4 Delicious Recipes to Enjoy at Thanksgiving

Paula Gallagher on 11/14/2022

It's less than 2 weeks until Thanksgiving. Whether you are vegan, vegetarian or enjoy a traditional turkey, we are serving up some of our favorite recipes on our Thanksgiving menu. Not only are they delicious, they are also healthy(ish)! Village Green Apothecary wants to wish everyone a safe and healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

Creamy Mushroom Bisque

1 small onion, finely chopped
12 oz. mushrooms, sliced
2/3 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 bay leaf
5 cups low-sodium mushroom broth
Freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp dry sherry
2 tsp reduced-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos
Salt (to taste)
Dairy-free (vegan) Parmesan cheese substitute (optional, to taste)

Steam-fry* onion in a heavy nonstick skillet over medium heat until soft but not browned, adding very small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking and burning.

Place broth, bay leaf, thyme and oats in a medium saucepan. Add the onion and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until oats are soft.

Meanwhile, steam-fry mushrooms in a large, heavy nonstick skillet over high heat, adding a sprinkle of salt and very small amounts of water as needed to prevent sticking and burning. Cook until mushrooms release and reabsorb their liquid. Remove from heat and set aside.

When the oats are soft, remove the bay leaf and puree the soup until creamy with a hand-held blender.

Return the soup to the pan and add mushrooms, soy sauce, sherry, salt, black pepper, and vegan Parmesan substitute (if using). Serve hot.

*Steam-frying method: Heat a little oil in a pan, add the vegetables and a pinch of salt, then stir-fry just long enough to get a little bit of color on the veggies. After that, add a splash of liquid to the pan and quickly cover with a lid to trap the steam inside.

Kale Salad with Cranberry Dressing

Salad

6 cups of kale, with stems removed and torn into small bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup roughly chopped pecans

Dressing

1 cup fresh cranberries
1 cup chopped onion
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine all dressing ingredients, except olive oil. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes. Transfer mixture to a mini food processor or blender and add olive oil. Pulse to combine, leaving dressing slightly chunky for texture. Cool completely.

To prepare salad, in a large bowl, gently squeeze the torn kale leaves (this breaks down the fibers, making it easier to eat). Mix in chopped pecans. Toss with 1/2 cup of dressing (or more to taste).

Cranberry Chutney

5 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
2/3 cup port
1/3 cup orange juice
Zest of 1/2 orange
1 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup honey
1/3 cup demerara or other raw style sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/2 cup dried apple, chopped
1/2 cup dried currants
1/2 cup pecans, lightly toasted, chopped

In a large saucepan combine cranberries, port, 1/2 cup water, orange juice, orange zest, 1 Tbsp vinegar, honey, sugar and spices. Cook over medium heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add apple and currants. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until mixture resembles chunky jam.

Remove from heat and stir in remaining 1/2 Tbsp vinegar and pecans. Cool before serving.

Vegan Chocolate Pumpkin Pie

Almond Oat Crust

2 cups rolled oats
1 cup blanched almonds
2 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup virgin coconut oil, at room temperature

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place an 8- to 10-inch removable-bottom tart tin on a large-rimmed baking sheet. In a food processor or blender, blend oats, almonds, sugar, cinnamon and salt until coarse meal forms. Pulse in coconut oil until fully combined and a loose dough is formed. Firmly press dough into tart tin, including up the sides. Bake for 15 minutes. Cool completely. Refrigerate until ready to assemble. (If you don't have a tart tin, you can use a spring-form pan.)

Chocolate Pumpkin Pudding

2 1/2 cups unsweetened plain almond milk or soy milk
1 cup pumpkin puree (canned is fine)
6 oz chopped vegan dark chocolate or chocolate chips
3 Tbsp tapioca flour
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 Tbsp vanilla extract

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk, pumpkin, chocolate, tapioca flour, sugar, cinnamon and salt. Whisk constantly until chocolate is melted (about 5 minutes). Continue to whisk for 8 to 10 minutes, until mixture begins to thicken and large bubbles start to pop on top. Once thick and bubbling, continue to whisk for 1 to 2 minutes longer. Strain through a fine sieve into a large bowl. Stir in vanilla. Cover with plastic wrap directly over surface. Cool to room temperature (do not refrigerate until poured into the crust).

To assemble, whisk cooled pudding mixture until smooth and pour into prepared, cooled crust. Smooth out top and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or up to 1 day. Garnish with pomegranate, cranberry or almonds; slice and serve chilled.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Older Post Newer Post

Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:

Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
read more..
Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
read more..
Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
read more..
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
read more..
Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
read more..

SEE ALL OF OUR BLOGGERS

Learning Resources Consultations Green Initiatives Pharmacy/Compounding Humanized Health Village Green Blog

Customer Care What is Prop 65? Help Center Return Policy Best Price Guarantee Leave a Review

General Information Curbside Pick-Up Contact Us About Us Privacy Policy Job Opportunities

Stay Connected

Village Green Apothecary
5415 W Cedar Ln
Bethesda, Maryland, 20814
(301) 530-0800
Toll Free: (800) 869-9159

The information provided on this site is not intended to be a substitute for advice or treatment from a qualified physician, nor is it intended to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Consult your physician prior to starting any new health program or if you any questions regarding a medical condition.

Find anything you need