Life
Sure, there's a ton of fuss over the bird when it comes Thanksgiving dinner (and I'm not denying how melt-in-your-mouth fantastic turkey is), but many vegetarian dishes can make their way to the center of the table this season and serve as the star of the meal. If you want to serve a meatless version of this holiday feast without loosing any of the sacred flavors, try these perfect recipes for a vegetarian Thanksgiving.
The key to creating vegetarian dishes that work with the Thanksgiving tradition, is to cook with many of the same vegetables and spices that are associated with the holiday. The warm, earthy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg pair great with different seasonal squashes and sweet potatoes — topped with perfectly toasted nuts, of course.
Passing on the turkey doesn't mean you have to pass on flavor or fullness. All the meat-free recipes in this round-up have the moxie of a main dish, making them the ideal offering for any vegetarian that joins your Thanksgiving table. But take caution: these satisfying entrees have the power to convert even the most fanatical of turkey-lovers into veggie worshiping diners. Don't say you haven't been warned.
1Golden Orchard Cider Spiced Quinoa
A secret ingredient gives this golden orchard cider spiced quinoa a deep, warm flavor. Happy Healthy Life included this recipe in their "no tufurky" Thanksgiving menu to offer vegetarians and vegans a dish that would feel like the centerpiece of their meal.
2Ultimate Vegetarian Shepherd's Pie
Choked-full of veggies and big flavors, The Scrumptious Pumpkin's ultimate vegetarian shepherd's pie gives the original a run for it's money. This meatless creation will fill the bellies of anyone that surround your table this Turkey Day — even the biggest meat lover.
3Pumpkin Almond Crusted Tofu
Veganize your menu with Happy Healthy Life made pumpkin almond crusted tofu. You'll get all the same earthy spices that make you think of Thanksgiving, along with a protein-packed crunchy texture.
4Creamy Butternut Squash & Anjou Pear Soup
The Healthy Foodie's creamy butternut squash and anjou pear soup has all the flavors of fall in one steamy bowl. It takes a little love and patience, but the result with be worth every step.
5Winter Squash Farro Salad With Crispy Kale
With less than 10 ingredients, The Scrumptious Pumpkin puts together a hearty salad that can be eaten as a main dish. Start a new tradition by serving this winter squash farro salad with crispy kale this Thanksgiving and be prepared to dish out seconds.
6Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie
A sweet riff on the original, this sweet potato shepherd's pie from Pickles and Honey has tons of tempeh and vegetables tucked under the cozy blanket of sweet potatoes. When you place this dish on the Thanksgiving table, the turkey will surely get jealous.
7Roasted Sweet Potato, Caramelized Onions and Gorgonzola Quiche
This show stopper of a dish from Naturally Ella is oozing with yummy goodness. Who can resist the sweet and stinky combo in this roasted sweet potato, caramelized onion and gorgonzola quiche? If you're not planning on eating your main meal until late, try making this the night before and heating it up for breakfast to get the Thanksgiving party started!
Images: Healthy Happy Life; The Scrumptious Pumpkin; Healthy Happy Life; The Healthy Foodie; The Scrumptious Pumpkin; Pickles and Honey; Naturally Ella
