Are you expecting vegetarian guests at this year's Thanksgiving dinner?
Here's how to prepare a Thanksgiving meal both omnivores and vegetarians will enjoy.
Understand the vegetarian diet
Vegetarians don't eat beef, pork, chicken, fish, or the flesh of any animal.
A pescatarian follows a vegetarian diet but allows fish. The two terms are often confused so ask if your guests eat seafood.
Vegetarians do eat eggs, dairy, fruit, vegetables, grains, beans, nuts, and seeds.
Make eight vegetarian dishes
These are meatless dishes for the entire table, not special dishes just for the vegetarians. Here's the breakdown:
Two appetizers
Most appetizers are already vegetarian. Think things like:
Four sides
These are classic holiday favorites everyone will love. Here are a few ideas:
One starch
Most starches take little effort to prepare but become filling additions to a vegetarian's plate. Think dishes like:
One salad
Round off your vegetarian options with one of these creative salads.
Remember, you need eight separate vegetarian dishes. If one dish covers multiple categories, add another side or starch.
Always make extra
When calculating how much of each vegetarian dish to make, treat every vegetarian guest as two people.
For example, if you're expecting a table of 14 guests and two are vegetarian, cook enough of each vegetarian dish for 16 people and keep the extra two servings off the table.
If the vegetarian dishes run out, you'll have an emergency stash just for your special guests.
Don't worry about protein
Vegetarians already get lots of protein from their diet. There are a few vegetarian turkeys, but it may not be something your guests want. As long as you provide an assortment of options they'll have plenty of protein from the vegetarian dishes.
Cook carefully
Do you use bacon grease? How about chicken stock? Your normal methods may be a problem for your vegetarian guests. If necessary, cook a separate portion in butter or vegetable stock just for the vegetarians.
Ask for suggestions
All vegetarians are different. Some have strict, complex diets while others indulge in meat on special occasions. Before you cook, give your vegetarians a call and get answers to these questions:
- Do you allow meat on holidays?
- Would you like a vegetarian turkey?
- What's your favorite vegetarian meat?
- Do you eat fish? If so, do you have a favorite?
- What are some of your favorite vegetarian dishes?
- Will you eat vegetarian food that's been cooked in meat?
- Do you have any other food intolerances (like gluten, soy, or dairy, nuts, or eggs)?
You won't be able to accommodate everything, but getting these questions answered will help you plan your menu.
Don't panic
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner is stressful enough. Don't go crazy trying to cater to the minority. Vegetarians are used to compromising, so even the smallest effort to make their holiday more comfortable will be appreciated.
Visit Oh She Glows, Cookies and Kate, and Green Kitchen Stories for more vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes.