Home > Thanksgiving Cooking & Recipes

A Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for foods like turkey, ham, and meatballs. However, many people follow a vegetarian diet, and if you're one of them, then you need a way to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving feast without the meat! Here are some great vegetarian recipes for your next Thanksgiving dinner!

Appetizers

Pumpkin Soup

4 cups cooked pumpkin
1/4 cup butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups vegetarian soup stock

Melt the butter in a large saucepan. Gently add the onion, salt and pepper and cook over medium heat until the onion is soft and browned. This will take around 30 minutes. Add the cooked pumpkin, then gently stir in the vegetable stock. Bring to a rolling boil, then lower the heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes. To thicken the soup, simmer uncovered for ten minutes and allow to stand before serving.

Classic Crudités

Carrot sticks
Celery sticks
Broccoli florets
Cauliflower florets
Sliced green and red pepper
Lowfat ranch dip

This is a very simple appetizer to make. Simply arrange the sliced veggies on a serving platter in an attractive arrangement and place the bowl of dip in the middle. You don't need to make a homemade dip, most any store bought vegetable dip will be perfect!

Entrees

Roast Stuffing

3 cups bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup diced onion
1 cup chopped celery
pinch of thyme
pinch of marjoram
pinch of sage
pinch of parsley
two tablespoons oil
5 cloves garlic
3 cups cashews
1 cup veggie soup stock
2 cups bread
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the onion and garlic in the oil until soft. Chop cashews and bread into small pieces. Add the cashews and bread to the onion and garlic mixture, then add the veggie soup stock, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Place approximately half of this mixture into a loaf pan. Combine the remaining ingredients, then place on top of the bottom layer in the loaf pan. Top with the remaining first mixture so that there are three layers. Place the loaf pan on a cookie sheet in case it boils over, and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes until the top is brown.

Tofu “Turkey”

1 pound firm tofu
3/4 cup water
3 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons yeast
1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/4 cup cornmeal
1/4 cup yeast flakes
salt and pepper to taste

Slice the tofu into 1/2 inch thick pieces and place in a large bowl. In a seperate bowl, combine water, soy sauce, yeast and spices. Whisk well then pour over tofu. Marinate overnight. When you're ready to cook the tofu, roll each slice in a mixture of yeast flakes and cornmeal until coated. Bake in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until nice and brown.

Side Dishes

Here, you can basically enjoy any vegetable dishes of your choice. Here's a great recipe for flavorful green beans.

Flavorful Green Beans

1 pound fresh green beans
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/4 cup dried cranberries
Simply boil the fresh beans in a pot of boiling water for about 30 minutes or until cooked to your desired consistency. Drain, then gently mix in the lemon juice and olive oil. Toss the almonds and cranberries in, and serve!

Desserts

Fruit Salad Ambrosia Style

1 grapefruit
1 navel orange
2 cups green grapes, cut in half
1/4 shredded coconut

Cut grapefruit, orange and grapes into bite sized pieces. Toss with coconut. Make variations of this simple recipe by adding your favorite fruits or tossing in some colorful berries.

Easy Pumpkin Frappe

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
3/4 cup apple juice from concentrate
1/4 cup soy milk
2 scoops vanilla soy powder
4 ice cubes

Blend all ingredients in a blender at high speed until well mixed and frothy. Garnish with cinnamon and even whipped cream, if desired.