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Vegan Turkey Roast

Vegan Turkey Roast

This Vegan Turkey Roast is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying plant-based centerpiece perfect for holiday celebrations. With a rich blend of herbs, spices, and wholesome ingredients like chickpeas and vital wheat gluten, it mimics the texture and taste of traditional turkey. The recipe is easy to prepare, adaptable for various dietary needs, and finished with a golden crust for an impressive presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 ¼ cups vital wheat gluten
  • ½ cup bread crumbs (gluten-free if needed)
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (or coconut aminos for soy-free)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
  • 3 tablespoons water (for flaxseed egg)
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh equivalent)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh equivalent)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh equivalent)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chickpeas and Flaxseed Egg: Drain and rinse the cooked chickpeas thoroughly, then mash them until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining. In a small bowl, mix the ground flaxseed with water and let it sit to thicken into a flax egg, which will help bind the roast naturally.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Stir in sage, rosemary, and thyme, cooking for another minute to release their flavors.
  3. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vital wheat gluten, bread crumbs, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Add the mashed chickpeas, sautéed aromatics and herbs, soy sauce or tamari, vegetable broth, and flaxseed egg. Mix thoroughly until a firm and pliable dough forms.
  4. Shape and Wrap the Roast: On a clean surface, shape the mixture into a compact cylindrical roast. Wrap tightly in cheesecloth or parchment paper and secure with kitchen twine to hold its shape during cooking.
  5. Steam the Roast: Place the wrapped roast in a steamer basket over simmering water. Cover and steam for about 1 hour, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking, resulting in a tender yet firm texture.
  6. Bake for a Golden Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Unwrap the roast carefully and place it on a lined baking tray. Brush the surface with olive oil and bake for 20–25 minutes until the crust is crispy and golden brown, adding an irresistible texture.

Notes

  • Don’t skip steaming to ensure the roast is moist and cooked evenly.
  • Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor and aroma compared to dried.
  • Pack the mixture firmly to help the roast hold together and slice well.
  • Allow the roast to rest before slicing to prevent crumbling.
  • Taste the mixture before cooking and adjust seasoning as needed, especially salt and soy sauce for umami.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan, plant-based, holiday roast, vegan turkey, gluten-free option, soy-free option, vegetarian