During Thanksgiving, people tend to assume that vegetarians eat nothing due to the abundance of meat in dishes. This is a regularly heard assumption, but is easily disproved. Being a vegetarian is cutting all meat and fish out of one’s diet which can make the holidays seem difficult, but I am here to prove with research and the right tools, eating meat-free on the holidays is still very enjoyable. I proudly partake in this diet and I never struggle to find something to eat.
As the amount of curiosity around vegetarianism increases, new ideas for recipes not containing meat surface daily. During the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, there are a lot of meals that center around meat.
It brings me joy to remind you of the classics and how to replace them as a vegetarian at your Thanksgiving dinner. Thanksgiving is a time for gratefulness and good times. Don’t let your diet affect your enthusiasm for the holiday season.
Obviously, turkey is the main course at Thanksgiving. Though rather irreplaceable, it will not be missed with these enticing sides. It is considered traditional, but switching things up can open all sorts of new doors for people’s lifestyles. It is always hard to come up with alternatives for something that is the leading dish, but there are plenty of options available to fill up your plate. I always leave family Thanksgiving full, and even as a vegetarian you can, too.
An easy option for a main dish could be the veggie alternative of your choice. If you find the frozen isle in grocery stores, there is an entire section of vegetarian meatballs, chicken strips and many more meat replacements. There are even tofu made turkeys, tofurkey, which are packed with flavor but made meatless. There are endless options of meat replacements, and they are quite easy to prepare.
 One of my favorite things in the entire world is sweet potatoes. If you are opposed to trying a meat replacement, this plate will be a great option. A dish I am going to be making this year is black bean, quinoa and pepper stuffed sweet potatoes. This is an easy, quick recipe that tastes absolutely delicious. The side is filled with protein, nutrients and an abundance of flavor. You can find most of these staples in your pantry, but it is also cost efficient to go pick them up from the grocery store. Buying a few veggies is cheaper than buying an entire turkey. Your bank account will thank you.
Another great sweet potato recipe is tacos. While Mexican food is not traditionally served at Thanksgiving, these enrich your taste buds with flavor that will make you forget what is usually presented. I saute my chopped sweet potatoes with taco seasoning and onions then add all of the toppings I enjoy. Pico de gallo, queso, lettuce and corn are a few of my favorite garnishes. These are vegetable packed and extremely flavorsome, which are my two favorite things.
A fabulous, more filling main dish option is vegetable layered lasagna. There is pasta, zucchini, squash and peppers in the most popular recipes, but you’re also able to add whatever fix-ins that are your best-loved. Pasta is a staple in my diet and is extremely filling but also very wholesome with the ingredients added. I find joy in creating spin offs to classic holiday dishes that most people know, and a lasagna with multiple layers of flavor and greens interests me and my family a lot.
An easy thing for vegetarians to eat on Thanksgiving are salty and buttery mashed potatoes, which are a staple in most people’s dinners. If it is your first year trying this diet, mashed potatoes will be your best friend. They are always at the table, easy to make, meat free and delicious. It is one of the classic sides that can be spiced up with toppings or left alone to be enjoyed simply. These are most commonly made with russet potatoes but can also be traded out for sweet potatoes. This can be topped with savory toppings or mixed with maple and brown sugar and served as a desert.
A typical accompaniment to turkey is stuffing, and while it is most commonly created with chicken broth, it is also completely able to be made vegetarian friendly. All you need is vegetable broth, a loaf of bread and any vegetables or spices of your choice. I personally add carrots, celery, mushrooms and chopped walnuts to add a nutty flavor. It is outstanding and a super simple switch up from the regular broth used.
A great amount of recipes can be found on social media platforms such as Pinterest and Food Blogs. One that I use regularly is called Moribyan, and there is an entire section for vegetarian options even though there are ones scattered throughout the website. You can find all sorts of new, cool dishes to try while exploring the internet’s options. However, I love to experiment on my own and come up with recipes by just using my memory and passion for cooking.
Thanksgiving has a wide variety of dishes served, so it is a perfect time to experiment. It is my aspiration to help others find what works best for them, and I hope this has provided a glimpse into how enjoyable the vegetarian diet can truly be, especially during the holidays.
