Black Vegan Thanksgiving Recipes for a Delicious Feast

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and most importantly, delicious food. For those embracing a vegan lifestyle or simply looking to explore plant-based options, black vegan Thanksgiving recipes offer a vibrant, soulful twist on traditional holiday dishes.

These recipes celebrate rich flavors, bold spices, and wholesome ingredients that honor cultural heritage while delivering mouthwatering meals everyone will enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or preparing a cozy dinner, these recipes bring warmth and creativity to your holiday table.

From hearty sides to show-stopping main dishes, black vegan Thanksgiving recipes are designed to be comforting, nutritious, and inclusive. They incorporate soulful elements like collard greens, smoky beans, and savory spices that make every bite memorable.

Plus, they’re perfect for those seeking compassionate, sustainable options without sacrificing flavor or festivity.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

These black vegan Thanksgiving recipes offer a beautiful fusion of tradition and innovation. They are:

  • Rich in flavor – Utilizing spices and cooking techniques that highlight bold, authentic tastes.
  • Inclusive – Perfect for vegans and those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone at the table can indulge.
  • Nutrient-dense – Packed with wholesome ingredients like beans, greens, and whole grains to fuel your holiday energy.
  • Easy to prepare – With clear, step-by-step instructions, these recipes are approachable for cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to impress your guests with dishes that honor cultural roots and showcase plant-based creativity. Ready to bring soulful vegan dishes to your Thanksgiving feast?

Let’s dive into these delicious recipes.

Ingredients

Vegan Collard Greens

  • 2 bunches collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 smoked paprika tsp
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sweet Potato Casserole

  • 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tbsp vegan butter, melted

Black-Eyed Pea Stew

  • 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or 1 can, drained)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Baking dish (9×13 inch recommended)
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Blender or potato masher
  • Colander (for washing greens and draining beans)

Instructions

Vegan Collard Greens

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Stir in collard greens a handful at a time, letting them wilt before adding more.
  4. Sprinkle smoked paprika and red pepper flakes over the greens, then pour in the vegetable broth.
  5. Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until greens are tender.
  6. Finish with apple cider vinegar and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  7. Keep warm until serving.

Sweet Potato Casserole

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Boil sweet potatoes in a large pot until fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
  3. Mash sweet potatoes in a bowl with coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg until smooth.
  4. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and smooth the top.
  5. Combine pecans and vegan butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over sweet potatoes.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the topping is golden and slightly crisp.
  7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Black-Eyed Pea Stew

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and bell pepper, sauté 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
  3. Stir in smoked paprika and cumin to coat the vegetables.
  4. Add black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20-25 minutes to thicken.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot as a hearty side or main dish.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For deeper flavor in the collard greens, add a splash of liquid smoke or a vegan smoked sausage alternative.

Sweet potato topping: Swap pecans with walnuts or add a sprinkle of shredded coconut for texture.

Stew spice twist: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder for extra heat in the black-eyed pea stew.

Make ahead: All dishes can be prepared a day in advance. Reheat gently before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Recipe Calories Protein Fat Carbohydrates Fiber
Vegan Collard Greens (1 cup) 80 3g 5g 8g 4g
Sweet Potato Casserole (1/2 cup) 180 2g 7g 30g 4g
Black-Eyed Pea Stew (1 cup) 150 8g 4g 22g 6g

Serving Suggestions

These recipes shine when served alongside other vegan favorites like cranberry sauce, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. For a full festive meal, consider pairing with:

Finish the meal with a sweet touch by trying the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a dairy-free dessert that compliments the soul of the feast.

Conclusion

Black vegan Thanksgiving recipes bring a vibrant, soulful energy to your holiday table. These dishes honor the rich culinary traditions of black culture while embracing a compassionate, plant-based lifestyle.

With bold spices, hearty ingredients, and comforting textures, these recipes are designed to delight every guest, regardless of dietary preference.

From the tender collard greens to the sweet potato casserole’s rich sweetness, and the satisfying black-eyed pea stew, you’ll find festive flavors that nourish both body and spirit. Incorporate these recipes into your Thanksgiving celebration to explore new tastes, share love through food, and create lasting memories.

Don’t forget to explore other creative recipes on the site to expand your holiday menu and keep your guests coming back for more!

📖 Recipe Card: Black Vegan Thanksgiving Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Description: A flavorful and hearty vegan dish inspired by Black Southern cuisine, combining roasted sweet potatoes with a savory collard green and black-eyed pea stuffing. Perfect as a main or side for a festive Thanksgiving meal.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT60M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chopped collard greens
  • 1 cup cooked black-eyed peas
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prick sweet potatoes with a fork and roast for 35 minutes until tender.
  3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  4. Add collard greens, black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.
  5. Remove sweet potatoes from oven and slice open lengthwise.
  6. Scoop out some flesh and mix it into the greens and peas mixture.
  7. Stuff the mixture back into the sweet potatoes.
  8. Sprinkle pecans and nutritional yeast on top.
  9. Return to oven and bake for 5 more minutes before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 9 g | Fat: 12 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Marta K

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