I've been a veggie since I was four years old. So for today's Thanksgiving post, I wanted to share with my fellow vegetarian friends (and open-minded omnivores) some main dish ideas to replace the bird. Thankfully, the members of my immediate family are all veggies, so it makes Thanksgiving time much easier (strength in numbers!) However, we'll be having our festivities at my cousin's house with extended family who are all meat eaters.
Normally, we bring our own main course, usually with faux-meat, such as a field roast or seitan substitute. But I know some vegetarians are opposed to anything resembling dead flesh, so I found some delicious alternatives:
1. Sweet Potato Gnocci: Topped with melted butter, sage, and parmesan cheese. Pumpkin can also be used. This recipe is adapted by Miss Gwyneth Paltrow.
2. Black Lentils in a Mushroom Zinfandel Sauce: In the photo, it is served with sweet potato mash with coconut milk and garam masala, a trio of phyllo purses (pumpkin-walnut, truffled sunchoke, christmas lima), mashed potatoes, steamed mustard greens, caramelized pear onions and deep fried cranberries.
3. Mushroom and Farro Pie: Flaky pastry gives way to cremini mushrooms and chewy farro (an ancient Italian grain) bound together by ricotta cheese.
4. Scallion Wild Rice Crepes w/ Mushrooms in Red Pepper Sauce: Mushrooms are used to give the crepes an almost meaty texture.
Hungry yet? :)
{Images via: 1. GOOP, 2. The Wind Attack, 3. The Kitchn, 4. Gourmet}
