Guide Note

The emphasis on turkey in the traditional observance of Thanksgiving can be a challenge to those attempting vegetarian—and especially vegan—diets. There are, however, options for non-carnivores beyond mere stuffing. Holiday menus can be adapted and reinvented for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Fast Facts

Many Thanksgiving side dishes are vegetarian to begin with
Gravy and stuffing can be made without animal-based fat
Alternatives to turkey are widely available

Turkey Alternatives

Tofurkey: Produced by Oregon's Turtle Island Foods, Tofurkey is a turkey-like roast made of organic soybeans. The company also makes Tofurkey giblets.

Veat Vegetarian Breast: Made by Van's All Natural foods, Veat is also soy-based. According to the company's official site, "The taste and texture amazes and delights vegetarians and meat eaters alike."¹

Celebration Roast: A grain-based alternative roast that comes stuffed with "sausage style" mushrooms, sage and butternut squash. Celebration Roast is made by Field Roast Grain Meat Co.
Note: Those who are allergic to wheat gluten may want to avoid this highly gluten-based product.

Categories

Food | Holiday Recipes | Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Food

View Note History

Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Also try: How to Have a Vegetarian Thanksgiving

The Mahalo Top 7

Wikipedia: Tofurkey
Epicurious.com: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu
San Francisco Chronicle: "A Vegetarian Thanksgiving" (November 19, 1997)
Vegetarians in Paradise: A Vegan Thanksgiving to Remember
Slashfood: Tackling the Tofurkey
About.com: How to Accommodate Your Vegetarian and Vegan Guests at Thanksgiving
WebMD: A Vegetarian Thanksgiving

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

Tofurkey Recipes

- Mahalo's Guide to Tofurkey
All Recipes: Tofu Turkey II
VegCooking: Homemade Tofurkey Loaf
Turtle Island Foods: Tofurky Recipes
VegWeb.com: Tofu Turkey with Stuffing
About.com: Ginger Garlic Tofurky Roast Recipe
Northern Virginia Daily: Roast Tofurky baked with Caramelized Onion and Cherry Relish
Vegetarian Resource Group: Cooking Tofurky for the Holidays

Alternative Vegetarian Entrées

Many vegetarians shun the genius of Tofurkey. Why imitate meat when there are any number of autumn vegetables which make excellent entrées? Try one of these vegetarian main courses:

VegWeb.com: Thanksgiving "Meat" Loaf
The Veggie Table: Ratatouille
VegWeb.com: Pumpkin Curry
Epicurious.com: Posole with Southern Greens, Chayote, Dried Cherries and Pecans
Tazarat.com: Seitan Stuffed Squash
The Veggie Table: Ratatouille

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dish Recipes

Mother Earth News: Stuffed Pumpkin Recipe
In a Vegetarian Kitchen: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Main Dish Options
St. Petersburg Times: "Vegetarian Cooking: Thanks can be given over any main dish" (2002)
Chowhound: Vegetarian main course for Thanksgiving

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

A Vegetarian Thanksgiving: Pear and Apple Crumble
Recipezaar: Tofu Pumpkin Pie
Recipezaar: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Pie Recipes

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Blogs and Forums

Google Blog Search: Vegetarian Thanksgiving
Lifehacker: Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes
Vegan Ventures: A Very (almost) Vegan Thanksgiving
Chowhound: What do vegans eat on Thanksgiving?
The Lazy Vegetarian: Thanksgiving - What's on the Table?
Veg.ca: Vegetarian Thanksgiving Tips

Vegetarian Thanksgiving Cookbooks

Amazon.com: The Vegetarian Times Complete Thanksgiving Cookbook
Amazon.com: Vegetarian Celebrations: Festive Menus for the Holidays
Amazon.com: The (Almost) No Fat Cookbook: Festive Vegetarian Recipes

Related Searches

How to Have a Vegetarian Thanksgiving | Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving | Thanksgiving Recipes | Thanksgiving Desserts | Thanksgiving Dinner | Best Thanksgiving Stuffing | Best Thanksgiving Pies | Vegetarian Food | Vegan Food | Tofurkey