I don’t have many memories of the stereotypical Thanksgiving dinner scene, where hearty smiles surround the table and dozens of distant cousins enjoy turkey and stuffing together.
As a proud vegetarian who celebrates Thanksgiving, I have searched far and wide for suitable alternatives to the classic turkey and stuffing. I realized that alternatives are just as delicious as the traditional foods (if not even better), and can be prepared at home or bought readymade. No matter what you eat during the holidays, the joyful spirit will still shine through when you enjoy it together.
- Apple Pie
Apple pies carry warmth and inviting fragrance to satiate the holiday spirit.
Apple pie embodies all of the aspects of American culture I love most — fragrant cinnamon, velvety texture and varieties of slightly varied recipes. Why apple? Because apples match the vibe of the season: Think of leaves falling and apple-picking. While the dish itself is more autumn-themed, the process of making it homemade with loved ones perfectly embodies Thanksgiving values. Quarrels in the kitchen over how apples should be sliced are worth it for the delicious end result. Plus, who doesn’t like dessert?
- Potato-anything
Potatoes can be cooked in a wide variety of ways and have been a defining feature of Thanksgiving dinners over the years.
Potatoes, a staple food planted in the U.S. in the 1720s, have become increasingly prominent in today’s society. They can be enjoyed in so many different ways, including oven-baked, deeply fried and mashed, mixed in with other vegetables. There are millions of potato-based recipes to choose from online — here are a dozen good ways to cook a potato.
- Pastries
The spices in an Indian-style vegetable puff pastry brings back fond memories of street vendors serving hot food.
Pastries are originally European and not typically associated with an American holiday celebration, but they are fantastic foods to indulge in during the holiday season. Not only are pastries packed with comforting sweetness, but they also offer a wide variety of flavors and designs to get you in the holiday spirit. Apple turnovers, danishes and apple strudels are all great options.
If you’re not into sweet pastries, dive into savory ones! Indian vegetable puff pastries are top-tier, and the spices are great to warm up on a cold evening.
- Varieties of Soup
Soup is a simple, yet effective way to warm up on a cool evening.
Creamy tomato soup always hits the spot during holiday season, kind of like a warm blanket on a chilly day. Add some French bread and a simple salad on the side, and you have a perfect meal! Varieties of vegetables can be added based on your individual taste — soup is a great option for all!
- Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian can be adapted in a variety of ways to suit the individual’s taste buds.
Gobi Manchurian, debatably the best Indo-Chinese combo dish, consists of cauliflower pieces coated with a flour mixture, fried then mixed with a variety of vegetables and soy sauce. It carries an average of 6 grams of protein per serving over a turkey dish’s 8 grams of protein, and consists of a wide variety of spices to keep your taste buds tingling. While it’s more of an appetizer, it can be paired with the previously mentioned dishes to create a full, satisfying meal.
Regardless of the dietary preferences of people around you or yourself, know that there are always great alternatives besides the most traditional option. Many of these alternatives, in my experience, are even better than the go-to Thanksgiving foods. Happy cooking!
