best vegan thanksgiving recipes sweet potato gnocchi recipe Best Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes: Sweet Potato Gnocchi Guide

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and savor comforting, flavorful dishes that celebrate the season. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle, finding festive recipes that are both indulgent and plant-based can be a delightful challenge.

This Sweet Potato Gnocchi recipe is the perfect addition to your vegan Thanksgiving spread. Soft, pillowy gnocchi made from naturally sweet roasted sweet potatoes bring warmth and a subtle earthiness to your plate.

Paired with a luscious sage and browned vegan butter sauce, this dish is sure to become a holiday favorite. Whether you’re hosting a full vegan feast or simply looking to add a special side dish, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to impress even the most discerning palates.

In this post, you’ll find everything you need to create the best vegan sweet potato gnocchi from scratch, along with tips to customize and serve it perfectly. Let’s dive into this cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe that celebrates the best of fall flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This sweet potato gnocchi recipe offers a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that are perfect for Thanksgiving. Here’s why it stands out:

• Easy to make from scratch: With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have fresh gnocchi ready in no time.
• Vegan and allergy-friendly: No dairy or eggs needed, making it suitable for vegan and many allergen-sensitive diets.
• Rich, comforting flavor: Roasted sweet potatoes provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile serving options: Toss it with sage brown butter sauce, a tomato-based sauce, or even a vegan Alfredo for variety.
• Perfect for holiday meals: This gnocchi pairs beautifully with other vegan Thanksgiving dishes, celebrating seasonal ingredients.

Ingredients

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and cubed
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for dusting)
• ¼ cup chickpea flour (for extra binding and protein)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, for warmth)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (such as Earth Balance)
• 10 fresh sage leaves
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Vegan Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast, for serving (optional)

Equipment

• Large baking sheet
• Potato masher or fork
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Large pot for boiling water
• Slotted spoon
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Rolling board or clean surface for shaping gnocchi
• Fork (for shaping gnocchi ridges)

Instructions

1. Roast the sweet potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the peeled and cubed sweet potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Allow to cool slightly.
2. Mash the sweet potatoes: Transfer the roasted sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Using a potato masher or fork, mash thoroughly until smooth and free of lumps.
3. Mix the dough: Add the all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, salt, nutmeg, and pepper to the mashed sweet potatoes. Stir until the mixture begins to hold together. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it forms a soft dough that’s easy to handle.
4. Shape the gnocchi: Lightly flour a clean surface. Divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Roll each part into a long rope, about ¾ inch thick. Cut each rope into 1-inch pieces. For classic gnocchi ridges, gently press each piece with the back of a fork and roll it slightly.
5. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi in small batches into the boiling water. When the gnocchi float to the surface (about 2-3 minutes), remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining gnocchi.
6. Prepare sage brown butter sauce: In a large skillet, heat the vegan butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sage leaves. Cook until the butter is browned and fragrant, and the sage leaves are crisp (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat.
7. Toss and serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sage brown butter sauce. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast, if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For the best texture, avoid adding too much flour. The dough should be soft but manageable to keep your gnocchi tender.”

• Use pumpkin or butternut squash: Substitute sweet potatoes with pumpkin or butternut squash for a different but equally delicious flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Add a flax egg to help with binding if needed.
• Sauce variations: Try tossing gnocchi with a Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce or a simple tomato and basil sauce for a fresh twist.
• Add herbs: Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the dough for added aroma and flavor.
• Make ahead: Freeze uncooked gnocchi on a parchment-lined tray. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen when ready.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato gnocchi shines when served alongside other hearty vegan dishes. Consider pairing it with a fresh green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts for a balanced meal.

For a full Thanksgiving spread, complement it with:

• Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew – a rich and savory stew perfect for the season.
• Collard Green Casserole – a comforting, nutrient-packed side dish.
• Cranberry and Orange Compote – a zesty, sweet contrast to the gnocchi.

Conclusion

This vegan sweet potato gnocchi recipe brings a touch of elegance and warmth to your Thanksgiving table. Its soft texture and subtly sweet flavor make it a standout dish that even non-vegans will adore.

The simple ingredients and straightforward method mean you can prepare it with confidence, impressing your guests without stress. Plus, the versatility of the sauce options allows you to tailor the dish to your personal taste and holiday menu.

Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping side or a main course centerpiece, this recipe ticks all the boxes for a memorable, plant-based Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to explore more delicious recipes like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream for dessert or the Cheese Penny for a savory snack to complete your feast!

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