What if I told you that the way to beat the turkey shortage is gaslighting yourself into believing you’re eating turkey? That’s right. Instead of mourning this year’s turkey shortage, take it as your sign from the universe to go vegetarian.
My aunt, who happens to be the reason for my being vegetarian for eight years, is a goddess in the kitchen. Despite the two of us being the only two vegetarians in the family, her Thanksgiving dishes never fail to disappoint even the most carnivorous of our family members. That said, I know not every family has a built-in vegetarian cook, so I’m here to offer the next best thing: a course-crossing assortment of recipes for the best Thanksgiving-themed vegetarian dishes.
- VEGAN TURKEY ROAST
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Yes, you can still participate in the turkey tradition without actually consuming turkey. This tofu seitan turkey recipe is every bit as meaty and tender as the real thing–and it’s certainly more flavorful (turkey is not renowned for its rich flavor). With buttery-crisp garlic skin, this recipe is absolutely mouth-watering. Plus, it has 38g of protein per serving.
- GARLIC AND HERB MASHED POTATOES
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Mashed potato making is an art. Though nothing will beat the borderline spiritual experience I had upon trying UCLA’s De Neve dining hall mashed potatoes, this recipe comes pretty close. The secret ingredient: Boursin cream cheese. Quick and classic, these mashed potatoes might be the creamiest and most flavorful you’ve tasted. That said, if you favor potatoes of the colored variety or have more of a sweet tooth, this sweet potato casserole recipe (with marshmallows, pecans and streusel) is delectable.
- JALAPEÑO CREAM CORN
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Okay, I know this might sound random, but hear me out. This dish has become a tradition in my family, courtesy of my foodie vegetarian aunt. Though nothing will beat her secret recipe, this one is a viable substitute. In fact, it’s so good my whole family deems it “crack corn.” However, if you’re looking for something more classic, this homemade mac and cheese recipe is also to-die-for.
- STUFFING
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I love stuffing. The texture and flavor are just foreign enough to be interesting. That’s why, when I went vegetarian, I suffered the loss of stuffing significantly more than turkey. This stuffing recipe saved me. Rich and savory, decorated with herbs, it swaps chicken for vegetable stock.
- CORNBREAD
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Cornbread is heavenly. Top this recipe with warm honey and prepare for the richest, moistest cornbread you’ve tasted. If you’re not into cornbread (who are you?) I offer this more neutral (yet still delicious) dinner roll recipe as an alternative.
- HONEY-ROASTED ROOT VEGETABLE SALAD
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Offer pause to your carb-loading with this incredible root veggie salad. As a roasted vegetable fanatic, I vouch for this recipe wholeheartedly. Featuring beets, carrots, onions, goat cheese and a host of herbs, you’ll have no trouble getting your dose of veggies in.
- CRANBERRY SAUCE
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As someone who is very picky with fruit sauces, I stand by this cranberry sauce recipe. Flavored with orange juice and orange zest, this recipe will make your palate sing. Nonetheless, I sympathize with all of you savory sauce enthusiasts. To you, I offer this amazing vegetarian gravy recipe and this inexplicably delicious carmelized five-onion dip recipe (my weakness).
- PUMPKIN PIE
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Nothing says Thanksgiving like pumpkin pie. That said, there is quite the spectrum of pumpkin pie deliciousness, with some recipes extremely outranking others. This recipe is one of those that break the spectrum, it’s so good. Nevertheless, I know not everyone is a pumpkin pie enthusiast. So, this oozy-warm apple pie will be sure to steal your heart as an alternative.
It’s official: Thanksgiving is no longer an anti-vegetarian holiday! These recipes more than prove it. So crack open a Martinelli’s, share what you’re grateful for and get eating!