! In the U.S, 46 million turkeys are killed every year to celebrate Thanksgiving. Numerous plant-based alternatives are better for the planet and still taste great.
Baked pumpkin coated with butter and stuffed with cheese or nuts is one great option. Pumpkin is filled with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are great for you. Squash is also a fan favorite and can also be stuffed with grains like quinoa or couscous. There are dozens of different types of squashes that can be found at local farms or co-ops. Don’t forget about tofu! One of the most versatile foods when it comes to vegetarian or vegan cooking, tofu can be baked, fried, grilled, and seasoned every which way. Vegan lasagna, fried cauliflower, zucchini enchiladas, sweet potato flatbread, and the list goes on and on.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be boring. There are so many different locally sourced autumnal foods that are both healthy and plant-based alternatives. Not to mention that these foods often keep well in the freezer! Tofu can be kept in the freezer for a long time and still taste great. Reduce waste and pollution this Thanksgiving by creating traditions that bring more sustainable practices into your home.