Veggin’

Oh no! You’re faced with feeding a vegetarian on Thanksgiving. Let’s take this from the top…as I’ve said before – first of all…relax! .

Most vegetarians really don’t want to cause any trouble for any host. You’ll also find that many vegetarian dishes will satisfy the most ardent of carnivores so you really don’t have to put in any extra work. Last year, I put together a series of tips and thoughts on how to survive Thanksgiving with a vegetarian sitting at your table. You’ll find that prepping for a vegetarian really is not that bad. Read through that article and come back here where you’re done.

Now…last year, I also put together a list of recipes that would be suitable for your feast. Here’s an updated list of suggestions since I have another year’s worth of recipes to draw from. So,  now that the panic has subsided, you can step away from the Tofurky, create some spectacular vegetarian dishes and enjoy the holiday.

Salads

• Grammy’s Salad Dressing
• Asian Pear and Goat Cheese Salad
• Warm Kale and Cucumber Salad
• Green Bean, Mushroom, and Hazelnut Salad
• Exotic Greens with Kiwi-Honey Vinaigrette

Snacks/First Course/Other

• Baked Whole Garlic with French Bread
• Basil Butter
• Buttery Roasted Pecans
• It’s Not a Holiday Without a Cheese Ball…
• Marinated Goat Cheese
• Vegetarian Mock Chopped Liver

Suitable for Main Course

• Stuffed Butternut Squash
• Acorn Squash Stuffed with Vegetarian Cajun Sausage
• Acorn Squash Stuffed with Zesty Orzo and Cheese
• Pecan-Stuffed Eggplant
• Quinoa and Butternut Squash Gratin
• Vegetarian Stuffed Zucchini
• Macaroni and Cheese
• Zucchini, Squash and Tomato Gratin
• Why not break free from the “normal” thanksgiving dishes – how about asian lettuce wraps or samosas? Or, how about my favorite, F’in Ziti or Vegetarian Paella?

Side Dishes – Potatoes/Pasta/Grains

• Easy Roasted Potatoes
• Risotto
• Ugandan Potatoes
• Zesty Quinoa with Broccoli and Cashews
• Gratin of Melting Potatoes
• Santa Fe Sweet Potato Corn Salad
• Millet with Garlic and Onions

Side Dishes – Lentils/Beans

• Slow-cooked Indian Lentils and Tomatoes
• Yellow Rice and Black Bean Salad
• Truffled Wild Mushrooms Over Whipped White Beans
• Sweet Potato, Corn and Black Beans - (this recipe is for burritos, but just make the stuffing and it’s a great side dish
• Chick-Peas Vinaigrette

Side Dishes – Vegetables

• Carolina Kale
• Santa Fe Sweet Potato Corn Salad
• Ethiopian Collard Greens in Tomato Sauce
• Baked Asparagus with Garlic
• French Baked Beets
• Breaded Asparagus with Goat Cheese
• Broiled and Breaded Crookneck Squash
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Onions and Blue Cheese