Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, a time filled with family, laughter, and, of course, delicious food! When I decided to embrace a vegan lifestyle, I realized that *vegan thanksgiving sides* can truly shine on the holiday table. These dishes not only cater to plant-based eaters but also bring a burst of flavor and freshness that everyone can enjoy. Just imagine the vibrant colors of roasted green beans and the sweet-tart burst of cranberries! It’s all about creating a feast that celebrates the season while being inclusive for all diets. Trust me, these sides will be the star of your Thanksgiving spread!
Ingredients
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed and washed
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well under cold water
- 2 cups vegetable broth, for cooking quinoa
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, for topping
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for tossing green beans
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, for the cranberry mixture
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, to add warmth to the cranberries
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Prepare *Vegan Thanksgiving Sides*
Making these delightful *vegan thanksgiving sides* is as easy as pie and just as rewarding! Let’s get right into it, so you can impress your guests with vibrant flavors and textures.
Preheat and Cook Quinoa
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for roasting. Meanwhile, rinse your quinoa well under cold water to remove any bitterness. Then, cook it in two cups of vegetable broth according to the package instructions. This will infuse it with flavor!
Roast the Green Beans
While the quinoa is cooking, toss your trimmed green beans in a bowl with one tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re evenly coated for that perfect roast! Spread them out on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for about 15 minutes, until they’re tender and slightly crispy.
Prepare the Cranberry Mixture
In a medium pan, combine the cranberries, one tablespoon of maple syrup, and one teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst and release their juices, which takes about 5-7 minutes. This sweet and spicy mixture is a game changer!
Combine and Serve
Once everything is cooked, mix your fluffy quinoa with the roasted green beans and the warm cranberry mixture. Toss it gently to combine, then top with a sprinkle of sliced almonds for that lovely crunch. Serve it warm and watch everyone go back for seconds!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to *vegan thanksgiving sides*, you can indulge without a hint of guilt! This delicious dish offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to your holiday table. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, and 8g of protein. With 35g of carbohydrates and 6g of fiber, it’s not only satisfying but also keeps you feeling full longer. Plus, it’s naturally cholesterol-free! Keep in mind that these numbers are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. So you can enjoy these sides while feeling good about what you’re eating!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy holiday schedules
- Flavorful combination of sweet and savory that everyone will enjoy
- Healthy and wholesome, packed with nutrients and fiber
- Beautifully colorful, adding a festive touch to your table
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead and reheat before serving
Tips for Success
To make these *vegan thanksgiving sides* even more delightful, consider using fresh cranberries for a brighter flavor. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked quinoa works too! Don’t hesitate to adjust the sweetness of the cranberry mixture by adding more or less maple syrup to suit your taste. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers from your *vegan thanksgiving sides*, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through. Enjoy them again as a delicious side or quick meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen green beans?
Absolutely! Frozen green beans work just fine—just make sure to thaw and drain them before roasting for even cooking.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the quinoa and cranberry mixture in advance, then roast the green beans just before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I substitute for quinoa?
If you’re not a fan of quinoa, feel free to swap it out for couscous or farro for a different texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I adjust the sweetness?
Simply add more or less maple syrup to the cranberry mixture according to your taste preference!
Vegan Thanksgiving Sides: 5 Delicious Flavors to Love
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
Delicious vegan sides for your Thanksgiving feast.
Składniki
- 2 cups green beans, trimmed
- 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup almonds, sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
- Toss green beans with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread green beans on a baking sheet and roast for 15 minutes.
- In a pan, combine cranberries, maple syrup, and cinnamon; cook until cranberries burst.
- Mix cooked quinoa with roasted green beans and cranberry mixture.
- Top with sliced almonds before serving.
Uwagi
- Use fresh cranberries for better flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Can be made ahead and reheated before serving.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Side Dish
- Sposób: Roasting and stovetop cooking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 8g
- Sód: 200mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 9g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 6g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: vegan thanksgiving sides
