There are a lot of new plant-based turkey options for Thanksgiving this year. The first one I tried is Gardein Holiday Roast.
All in all, we thought it tasted amazing, just like turkey, but the included gravy packets should be thrown away. pronto!.
I had my husband try a sip of the warmed gravy from one packet . and I can’t even describe the look of disgust which crossed his face. I promptly threw away the remaining three packets and made the delicious mushroom gravy recipe I’ve included below.
But, gravy concerns aside . . . Gardein has made a really, really good Holiday Roast.
I adore that this product—unlike many vegetarian roast products—can be put in the oven straight from the freezer without needing to thaw. Thus, Gardein Holiday Roast will be simpler to use because you just place it on a rack over a roasting pan, which makes it ideal if you’re forgetful (like I often am) or discover after the fact that you have a SURPRISE vegetarian or vegan guest at your holiday get-together. while it is still frozen.
(As my frozen roast rests on the wire rack inside the roasting pan, notice those tiny ice crystals!)
While the Gardein Holiday Roast takes a while to bake, I took advantage of the time to prepare and roast some delicious vegetables in a clay pot, as well as to prepare my mushroom gravy.
I prepared my vegetables and covered my Gardein Holiday Roast with aluminum foil and baked it at 425 degrees while soaking my clay pot and lid in water for a good fifteen to twenty minutes.
I put red potatoes, baby carrots, sliced rutabagas, onions, and garlic cloves in a medium sized bowl.
After that, I drained the clay pot’s water, added salt, pepper, rosemary sprigs, parsley, and bay leaves to the vegetables, and covered everything with the veggies.
Why a clay pot? I used my clay pot because I didn’t want the vegetables to brown, which is what usually happens when you roast them on a sheet pan. The veggies will become softer and more flavorful due to the moisture from the clay pot, making them an excellent side dish for the Gardein Holiday Roast. Here’s how they looked at the end of about 70 minutes of cooking.
By the way, I am aware that many recipes warn against placing a clay pot in a hot oven. I have, however, been placing my clay pot in hot ovens for about 30 years (yes, mine is that old!) and it has never cracked because it is glazed on the inside. Invert the cooking order and place the soaked, unglazed clay pot with vegetables inside and its lid in a cold oven if your clay pot isn’t glazed or if you just want to be extra cautious. Set the oven temperature for 400 degrees and cook for about 60-75 minutes. Remove from the oven and put the clay pot on a trivet. As you cook your roast, make sure the vegetables are fully cooked and keep the lid on to maintain the heat. (Obviously, you can always use a Pyrex casserole dish or baking pan in place of a clay pot if you don’t have one.) Additionally, if the pan or dish lacks a lid, simply cover it with aluminum foil. ).
After cooking the roast for 60 to 70 minutes, remove the aluminum foil covering the roasting pan, increase the oven temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, and continue cooking for an additional 10 to 12 minutes. Keep the roasting pan covered with aluminum foil and place it on the counter on a trivet so that it can easily wait for its final cooking for 20 to 30 minutes if you want to put off cooking your roast because you need to reheat other casserole dishes. This is how mine looked after about 65 minutes in the oven.
In the event that you choose to let your roast rest on the countertop, preheat the oven to 450 degrees and return the roast for the last cooking (do not remove the aluminum foil shield). This should take about 10-12 more minutes.
I used this final cooking time to make my mushroom gravy. I cooked minced shallots in butter, followed by the pressed garlic and the minced cremini mushrooms. Because cremini mushrooms have a more earthy taste and resemble giblets in my gravy, I used them instead of baby portobello mushrooms. Just follow the recipe below – it is super easy!.
Remove the roasting pan and allow it to cool for ten to fifteen minutes on a wire rack or trivet. When the roast is cool enough to handle, transfer it to a cutting board and use a serrated knife to cut it into half-inch slices.
Get out a large serving platter, and artfully arrange the sliced roast, surrounded by the roasted veggies.
Check your mushroom gravy and add any finishing touches to make sure that it is perfectly seasoned .
Looking for a delicious and cruelty-free centerpiece for your holiday table? Look no further than the Gardein Holiday Roast! This plant-based roast is packed with flavor and perfect for feeding a crowd.
Here’s what you need to know about cooking the Gardein Holiday Roast:
Cooking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F.
- Remove the roast from the packaging and place it on a rack in a roasting pan.
- Cover the roast with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes.
- Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 450°F.
- Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the roast is golden brown.
⏰ Cooking Time:
- Total cooking time: 70-85 minutes
- Initial bake time (covered): 60-70 minutes
- Final bake time (uncovered): 10-15 minutes
Tips:
- Don’t defrost the roast before cooking.
- Be careful when handling the roast after it comes out of the oven, as the coating can fall off if it’s too hot.
- Let the roast cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Serve with your favorite vegan gravy and sides.
Recipe Ideas:
- Pair the Gardein Holiday Roast with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and Yorkshire puddings for a classic holiday meal.
- Get creative and use the roast in sandwiches, wraps, or salads.
- Top it with your favorite vegan gravy or cranberry sauce.
️ Additional Resources:
- For more information on the Gardein Holiday Roast, including ingredients and nutritional information, visit the Gardein website.
- Check out the Di Hickman blog for additional tips on vegan holiday cooking.
- Explore the Freeheel Vegan blog for a recipe for a delicious basting glaze for the Gardein Holiday Roast.
Enjoy your delicious and cruelty-free holiday feast!
P.S. Don’t forget to check out the comments section on the Di Hickman blog for some helpful advice from other vegan cooks.
P.P.S. If you’re looking for a vegan gravy to go with your roast, the Gardein Holiday Roast comes with a packet of gravy mix. You can also find a variety of vegan gravy recipes online.
P.P.P.S. One reader suggested cooking the roast at a lower temperature (400°F) for a longer period of time (90 minutes) to prevent the coating from burning.
Happy holidays!
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FAQ
Is Gardein turkey roast healthy?
Can you cook Gardein turkey roast in air fryer?
How to cook Gardein stuffed turkey?
How long does it take to cook a Tofurky?
How do you cook a Gardein plant based turkey roast?
Place the Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. * Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through. * Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Is Gardein plant-based turkey roast vegan?
While the Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast is a popular option for vegans and vegetarians looking for a meatless Thanksgiving dinner, there are some drawbacks to consider before you buy it. * Cost: The Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast is more expensive than a traditional turkey.
How long does a Gardein Holiday Roast take to cook?
Found in the frozen section of supermarkets the Gardein Holiday Roast serves 8 people. Each serving has 13g of non-gmo plant based protein, with just 140 calories per serving. DO NOT DEFROST. Again, do not defrost. Preheat oven to 425°F. Remove wrapper, and place on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover with foil and bake for 60-70 minutes.
Can Gardein plant-based turkey roast be frozen?
Place the Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until heated through. Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Gardein Plant-Based Turkey Roast is a good source of protein, fiber, and iron.