Vegan Turkey Roast Recipe

This Vegan Turkey Roast is a flavorful, plant-based alternative to the traditional turkey, perfect for holiday meals, special occasions, or any time you want a hearty, satisfying dish. Made with seitan for a meaty texture and stuffed with a delicious blend of veggies and herbs, this roast is sure to be a hit at your dinner table.

Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Roast:

1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten
1 cup cooked chickpeas or white beans (mashed)
½ cup vegetable broth (plus extra for steaming)
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried sage
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)

For the Stuffing:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 carrot, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ cup vegetable broth
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Basting Sauce:

3 tablespoons vegan butter or olive oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon maple syrup
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Stuffing:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
Stir in the breadcrumbs, dried sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring until the stuffing is moist but not soggy. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

2. Make the Vegan Turkey Roast:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, mashed chickpeas (or white beans), vegetable broth, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, sage, and smoked paprika.
Stir until a dough forms. Knead the dough for 3-4 minutes until it’s elastic and firm. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
Roll the dough out into a large rectangle, approximately 12 x 8 inches.

3. Stuff the Roast:

Spoon the prepared stuffing onto the center of the dough, pressing it down gently.
Fold the edges of the dough over the stuffing to enclose it, then pinch the seams together to form a log shape. You may want to wrap the roast tightly in parchment paper or foil for extra support during baking.

4. Steam the Roast:

Prepare a large steamer or pot with a steaming rack. Fill the pot with water, ensuring the water does not touch the roast.
Place the wrapped roast on the steaming rack and cover. Steam the roast for 1 hour, ensuring it cooks through and firms up. Check occasionally and add water to the pot if necessary.

5. Bake the Roast:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
After steaming, carefully transfer the roast to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
In a small bowl, mix together the basting sauce ingredients: vegan butter (or olive oil), soy sauce, maple syrup, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
Brush the basting sauce generously over the roast, coating it completely.
Bake the roast in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, basting once or twice during baking to keep it moist and golden brown.

6. Serve:

Once baked, let the vegan turkey roast rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, vegan gravy, cranberry sauce, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for the Best Vegan Turkey Roast:

Make Ahead: You can prepare the roast and stuff it the day before. Simply steam and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Basting Options: Feel free to use vegetable broth or a homemade vegan gravy instead of the basting sauce for a different flavor profile.
Stuffing Variations: You can add other ingredients to the stuffing, such as nuts (e.g., walnuts or chestnuts), cranberries, or even mushrooms for a more complex flavor.
Add More Herbs: Feel free to experiment with herbs to adjust the flavor to your liking. Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme all make great additions.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Turkey Roast:

Festive and Flavorful: The combination of savory stuffing and meaty seitan creates a satisfying, hearty dish that’s perfect for holiday meals or any occasion where you want to impress.
Customizable: Adjust the stuffing ingredients or basting sauce to suit your personal preferences.
Healthy and Vegan: Packed with plant-based protein from the seitan and chickpeas, this vegan turkey roast is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Showstopping Centerpiece: This roast is sure to steal the spotlight at your holiday table or any plant-based feast.

This Vegan Turkey Roast will be a showstopper at your next dinner party or family gathering, offering a satisfying, meat-free alternative that’s full of flavor and festive cheer!