There are plenty of reasons why people may choose not to serve a Thanksgiving turkey, but that doesn't mean your meal has to be anything less than special. Meat and poultry is a huge focus of holiday menus, and while we love a roast, it's not always right for every table.
An important thing to remember when planning a turkey-free menu is this: you do not need a turkey substitute. Turkey is visually dramatic, but it is rarely the most important item on anyone's plate. Rather than trying to replicate the drama of a huge roasted turkey, just make delicious food you and your guests will love. You may even find that you can simplify the holiday dinner by serving an appetizer, like a soup or salad, and then a single main course (like you would for most other dinners!).
Here are some of our favorite meat-free holiday recipes and some tips for adapting them to suit your needs.
Butternut Squash Malfatti with Crispy Pumpkin Seeds
Pasta dishes are great veggie-friendly main courses that will keep everyone satisfied (until dessert, of course), and with homemade pasta, they are special enough to take center stage at a holiday dinner. As with all cheeses, be sure to check that the cheeses for this recipe are vegetarian, if that's a concern. Most cheese are made with rennet, an animal byproduct; but you can easily find ones without this ingredient in larger grocery stores or specialty markets.
Savory Butternut Squash and Rice Tart
This tart is simple, but that's part of its charm. For something even more hearty, fold some puréed white beans with the rest of the filling. This tart can easily be made vegan or dairy-free by swapping the butter with your favorite butter substitute and nutritional yeast for the Parmigiano-Reggiano. Need help breaking down your squash? Check out this video for some tips: Breaking Down Butternut Squash.
Israeli Couscous Risotto with Pumpkin and Chanterelle Mushrooms
Unless you happen to have a field-full behind your house, chanterelles are a special occasion mushroom for most! Paired with sweet fall pumpkins and pearl couscous—a chewy little pasta—this could be your whole Thanksgiving dinner in one! Without the Parmigiano-Reggiano, this dish is dairy-free, vegetarian, and vegan. Save leftovers to make some next-day arancini (see how it's done here: How to Make Arancini).
Roasted Butternut Squash with Ricotta Gnocchi
If you like using less effort for big impact, ricotta gnocchi are your new favorite trick. Easier to prepare than the traditional potato variety (and with less dirty dishes!), these little dumplings are soft and creamy alongside caramelized squash. Even better, you can make the gnocchi earlier in the day, then heat on the stove just before serving.
Rösti Potatoes
A slightly less traditional option, we like these ultra-crispy potatoes as a stand-in for a main meat course because they serve the same purpose: a vehicle for cranberry sauce and gravy! You can prepare a few rösti to share at the table, or give everyone their own mini version, and they can pile on sides like roasted vegetables, caramelized onions, homemade apple sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, and sure, even macaroni and cheese! Make the rösti ahead and crisp in a 375°F oven until they're crispy.
