Usually, the first thing most people think of when you say "Thanksgiving" is food. But, really, Thanksgiving is about happiness, peace, togetherness, and family.
As such, some people are starting to incorporate healthier food preparation practices into their Thanksgiving meal plans, whether to accommodate vegetarian guests or as part of transitioning to a vegetarian lifestyle. And even meat-eating homes can benefit from healthy, nutrient-rich veggie recipe ideas!
If you're hosting Thanksgiving at your house and are expecting vegetarian guests this year, don’t worry about preparing two separate meals: one for meat eaters and another separate one for the vegetarians. Most vegetarians don't actually require a 'meat equivalent' at Thanksgiving.
You may find that your guest offers to help out in the kitchen or bring a dish from home. Please don't take this as an insult to your cooking; take it as a desire to share new traditions at Thanksgiving.
If this is your first Thanksgiving including vegetarian dishes we have some tips to make such foods as tasty as they are healthy:
- Prepare a portion of stuffing outside of the turkey.
- Make several servings of vegetarian gravy.
- Be sure to keep cooking utensils separate to prevent "cross-contamination" between meat foods and vegetarian foods.
- When recipes are adaptable, use substitutions like vegetarian broth, soy margarine (the formulations without whey are suitable for vegans), soy milk, and kosher marshmallows which are made without gelatin.
- Use vegetable oils instead of animal fats for frying, and vegetable shortening like Crisco for pie crust.
- Read ingredients lists carefully on pre-packaged foods, being aware of terms like gelatin, whey, and "natural flavors" that can be animal-derived.
- Prepare plenty of vegetable and fruit side dishes, but leave them plain. Rely heavily on those that are in season like squashes, sweet potatoes, and green beans.
- Offer plenty of breads, beverages, fresh fruits, and non-gelatin desserts, which are suitable without modification for most vegetarians.
- Prepare a small "Tofurky" or vegetarian "turkey equivalent" entrée. If you are unfamiliar with such foods, you can ask your vegetarian guest for assistance in preparing one. The rest of your meat-loving guests might just be curious enough to want to try it!
- Finally, enjoy the TONS of new, delicious foods that you have not tried before.
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