Being a vegetarian shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying one of the most delicious holidays of the year. A meatless Thanksgiving can be every bit as fun as a traditional, turkey-centered meal. Plus, you don’t necessarily need to resort to “tofurky” to make dinner memorable. Check out this top tips for creating a vegetarian feast even meat eaters will be impressed by.
Appealing Appetizers: Thanksgiving indulgence starts long before the main dish hits the table. Of course, many common appetizer feature meat and people associate veggie appetizers with celery and carrot sticks. There’s plenty more than that you can do, though. Think about baking vegetable turnovers and mini spinach quiches. Mini veggie sandwiches and fruit kabobs are also great oven-less options. You can also create delicious vegetarian dips to serve with a variety of crackers or mini-toasts. Some great options include white bean puree, hummus, and pumpkin / squash based dips.
Meatless Main Course: Choosing a meatless centerpiece to your meal is the first step for a delicious vegetarian Thanksgiving. Of course, tofu and other meat substitutes can stand in for the traditional bird, but this holiday is all about seasonal foods and traditional dishes. Why not try using pumpkin as your main dish? You can hollow out a large, whole pumpkin and stuff it with rice, vegetables, stew, or some other filling dish. Then, pop the whole thing in the oven for a delicious baked entrée. Another great choice is a vegetarian pot pie. Toss in mushrooms, squash, beans, and other tasty fillings for a hearty meal.
Stunning Sides: Making the most of your side dishes can enhance your meal and impress your guests. One thing to keep in mind is what type of vegetarian meal you are planning. Will eggs and milk be included? Or are you keeping it vegan? This is especially important when it comes to side dishes as this is the difference between mashed potatoes made with milk or roasted cauliflower seastoned with garlic. (Both are delicious!). Keep in mind that staple, like stuffing, tend to use eggs, but you can surely find a vegan variation.
Don’t Forget Dessert: Ah, the best way to end a Thanksgiving feat. The great news is that most traditional desserts are already vegetarian and can easily be made vegan as well. Bake up your favorite pie or cobbler with seasonal fruit, or try something new like pumpkin spice cookies, chocolate mousse, or mini tarts.
