Whole Foods Launches Vegan Holiday Meal Range
AUSTIN, TX - Vegans and plant-based eaters may have one more reason to give thanks this holiday season. Whole Foods Market—a grocery chain that has historically celebrated itself as “America’s Healthiest Grocery Store”—is partnering with chef Jeremy Fox to launch a new line of vegan holiday meals.
Fox, the author of popular veggie-focused cookbook “On Vegetables,” has prepared a number of new meal solutions in conjunction with the Whole Foods culinary development team. New meals will be arriving just in time for World Vegan Day on November 1st, according to a Whole Foods press release. The line promises “to provide an innovative, plant-centered option for customers and new twists on classic holiday sides that will please any palate.”
The new vegan meal options include:
- Romanesco Cauliflower Roast with Miso Bagna Cauda: Whole, slowly cooked Romanesco cauliflower with a bright lemon-garlic bagna cauda sauce and rich umami from red miso.
- Cremini Mushroom Stuffing with Kimchi: Slow-cooked cremini mushrooms steeped with rosemary, extra-virgin olive oil, and white wine vinegar. Sautéed shallots and vegan kimchi give this stuffing depth.
- Charred Escarole with Tomatoes and Chickpeas: Fresh autumn stew of cherry tomatoes and chickpeas braised with garlic and rosemary. A bed of charred escarole, a lightly bitter green, adds smokiness to the meal.
- Roasted Acorn Squash with Maple and Hazelnut Dukkah: Tender wedges of squash, roasted sweet-and-sour style with maple syrup, sherry vinegar, and cayenne pepper. An earthy crunch of hazelnuts, sesame seeds, herbs and sea salt finish the dish.
- Frosted Sweet Potato Blondie with Spiced Cashews: Roasted sweet potatoes and golden raisins add a natural sweetness to this vegan take on a traditional blondie. Creamy vanilla frosting on top, finished with a sprinkling of toasted cashews, sugar, and a hint of smoky, sweet curry.
Could these plant-based offerings entice holiday eaters away from turkey—granting presidential-style pardons to birds across the country. I might grant a reprieve for a bite of Bagna Cauda-smothered Romanesco…
