One of my favorite holidays is coming up: Thanksgiving. Why is it one of my favorites? The food! This year, you can move on and consider a greener alternative to a giant roasted turkey? Try having an all-vegetarian meal. Now I know that some people think vegetarian means only salad or not-so-yummy food, but that is not the case! Here are a few mouth-watering recipes from Smitten Kitchen, one of my favorite cooking websites.
Sundried Tomato Stuffed Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a common ingredient in many Thanksgiving dishes. I say they deserve to get the center stage for once! These stuffed mushrooms make the perfect appetizers.
Squash and Chickpea Moroccan Stew
America is a melting pot of cultures and there’s no better holiday to incorporate all this richness into your Thanksgiving celebration. This Moroccan stew will fill you up, guaranteeing that “stuffed-to-the-brim” feeling of Thanksgiving. (Make sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth or try Imagine Organic Non-Chicken Broth.)
Braised Romano Beans
Green bean casserole is one of the staple dishes of Thanksgiving. Why not try getting your green bean fix in a new way? The best part about this recipe is that you can substitute just about any green bean for the romano beans, and it will still taste amazing. And, did you know that green beans are full of nutrients? Green beans are an excellent source of your daily value Vitamin K, a vitamin that helps maintain bone strength! Go ahead and give these a try. Your bones (and taste buds) will thank you.
Swiss Chard and Sweet Potato Gratin
This dish is something of cross between the classics of mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and sweet potato pie. Cheese, potatoes, and greens combined? Sounds like the perfect side dish to me. (Not a chard fan? You can substitute it with spinach.)
Upside Down Cranberry Cake
Whenever I see a cranberry, I instantly think of Thanksgiving. You can change up your presentation of this classic dish by serving it as a dessert instead of a sauce. This upside down cranberry cake is something everyone can surely make room for. (Worried about finding fresh cranberries? Frozen berries will also work.)
Have any other vegetarian recipes you love for Thanksgiving? Let’s hear about them!