A vegetarian Thanksgiving can be just as meaningful and enjoyable as the traditional turkey dinner. Enjoy a Lentil Loaf centrepiece and garnish with all the trimmings.
Being vegetarian around holidays steeped in meaty tradition can be difficult. Those who don't eat meat can feel left out from the celebrations or feel they're making too much fuss. Holidays should be about good food, good friends, and good wine; not whether or not there will be appropriate food. As concerns about global warming, factory farming, and chronic disease grow, perhaps it's time to start some new traditions.
Whether dining at the homes of friends or family, or serving a feast at your own abode, a vegetarian centrepiece is eye-catching and can take the place of the meat or turkey, if necessary. Decorate the platter with fresh herbs and invite others to help themselves.
For those hosting the celebration but missing the traditional preparation of the Bird, try a Tofurky or Quorn Roast, available at specialty and some grocery stores.
Some vegetarians prefer not to make a fuss and eat what they can at a given situation. This may or may not suffice, depending on the host. Imagine a dinner of turkey, potatoes made with gravy, Caesar salad with bacon, and pie crust made with lard! It is always best to be prepared, or (at very least), politely ask the host what will be served. Some substitutions or omissions may be useful. Learn more about Cooking for Vegetarians to know what is (and is not) appropriate to serve.
This version of Lentil Loaf is a classic. It is high in protein, yet free from soy. It is flavourful and has a lovely texture - this "meatloaf" is a perfect starter vegetarian dish. Appreciate it for what it is and not for its semblance to meat.
Smaller than a turkey, baking Vegetarian Meatloaf leaves plenty of room in the oven for roasting vegetable side dishes like sweet potatoes, turnip, or squash.
Vegetarian "Meatloaf" with Oats Recipe
Serves 6.
Takes 10 minutes to prepare and 30-40 minutes to cook.
Ingredients:
1 (19 oz.) can lentils, drained, rinsed, and slightly mashed
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup rolled oats (quick or large flake)
¾ cup grated old cheddar cheese
1 egg, beaten
½ – 2/3 cup spaghetti sauce or barbecue sauce
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. dried basil
¼ – 1/2 tsp. seasoning salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Celsius.
Mix lentils, onion, oats, and cheese in a large bowl and mix well.
Add the beaten egg and mix well.
Add the sauce, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper.
Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and pour/scrape the lentil mixture in. Even out the top surface with a spatula or fork.
Bake uncovered 30-40 minutes or until top is golden and crispy.
Let cool at least 5 minutes.
Turn out onto serving platter and garnish with parsley, if desired.
Variations:
Add chopped celery, different sauces, different cheeses (or no cheese!) or try more traditional poultry spices instead of the Italian ones. Serve with all the 'fixins: mushroom gravy, mashed potatoes, squash, and salad.
The copyright of the article Vegetarian Thanksgiving in Vegetarian Cuisine is owned by Jill Harris. Permission to republish Vegetarian Thanksgiving must be granted by the author in writing.
I'd like to get a little discussion going on Thanksgiving and holiday meals. What do you usually serve? What are your favourite dishes that others make?
I don't come from a very traditional household. We did have turkey (and the rest of my family still does!) but there was/is always plenty of vegetarian options and more than enough food to go around.
My favourite dish has to be squash with pecans and brown sugar that more resembles pumpkin pie than a vegetable side dish - remind me to get that recipe from my aunt!
Recent additions to the holiday table include various salads, and this year - tortellini.
I know many families have strong Thanksgiving traditions - care to share yours?
Nov 20, 2006 7:56 PM
Lucia Franklin
:
My husband and I celebrate our personal thanksgiving with a meatless meal, then travel with the leftovers to the family meal. This year it will be interesting, because we will be celebrating thanksgiving in Iowa, which is unofficially the land of cows & meat sticks. Point of the matter is, that while making our delicious, heart healthy, meatless meal - all of MY carnivorous companions will be snickering! But with lack of tripdophan, I will be the one snickering as I won't be passing out on the couch.
Our Vegetarian Celebration has all of the following & sometimes more. Quorn Veggie Roast, Stuffing, Noodles, and Mashed Potatoes that are all homemade. And Pumpkin Pie to top it off!
We start celebrating the holidays with an old traditional family drink, Tom & Jerry's, which start at Thanks giving & end on New Years Day.
Typically we eat: 1 Quorn Brand Roast, I use a very rich marinade to baste the roast. I use 2tablespoons of condensed cranberry salad, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1Cup Water, mixed with sage, ground mustard, & pepper to taste. This mixture is also very good if you accidentally spill red wine into the bowl!
My personal secret to mashed potatoes is sour cream & cream cheese. The cream cheese is what keeps it thick & creamy all in one. The sour cream gives it a great taste.
Tom & Jerry's consist of Eggs. Powdered Sugar. Nutmeg. Whiskey. Rum. Boiling Water. They are hard to perfect and I don't know if the technique is worth trying.... that and I think my uncle would be upset if I shared the secrets, without sharing a drink!
Happy Holiday!
Feb 9, 2007 1:49 PM
Diane Laney Fitzpatrick
:
Just found your site and have used it to get some new vegetarian recipes. My 13-year-old daughter and I are new vegetarians. We are eating dairy, but no fish, meat or poultry. (And we hate tofu.) I am AMAZED at how easy it's been! I thought I would crave meat, especially since I'm still cooking it for my husband and son. We are eating the yummiest bean dishes - I'm finding that I can live on beans, rice and vegetables. I also enjoyed the Joaquin Phoenix commercial advertised on your site. Have you seen the movie "Earthlings?" It could turn any carnivore into a vegan.
Feb 14, 2007 5:19 PM
Jill Harris
:
Hi Diane, it's great to have another vegetarian on board! It's fabulous that going vegetarian has been easy for you. I only ask that you keep your mind open to tofu, as it does tend to grow on a person ;)
How is your daughter handling the lack of meat? I made the switch when I was 18 and have wondered if it would have been easier or harder at a younger age.
I have never seen Earthlings...I tend to be a sensitive soul who needs no more incentive to stay vegetarian! I did read _Fast Food Nation_ though and it really opened my eyes.
I'm going to get some more bean recipes up here - they're one of my favourites too!
Keep in touch,
Jill
Oct 9, 2007 5:53 AM
Jill Harris
:
I'm curious about traditions and holidays for those vegetarians lucky enough to live in warmer climates. In Canada, our Thanksgiving and Christmas meals seem to centre around hearty, starchy vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, squash, and turnip. I tend to think this stems from the cold weather and the enjoyment that comes from a warm oven.
Does anyone have any regional differences or similarities to report?
