Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes

Traditional American Thanksgiving is an interesting meal for vegetarians. On the one hand, obviously pride of place on most families' tables is given to a big roasted turkey. On the other hand, just about everything else (mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, green beans, cranberry sauce, etc.) is typically vegetarian. So personally, when I'm having Thanksgiving at an omnivorous house, I'm pretty happy to just stuff myself on all those other goodies and try to save room for a slice or three of pumpkin pie.

If I'm making Thanksgiving at my own house though, I'm inclined to want to have an actual vegetarian entree. Here are a few from the archives that I think are festive and hearty enough to fit the bill:

• Crisp Polenta Cakes with Braised Cabbage and Beans
• Summer Squash and Portobello Mushroom Lasagna
• Roasted Tomato and Corn Risotto
• Farro with Chanterelles and Apples
• Polenta with Sauteed Chard and Gorgonzola
• Pumpkin Ravioli
• Delicata Squash Stuffed with Orzo in a Sage Brown Butter Sauce

Speaking of side dishes, it really isn't against the law to have something besides your great Aunt Bitsy's canned candied yams with orange juice and mini marshmallows. Here are some of my favorites:

• Potatoes, Chanterelles and Shallots in Red Wine Sauce
• Potato and Fennel Gratin
• Braised Baby Artichokes with Fennel and Cherry Tomatoes
• Brussels Sprout Gratin
• The Modestly Named Best Cornbread Ever
• Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Sherry Vinaigrette

And course, you gotta have:

• The Vegetarian Gravy

I hope this list is helpful! If you need any more suggestions (soups? appetizers? dessert?) or ideas for combinations that will work well with other things you are serving, just add a comment below and I'd be happy to help you brainstorm.