After surviving their first harsh colonial winter, the Pilgrims had a three day “harvest celebration in 1621”^[1] now known as Thanksgiving. According to culinary historians the original meal likely included: vegetables such as onions, beans, lettuce, spinach, cabbage, carrots, possibly peas, and corn products.^[2] Local fruits including: blueberries, plums, grapes, gooseberries, raspberries and cranberries were enjoyed. Pumpkins were on the menu but not in pies, as there was no flour, butter, or ovens. Ducks, geese, and swans were boiled and cooked over a fire. The Pilgrims enjoyed home brewed beer and turkey may have been served.^[3]

In 1941 Congress declared Thanksgiving a legal holiday. Now the US observes Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November. In 1947, the National Turkey Federation began a tradition by presenting one live turkey and two dressed turkeys to the President who “pardons” one allowing it to live out its days on a historical farm.^[4] The dressed turkeys are not so lucky (dressed means filled with dressing).

President Truman receiving a Thanksgiving turkey in 1949

For many the celebration would not be complete without a turkey on the table. In the US, some 46 million^[4] turkeys are consumed on this holiday nicknamed “Turkey Day.” However, more and more people have started to break away from this turkey eating tradition for health, animal welfare, or environmental reasons. There are an abundance of mouth-watering whole food, plant-based dishes to satisfy the palate instead. At the Center for Nutrition Studies we are grateful for nature’s cornucopia and have shared our favorite Thanksgiving recipes below. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Entrée Recipes

Wild Rice Stuffed Carnival Squash

If you are hosting many people this recipe serves 24! Tip: delicata or acorn squash can be substituted for the carnival squash.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Instead of roasted turkey try this roasted cauliflower recipe. Its appearance is really something special and of course it tastes great!

Lentil Nut Loaf With Sweet Potato

Don’t carve a turkey this Thanksgiving, instead carve this lentil loaf. It pairs well with the included ‘Cheesy Sauce’ recipe.

Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes

Sweet Potato Pineapple Casserole With Pecan...

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Port Wine Mushroom Gravy

Butternut Squash Soup With Lentils

Roasted Brussels Sprouts With White Wine

Tahini String Beans

Butternut Squash Pie

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

Whole Food, Plant-Based Pecan Pie

Pecan pie is a popular holiday dessert. This healthy whole food, vegan pecan pie is so deliciously decadent, yet not overly sweet.

Chocolate Sweet Potato Brownies

These gluten free frosted brownies have an incredible fudge-like texture, with a delectable frosting, and yet not overly sweet.

Zucchini Bread

With freshly grated zucchini, applesauce, and allspice, this deliciously & easy recipe can be enjoyed with Thanksgiving dinner or as dessert.

References

1. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/what-was-on-the-menu-at-the-first-thanksgiving-511554/?no-ist
2. http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving/first-thanksgiving-meal#section_2
3. http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/saints-and-strangers/articles/what-they-ate-on-the-first-thanksgiving/
4. http://extension.illinois.edu/turkey/turkey_facts.cfm