4 Vegetarian And Vegan Dishes To Make For Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving menus have undergone significant updates in the recent past, to make them more inclusive of varied dietary preferences. With a growing trend towards vegetarianism and veganism, holiday spreads have begun including dishes that are dairy-free and devoid of any meat. These plant-based recipes provide a range of flavours, textures, and nutrient bases to play around with when preparing the menu.
From hearty mains to rich side dishes, both the vegetarian and vegan spectrum equally celebrate the seasonal cheer and make the menu accessible to a wider audience.
The following listicle outlines these plant-based options that are the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
Lentil and Vegetable Loaf
Since most Thanksgiving meals are meat heavy, it is mandatory to include plant-based alternatives that will compensate for the same. The lentil and vegetable loaf is one such dish.
Typically made from a combination of cooked lentils and multiple vegetables, grains, and herbs, this dish is both dense as well as hearty. Once baked, this loaf is often topped with a savoury glaze. The recipe ensures that the loaf is packed with fibres and nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a vegan centre-piece during a Thanksgiving meal.
Additionally, this loaf also pairs excellently with the typical Thanksgiving sides, making it a seamless addition to any holiday meal.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
This unique dish is both visually stunning and nutrient-dense, making it an ideal option when preparing a vegetarian or vegan Thanksgiving spread. The dish is prepared by cutting the squash in half, roasting it, and then packing it with ingredients like wild rice, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, and condiments, creating a tasty and well-balanced stuffing.
Acorn squash is also a seasonal produce, which means it is easier to procure and is more affordable than off-season veggies.
It is also a plant-based alternative that can be adapted with multiple fillings, depending on the dietary preferences.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple and Pecans
This particular dish provides a vegan-friendly side dish that complements the richness of Thanksgiving dishes. The sprouts offer a good break from the heavy and rich spread that Thanksgiving is known as. The maple syrup and pecans over a much-needed sweet delight to the dish.
Roasting enhances the natural flavours of sprouts and offers a warm, seasonal addition to the meal. The dish balances the other savoury elements on the table and provides a nutritious, yet visually appealing alternative.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie
This dish is a classic dessert option that is ideal for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. This pie, which symbolises the autumnal harvest and thereby is a perfect addition to a Thanksgiving spread, is made using a mix of spices, pumpkin puree, and plant-based milk and set in a crust that is free of animal products.
Yet, despite the plant-based alternative containing no dairy, it retains the nostalgia factor associated with such holidays in general. The creamy texture of this dessert provides a more than satisfactory conclusion to the Thanksgiving meal.
