Thankful Turkey Vegan Drumsticks
I call these Thankful Turkey Drumsticks because the turkey is thankful to have nothing to do with them! If you are feeling brave, consider adding "wood ear" mushrooms to the mixture. They are not for the faint of heart however! Wood ear mushrooms have a springy, elastic texture (not unlike a human ear) and look to me like bat wings. But they add an interesting chewiness!As a distant second place, you can use trumpet mushrooms which are fibrous rather than springy. But they also add nice texture.Mushrooms or not, these faux-drumsticks are fun and nutritious for vegans and carnivores alike. I hope they make your guests laugh!
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 1 3.5 oz pkg Yumbini Mild & Creamy Red Beans and Rice prepared according to package directions
- 2 medium Carrots, fresh drumstick bone size!
- 2 Tbsp Mushrooms, Wood Ear or Trumpet, finely chopped optional
- 1 Green onion, sliced crossways
- 1/4 tsp Thyme leaves, dry
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Yumbini Mild & Creamy Red Beans and Rice according to package directions and put in the refrigerator to cool.
- Meanwhile, prepare your drumstick "bones". Peel two carrots, and using a small knife and/or potato peeler, whittle the carrot into the shape of a turkey leg bone. Leave the small end of the carrot pointy. Reserve the carrot chavings for salad.
- If using mushrooms, chop them into small pieces, about 1/4" or smaller.
- Add the mushrooms to the Yumbini Mild & Creamy Red Beans and Rice. Chop the green onions. Add them and the thyme to the Yumbini mixture and blend thoroughly.
- Divide the Yumbini mixture into two portions. Using your hands, form each portion into a drumstick "teardrop" shape. Flatten slightly so it is easier to fry.
- Insert the pointy ends of the carrot "bones" into each drumstick.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a frying pan or flat bottomed wok over medium high heat. Add the drumsticks and fry on one side until dark brown and crispy. If the oil splatters too much, turn down the heat, cover the pan, or pour out some of the oil.Turn the drumsticks over and fry on the other side until brown and crispy all over.
- Remove drumsticks from pan using a metal spatula and drain on paper towels. Keep warm in the oven until ready to serve. Prepare for your guests to be amused!
