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In Search of the Perfect Veggie Roast

November 14, 2012 · By Monica Shaw

Thanksgiving veggie loaf experiments

Thanksgiving is upon us, a holiday which means very little to most people in the UK, unless you’re one of us American expats for whom the holiday seems to take on even greater meaning than it ever did when we were Stateside. Maybe it’s the ol’ ‘distance makes the heart grow fonder’ thing: because we can’t be home for Thanksgiving, we compensate, busting out every traditional recipe with can think of – from green bean casserole to pumpkin pie. And for lack of a central “family unit” to centralise the festivities, multiple people play host to Thanksgiving dinners, resulting in a multitude of Thanksgiving feasts, any one of which would probably put the family party back home to shame.

I am attending two Thanksgiving dinners this year, one of which I’m hosting here at the cottage. It will be a vegetarian feast, which naturally leads guests to the following question: “Will there be a nut roast!?”

To nut roast or not to nut roast? That’s what I’ve been trying to figure out.

Impromptu veggie loaf

The search for the perfect vegetarian holiday main dish seems to be a constant quest for me and my veggie mom and sister. Every year we scheme and plan. There have been lentil loaves, stuffed butternut squash and, one of our most successful attempts, a glorious vegetarian moussakka.

But what I’m after is something vegetarian that works with two of my favourite Thanksgiving hallmarks: gravy (cashew gravy in my case) and cranberry chutney.

Cranberry Chutney

So a veggie roast is in order, but what to make? Here in Britain, the classic veggie roast is a “nut roast”, for which numerous recipes exist. The problem I have with all of these recipes is, well, the nuts. I just really don’t want to eat a slice of nuts for Thanksgiving dinner, especially when there’s cashew gravy on the line.

Christmas Eve Nut Roast

Other options include a loaf based on lentils or grains, but the challenge continues… many of these veggie roast recipes take some of the key elements of the meal – namely roast vegetables and stuffing – and mush them up into one loaf – it’s like bubble and squeek on overdrive. Great for leftovers, but not the main event. So I’m seeking a loaf that really stands on its own, that works with side dishes like roast carrots and parsnips, mashed potatoes and stuffing, without being redundant.

Aside from all of this, the veggie roast should have great texture while still being sliceable. I’ve made my share of veggie loaves that crumble apart when you slice them. Not the best presentation!

Thanksgiving veggie loaf experiments

To that end, I’ve been researching recipes and practising and I think I’ve settle on something that does the trick. But I don’t want to give anything away before the big day. Instead, I’ll share with you a few of the more promising recipes I’ve stumbled upon.

  • Classic Shaw Family Lentil Loaf [smarterfitter.com]
  • Gluten Free VegLoaf [eatingappalachia.com]
  • Demuths’ Christmas Roast [demuths.co.uk]
  • Demuths’ Other Christmas Roast [vegetariancookeryschool.com]
  • Tofu-based veggie loaf [bbcgoodfood.com]
  • Felicity Cloake’s so-called “Perfect” Nut Roast [guardian.co.uk]
  • Pistachio and Cranberry Nut Roast [jamieoliver.com]

I’m sure there are more out there but frankly I’m a little bit burnt out on veggie loaf research. So you tell me: what’s the ultimate veggie roast? Or is there no such thing? In which case, what’s the ultimate vegetarian Thanksgiving main?

About Monica Shaw

Veg lover, dog owner, hill walker, wild camper, avocado addict, nerd. I write about how to be awesome through a "smarter fitter" approach to eating, drinking, living and working.
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  1. Dottie Shaw says

    November 15, 2012 at 1:06 am

    As much as I happen to love a nut roast, in our house the favorite loaf is the Cottage Loaf, the loaf meat eaters love. It’s not vegan, there are eggs and cottage cheese in it, and nuts. But it slices beautifully, has wonderful flavor and everyone is happy.

    I’m wondering about a loaf seasoned with the familiar sage, rosemary blend of spices you usually find in turkey stuffing. Or a layered casserole (must it be a loaf?) with an herb stuffing and lentils perhaps. Perhaps a shepherd pie would be another nice option? It’s the flavors that matter…. the sweetness of yams or sweet potatoes or pumpkin or squash, the herbs… you know. Now I am very hungry!

    Reply
    • Monica says

      November 18, 2012 at 8:03 am

      Alright, when I’m come home for Christmas, make me the ultimate cottage loaf. It deserves it’s place in the sun and I’ve always wanted to write about it. There is something special about it – the cottage cheese gives great texture to a loaf. It really surprised me!

      Reply
  2. Mardi (eat. live. travel. write) says

    November 15, 2012 at 3:08 am

    MONICA! This is GORGEOUS!!!! I want you to come and cook this for Thanksgiving for me and I don’t even celebrate! Well done, you!

    Reply
    • Monica says

      November 18, 2012 at 8:02 am

      It’s never too late to start celebrating Thanksgiving. I might take you up on that invitation!

      Reply
  3. Choclette says

    November 15, 2012 at 5:25 pm

    I love nut roast in pretty much any format as long as it’s not out of a packet and as long as it isn’t dry. My standard one is a whole lentil and walnut loaf, but I’ve tried various things over the years. Your mini roasts with the cranberry topping look really good both from the inside and the out. Cashew gravy sounds interesting too. Hope your dinner goes well.

    A big fan of nut roast is Green Gourmet Giraffe and she has loads of recipes on her blog. Definitely worth a look.
    http://gggiraffe.blogspot.com/

    Reply
    • Monica says

      November 18, 2012 at 7:59 am

      Choclette, it sounds like we have similar tastes in our veggie roasts! Thanks so much for turning me on to Green Gourmet, who also appears to be a gold mine of veggie burger ideas, too! I could get lost in that blog…

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Pistachio and Cranberry Veggie Roast » SmarterFitter says:
    December 21, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    […] with things involving food. As I’ve written previously, I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect veggie roast. Thanksgiving was good practise – and great fun – but Christmas adds an extra layer of […]

    Reply
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