12 Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
Healthy & Easy to make
Dinner:
Oven Roasted Vegetables Recipe
It’s nice when your oven can do all the work for you. Whether you are doing other chores around the house or just waiting for some rice to cook, this recipe is one that can taste different each time you make it depending on the vegetables you have on hand. Depending on whether you like leftovers, which in this case are delicious, you can decide the quantity of vegetables to cook. Harder vegetables such as potatoes, squash, parsnips and carrots will take about 30-40 minutes to roast depending on their size. Cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini and mushrooms will cook in about 15-20 minutes, so it’s fine to add them during the cooking process to prevent them from getting overcooked. Have fun trying different combination of vegetables until you find the ones you like best.
Vegan Green Bean Casserole with Crispy Onions
Did you enjoy the “classic” green bean casserole over the holidays? I know we did. The idea of omitting Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup or store-bought crunchy fried onions was inconceivable. But this year I was bound and determined to take the “classics” and make them healthy. No gluten, no dairy, no chemicals – just fresh ingredients that maintained the same delicious memories. The hardest part was the crunchy fried onions. I made a few attempts before I got it right, but now I can share it with you. The main premise for the healthier version came from minimalist baker. She’s amazing and I often find myself inspired by her site.I think it’s funny that we often relegate certain recipes to the holidays and never bring them out any other time of year. This one is definitely a nice winter recipe that can be enjoyed whenever you want to elevate your steamed green beans a little. If the crispy onions involve a little too much work, I think some sauteed onions or shallots would fit the bill just fine. Consider instead toasting some chopped nuts and getting your “crunch” that way!I had fun recreating this classic and I hope you’ll enjoy this healthier version.
Fall Vegetable Risotto
It’s pretty to look at while including healthy vegetables that boost the anti-oxidant, anti-cancer properties. Risotto takes a little time to prepare but it is in no way difficult. Many variations exist for this recipe, not the least of which is utilizing your favorite vegetables or whatever you have on hand. You also don’t need to use risotto rice. A healthier version that takes about the same length of time is brown rice. It’s equally “chewy” and substantial but has a higher nutrient value. This recipe calls for butternut squash, broccoli and kale. You can easily substitute other vegetables such as sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts and spinach. Think of color variety when making this dish, not only so that it looks attractive, but also to provide a variety of healthy nutrients. Try to include cruciferous vegetables whenever you can as they are some of the most healthy. The cruciferous family includes: kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and more!
Pumpkin Chili
There are so many ways to make chili – healthy versions or not so healthy. This one is the best of the best. It’s full of healthy veggies and beans, yet fully satisfying and warming. The organic beans will provide great nutrition along with protein and fiber. Two orange vegetable are featured: pumpkin and sweet potato. Both are low in calories yet high in fiber, beta carotene (which converts to vitamin A) and boasts a long list of other vitamins and minerals they provide.We offer two ways to cook this delicious chili: A super easy version where you place all ingredients in a slow cooker, or the stove top version that takes a little more personal time, but it’s complete in about 30-40 minutes and ready to eat.
Easy Bean & Vegetable Dinner
Sometimes dinner is a chore, especially if you want a healthy gluten free recipe. You want to eat well but you’re tired, rushed, etc. Whenever I come up with a quick dinner that’s healthy and tasty, I like to share it on our recipe site. What made this meal fast and tasty was a product that I found at Whole Foods. I know that everyone doesn’t have a Whole Foods nearby but I thought I could give you the name of the company (as they are likely found in other grocery stores) plus the ingredients. The company is “Stonehouse 27” – their website is: www.stonehouse27.com. They had many different products in their line. The product is “Tomatoes & Chilies” cooking sauce – I bought the “medium” variety. I was sold on the fact that at the bottom of the ingredients it said in bold “No Allergens”. You’ve got to love a product like that!
Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are definitely one of those comfort foods. They are creamy, luscious and somehow just make you feel happy. Unfortunately the typical version tends to be heavy in butter and cream, therefore not particularly healthy. This recipe still offers up the white, fluffy, creaminess you love but without the dairy, and therefore bad saturated fat. It also brings in, almost silently (at least as far as your taste buds are concerned), one of the healthiest vegetables there is. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is anti-cancer, and full of healthy anti-oxidants. Enjoy this simple, healthy, but delicious recipe. Hopefully it will replace the standard mashed potato for you and your family.sion.
Desserts:
Pumpkin Truffles
When the holidays arrive it can be very tempting to eat all the wrong food. Desserts are everywhere and they can be quite tempting.Unfortunately, they’re very unhealthy and can trigger a response from your body that it could take months to recover from. We have you covered with a variety of delicious options that are sweet and delicious but won’t get you into trouble. These truffles are extremely easy to make, yet are satisfying and delicious. It’s a shame pumpkin eating is reserved for the holidays, it’s a great vegetable full of antioxidants, fiber, potassium and vitamin C. As you’ll see this recipe is free of gluten, dairy, and refined sugar. If you have a nut allergy your could try garbanzo bean flour. Most people love chocolate but if you’re not a fan you can roll these in chopped nuts or even dried fruit. I hope you enjoy these. Please let us know!
No Bake Pumpkin Pie
I love pumpkin pie. But when I think about it I immediately get concerned about the crust. Crust isn’t the easiest undertaking at the best of times, but when you’re talking about a gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free version, you’re really setting yourself up for a challenge. Is the crust flaky? Soggy? Too thick? Too thin? This recipe takes ALL the stress out of crust making. It truly couldn’t be simpler because it’s raw. You just press it into a pie pan – 4 very healthy ingredients. It’s sweet but has none of the “bad stuff”. The filling is equally delicious, creamy, full of pumpkin and spices, yet contains no dairy or sugar. You’ll be surprised at the ease of this creamy pie and how well loved it will be. It’s definitely a great addition to your dessert options, no matter what time of year it is. Consider topping the pie with some coconut whipped cream when serving guests. Please let us know how you enjoy it.
Gluten Free Pumpkin Chocolate Chips
Fall is almost upon us and with the season comes all thoughts pumpkin. While fresh pumpkin may not be available all year long, canned or boxed organic pumpkin puree is always in your local grocery store and personally I always have some around for when I get a craving for these cookies. I avoid refined flours and grains and that’s why these cookies are a go-to favorite. They couldn’t be easier to mix up, and you can be enjoying them within half an hour of having the idea that you are in the mood for cookies. They are refined sugar free so won’t get you craving anything bad and feel free to substitute raisins, walnuts, currants or dried cherries for the chocolate. The almond flour provides healthy fat and protein and the result is a chewy, lightly sweet and satisfying cookie that makes you feel like you’re cheating when it’s truly a healthy treat. They’ve been in my arsenal for so long I honestly don’t remember how I came up with them, but likely it was some traditional white flour recipe that I “played with” until I could enjoy it without gluten, dairy or sugar. Please let me know how you enjoy them.
1-Bowl Carrot Apple Snack Cake
This would make the perfect cake to have on hand for gatherings or lazy days spent with loved ones this holiday season. It would also be delicious come spring! Basically, it’s perfect year round for just about any occasion.
Dairy Free Desserts Apple Crisp Recipe
Salads:
Butternut Squash Salad
