Thanksgiving Indian Vegetarian Recipes for a Festive Feast

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with loved ones and enjoy a hearty meal filled with comforting flavors. For those following a vegetarian lifestyle or simply wanting to add some vibrant Indian vegetarian dishes to their Thanksgiving table, this post offers a delightful collection of recipes that bring together traditional Indian spices and the festive spirit of Thanksgiving.

Indian cuisine is renowned for its rich, aromatic spices and diverse vegetarian dishes, making it an excellent choice for a Thanksgiving feast that everyone will love.

In this blog post, you’ll find three delicious Indian vegetarian recipes that perfectly blend seasonal ingredients with classic Indian flavors. From a spiced pumpkin curry to a flavorful lentil biryani and a savory vegetable pulao, these dishes bring warmth, color, and nutrition to your holiday table.

Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner, these recipes are easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Thanksgiving Indian vegetarian recipes are perfect for those seeking something unique, flavorful, and meat-free. The warm spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala add depth and complexity to familiar Thanksgiving ingredients like pumpkin, lentils, and seasonal vegetables.

Each dish is made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that provide a satisfying and nutritious meal.

Additionally, these recipes cater to a variety of dietary needs—they are naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by adjusting a few ingredients. They also bring the festive essence of Thanksgiving while introducing your family and friends to the vibrant world of Indian cooking.

Plus, you can prepare many of these dishes in advance, freeing up your time on the big day!

Ingredients

Spiced Pumpkin Curry

• 500g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated
• 2 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 green chili, slit (optional)
• 400ml coconut milk
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Lentil Biryani

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 2 green chilies, chopped
• 1 tbsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 2 tsp garam masala
• 4 cups water
• 3 tbsp ghee or oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh mint and coriander leaves for garnish

Vegetable Pulao

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, cauliflower)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 green cardamom pods
• 3 cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-inch cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp oil or ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Spiced Pumpkin Curry

1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for a few seconds.
2. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the ginger, garlic, and green chili. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Mix in the turmeric, coriander powder, and garam masala. Stir well to combine.
5. Add the pumpkin cubes and toss to coat with the spices.
6. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender.
7. Season with salt to taste and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Lentil Biryani

1. Rinse the basmati rice until the water runs clear. Soak it for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. In a large pot, heat ghee or oil. Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden and caramelized.
3. Add the ginger-garlic paste and cook for a minute.
4. Add chopped tomatoes and green chilies, cooking until the tomatoes soften.
5. Mix in turmeric and garam masala, then add the rinsed lentils. Stir well.
6. Add water and salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until lentils are half cooked, about 10 minutes.
7. Add the soaked and drained rice on top of the lentils. Cover tightly and cook on low heat for 15-20 minutes until rice and lentils are fully cooked.
8. Turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh mint and coriander leaves before serving.

Vegetable Pulao

1. Rinse and soak the basmati rice for 20 minutes, then drain.
2. Heat oil or ghee in a pan. Add cumin seeds, cardamom, cloves, bay leaf, and cinnamon. Sauté until fragrant.
3. Add the sliced onions and cook until golden brown.
4. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in the drained rice and sauté for 2 minutes to coat the rice with the spices.
6. Add 3 cups of water and salt, bring to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until the rice is fluffy and water is absorbed.
8. Let it rest covered for 5 minutes, then fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Tips & Variations

For a richer pumpkin curry, add a handful of roasted cashews or a swirl of cream just before serving.

If you prefer a vegan version of the biryani, substitute ghee with a neutral vegetable oil.

Try adding nuts and dried fruits like raisins and almonds to the pulao for extra texture and festive flair.

Use fresh seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or sweet potatoes as alternatives in these recipes.

Make ahead tip: Prepare the biryani and pulao a day before and reheat gently with a sprinkle of water to keep the grains fluffy.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These dishes pair wonderfully with traditional Thanksgiving sides as well as Indian accompaniments. Serve the Spiced Pumpkin Curry with warm naan bread or steamed basmati rice for a comforting, hearty dish.

The Lentil Biryani is a complete meal on its own but also goes well with a cooling cucumber raita or a fresh salad to balance the spices.

The Vegetable Pulao can be paired with a simple dal or a tangy yogurt-based side for a wholesome festive plate. For an extra touch, add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans seasoned Indian-style, similar to the recipes in our Green Beans Vegan Recipe.

Conclusion

Adding Indian vegetarian recipes to your Thanksgiving menu is a wonderful way to celebrate the season with vibrant, aromatic flavors that everyone can enjoy. These recipes showcase the versatility of Indian cuisine, incorporating familiar ingredients like pumpkin and lentils with traditional spices to create dishes that are both comforting and exciting.

With these three recipes—Spiced Pumpkin Curry, Lentil Biryani, and Vegetable Pulao—you can offer your guests a festive meal that is wholesome, colorful, and packed with nutrition. Plus, these dishes are easy to prepare ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy the holiday without stress.

If you enjoyed these recipes, be sure to explore more delicious vegetarian options like our Instant Pot Vegetarian Recipes Indian Food Lovers Adore for quick meals or our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals for creative side dishes.

For a sweet finish to your meal, try the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.

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