For too many people, Thanksgiving Day is spent slaving over a hot stove, going out of your mind with grocery lists, and juggling so many dishes that something inevitably comes out inedible or explodes in the oven or some other kind of kitchen disaster occurs. Well, folks, peta2 is here to help (like always, duh) save you from these holiday woes with our guide to an “instant Thanksgiving.” These quick vegan Thanksgiving meal ideas and tips will suit all you lazy (or as I like to say, “super-efficient”), microwave-loving, awesome vegans out there. So this year, say goodbye to the stress and the worry (because ain’t nobody got time for that!) and check out our super-nifty Instant Vegan Thanksgiving Guide:
1. Gardein Savory Stuffed Turk’y
This is SO cool: Gardein has essentially made an entire vegan Thanksgiving meal for two that’s microwavable and tasty as heck! It comes with two individual “turk’ys” and two packs of vegan gravy. Find it in a freezer section near you, and share it with a friend or enjoy (more than you’ve enjoyed anything else, ever) on the solo!
2. Gardein Turk’y Cutlet
It’s vegan, it’s frozen, and it comes with gravy. If that’s not perfection, then I don’t know what is. This delish turkey substitute will be the star of ANY instant vegan Thanksgiving dinner. Use Gardein’s store locator to find out where they’re sold, and make sure that you stock up before the holidays!
3. Frozen Veggies
OK, frozen veggies may not sound very exciting, but they’re literally the quickest and easiest side dish ever. Frozen Brussels sprouts, carrots, peas, broccoli, and cauliflower are all great options. Throw ’em in the microwave or in a skillet with some olive oil and seasoning and you’ll be stylin’!
4. Canned Cranberry Sauce
Try Ocean Spray brand—you can find it at almost ANY grocery store or market (and even at some dollar stores!). If you’re trying to get all fancy with your instant meal–loving self, I suggest using the Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce style. Otherwise, the Jellied Cranberry Sauce is a classic Thanksgiving staple!
5. Instant Mashed Potatoes
Go for Classic Idaho Spuds or Idahoan Original Mashed Potatoes—just make sure that you use soy or almond milk or vegan butter in the recipe!
6. Stuffing Mix
A Thanksgiving meal just isn’t complete without some deliciously carb-y stuffing. The key here is to find a pre-made vegan stuffing mix—that way you’ll be keeping your meal instant AND cruelty-free (YAAAAS). Try Whole Foods’ 365 Everyday Value Organic Stuffing (Vegan): Use the store locator to track down this gem!
7. Store-bought Vegan Pies
Now that you’ve succeeded in having the easiest, quickest, and tastiest totally vegan Thanksgiving dinner experience, make sure that you celebrate properly with some freakin’ PIE. In the true spirit of instant Thanksgiving, you’re obvi not going to be wasting your precious time and energy making dessert from scratch! The good news is that there are a ton of accidentally vegan pies out there—try Kirkland Signature Lattice Apple Pie, which is available at Costco, various pies from Marie Calkenders, Claim Jumper, and a huge selection of pies at Whole Foods!
So cheers to the most painless (for both you and animals) Thanksgiving EVER! I hope it’s full of friends, family, and a TON of free time.