“Welcome home!” your Mom squeals happily as you throw your bags on the floor for another fall break at home. You roll your eyes as she runs you through the Thanksgiving menu and casually mention that after your worldly experience at school you will no longer be associated with the meat being served at your family gathering this year…Okay, so going completely meatless this Thanksgiving might seem a little extreme, but trust me, it’s not only possible-but delicious, too! Spoken from an experienced vegetarian myself, being the one person in the family who isn’t indulging in the token glazed turkey at the center of the table is completely doable with recipes that are just as tasty as that traditional Thanksgiving meal. Here are just a few easy meatless additions and alternatives to introduce to your feast favorites:
Stuffing: Instead of with turkey, replace it with cranberries, mushrooms, almonds (after checking for allergies, of course), apples, tofu, hazelnuts, chestnuts, zucchini, or raisins! Be creative-these delightful options add vitamins, nutrients, and color to your token Thanksgiving side dish.
Potatoes: Throw some cheese on those mashed potatoes and your golden (no pun intended…okay a little bit intended). All jokes aside, don’t ingredients like orange flavoring and cranberries, or coconut and brown sugar, make your mouth water?
Turkey: I know what you’re thinking…how can you possibly find a substitute for the main entrée? Well it’s easy. With options like fried pumpkin dumplings, stuffed squash with apples and cinnamon, wild rice pilaf, and plenty of sauces to douse your favorite tofu in how could you go wrong!
Additional Side Dishes: Vegetable and pumpkin soups and salads, green bean casseroles, marinated tofu turkey, stuffed hazelnut and cranberry roast, and pumpkin lasagna are all great vegetarian options for a delicious Thanksgiving meal.
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