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Thanksgiving Turkey Options for Vegans and Vegetarians

Thanksgiving Turkey Options for Vegans and Vegetarians

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Thanksgiving is almost here. Got your turkey yet?

It is not too late to get ready and celebrate this warm festival with a traditional family dinner even if some of your family members are vegans/vegetarians. Well, the reality is we have to serve vegetarian options anyway, cause there are more and more people who choose not to eat meat. Maybe you are one of them.

So, what are the options?

Tofukey

It is a faux meat poultry substitute that looks like a beige football. It comes pre-filled with stuffing. It’s been sold since the 1980s. The best-known brand offering this product is Tofurky.

The ingredients vary among the brands, but the loaf is basically made from tofu and wheat gluten. Other ingredients are celery, onion and other vegetables for the stuffing, salt, flavor enhancers, and preservatives.
The problem is some ingredients may be questionable and fuel concerns. Moreover, be ready to pay for this product more than for an actual turkey.

Homemade Tofu Turkey

Another option is to make your own faux turkey. This way you know for sure how you make it and what is inside.
  • 5 (14 oz or 400 grams) blocks firm/extra-firm tofu
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tbsp fresh rosemary
  • 1 tbsp vegetable broth powder
  • 2 tbsp poultry seasoning
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) balsamic vinegar
  • 1/3 cup (80ml) red wine
  • 2 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 cups (300 grams) prepared vegetarian stuffing (of your choice)

    Instructions

    1. Process the tofu in a food processor or blender until smooth.
    2. Place the tofu to a large bowl. Add the minced and chopped sage, thyme, rosemary together with vegetable broth powder, and poultry seasoning. Stir well.
    3. Line a colander with a thin towel or cheesecloth. Put the tofu into the colander. Put a layer of a thin towel on top. Place a weight on top to gently press the tofu.
    4. Chill for at least 3 hours.
    5. Once chilled and firm, scoop out some of the tofu in the middle, creating a well. Leave about 1-2 inches of a tofu “shell” in the colander.
    6. Gently place your prepared in advance stuffing into the well. Press the remaining tofu on top.
    7. Preheat the oven to 350 F (or 180 C). Grease a baking sheet. Invert it on top of the colander. Flip it over so the colander is upside down on top of the baking sheet. Remove the colander and the towel or cheesecloth.
    8. Whisk together the red wine, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and Dijon mustard.
    9. Generously brush the mixture on the tofu.
    10. Bake for 90 minutes. Baste the tofu every 15 minutes.
    11. Serve and enjoy.

It is not that difficult, right? And you need not so many ingredients as one might have thought. You can use the same vegetable stuffing for a real and faux turkey. Anyway, it is nice to have extra option for your vegan guests.

If you are going to a Thanksgiving dinner, don’t forget getting a fall style gift to express gratitude. Check out Cheryl’s for awesome centerpieces, gift baskets, bouquets and gluten-free (and not only) sweets and pies.

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