Thanksgiving for the Vegetarian - 12 Recipe Ideas

Thanksgiving is best known for Turkey. It’s pretty synonymous and what most of us expect that celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving. Sometimes there’s a ham thrown in too, and many family like to add other meats that might be their favorite too. Where does this leave the vegetarian, though? Sure, one would assume the vegetarian will eat one of the traditional sides like Macaroni and Cheese or Mashed Potatoes and Gravy. However, we have a tendency to add meats and broths to those as well. I see Macaroni and Cheese all the time with bacon or ham thrown in, and greens often have ham or turkey in them. Even stuffing or dressing often has some turkey, ham or even oysters in it, and the gravy for the mashed potatoes is often made with the turkey drippings.

Last Fall my daughter decided to become a vegetarian. We weren’t sure at first if it was a phase or something that would be more long term, however we have respected her stance on it and tried to be as accommodating as possible. It’s difficult sometimes when going to family or friends houses and they’ve cooked, and often forgotten that she’s a vegetarian. She usually ends up stuck with chips and dip, bread, or munching out of the veggie tray.

I know a lot of adult vegetarians that have Thanksgiving with other vegetarian friends. I don’t blame them! But what about when you have family coming over, and they are vegetarian. You’d like to provide them something delicious as well, maybe even something everybody can enjoy that is just as delicious as everything else. We don’t have to limit the vegetarians to a boring salad, a dinner roll and some cheesy pasta. How about adding something more to the menu? Something flavorful and delicious that will make them feel special? I’ve combed through some of my favorite recipes over the past few years and come up with some of my vegetarian daughter’s favorites, many of which she’s requested this Thanksgiving. Granted, a few are salads, bread, or pasta, but there’s so much more than that. Roasted veggies, flavorful rice, and even one with a vegetarian Italian sausage. Gathering this list made me realize I need to share more of these types of recipes!

I hope you find something for the special vegetarian in your life, or even a nice alternative to meat filled dishes.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Beets & Carrots