Here’s a Thanksgiving menu that skips the turkey and meat but pulls out all the other stops. With the rich, warm flavors of brown butter, sweet pumpkin, bright red fruits and deep, dark chocolate, these dishes will wow everyone at the table, vegetarian or not.
Crostini with Humboldt Fog and Pear Chutney
Tangy goats’-milk cheese is the perfect counterpoint to a mildly sweet chutney made from fresh pears. The chutney can be prepared a few days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the crostini.
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Kale Salad with Quinoa, Pistachios and Pomegranate Seeds
Tuscan kale is abundant at farmers’ markets in the fall and winter, making this pretty salad studded with bright red pomegranate seeds the perfect side dish for a Thanksgiving feast. |
Pumpkin Ravioli with Sage Butter This vegetarian main course is special enough for a holiday dinner — no one will miss the turkey! A simple sauce of lightly browned butter and fresh sage, which heightens and contrasts with the sweetness of the pumpkin in the filling. It takes some time to form the ravioli, but the process makes a fun group activity. |
Cauliflower Steaks with Brown Butter, Capers and Parsley
When roasted at a high heat, cauliflower becomes tender and slightly caramelized. Cut into thick slabs, it makes a hearty side dish or even a light vegetarian entrée.
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Cranberry-Orange Mostarda Mostarda is a piquant Italian condiment that is said to aid in the digestion of heavy foods. Here, it’s updated with seasonal cranberries for Thanksgiving, creating a vibrant alternative to classic cranberry sauce. |
Dark Chocolate Ganache Tart
This dramatic dessert can be assembled a day ahead of serving, making it the perfect choice to prepare for a holiday dinner. It’s all about the chocolate — from the crisp crust to the rich, decadent ganache filling — so be sure to use a high-quality one.
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See more vegetarian recipes for Thanksgiving here.
5 comments
[…] Thanksgiving Meal Planner: A Vegetarian Meal Even Omnivores Will Love […]
[…] Thanksgiving Meal Planner: A Vegetarian Meal Even Omnivores Will Love […]
Thanks W-S! You just provided this vegetarian some great ideas for her family’s Thanksgiving meal. Thanksgiving & Christmas are the two days a year where I get a free pass to “woo” all the meat-eaters in my family with something vegetarian, and introduce something new. It’s a tough crowd but I’ve not disappointed yet. The ideas you provided will definitely help. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving.
Glad to be of help, Siobhan—Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, too!
Great Thanksgiving ideas for vegetarians in your family