Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Moosewood Fans Love

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and of course, delicious food. For vegetarians and those looking to add more plant-based options to their holiday table, Moosewood’s vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes are a treasure trove of wholesome, flavorful dishes.

Moosewood’s approach combines fresh, seasonal ingredients with creative twists that honor tradition while embracing a meat-free lifestyle. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to try something new this year, these recipes offer a perfect balance of comfort and nutrition.

From hearty mains to vibrant sides and indulgent desserts, Moosewood’s vegetarian dishes help make Thanksgiving both festive and inclusive. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best vegetarian Thanksgiving recipes inspired by Moosewood, offering detailed instructions, tips, and serving suggestions to help you create an unforgettable holiday feast your whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love These Recipes

Moosewood recipes are known for their focus on fresh, natural ingredients and vibrant flavors, making them ideal for a vegetarian Thanksgiving. These dishes are:

• Wholesome and nutritious, packed with vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
• Easy to prepare, with clear, straightforward steps perfect for beginner and experienced cooks alike.
• Flavorful and satisfying, proving that vegetarian dishes can be just as hearty and festive as traditional meat-based fare.
• Versatile, allowing for variations that suit your family’s taste preferences and dietary needs.

By embracing these recipes, you’ll bring something special to your Thanksgiving table that everyone can enjoy, meat-eaters and vegetarians alike.

Ingredients

Equipment

• Large saucepan or pot
• Mixing bowls
• Baking dish (9×5 inch loaf pan for lentil loaf; 8×8 inch casserole dish for sweet potatoes)
• Skillet or sheet pan for roasting
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Food processor or blender (optional, for mixing lentil loaf)
• Oven

Instructions

Moosewood Lentil Loaf

1. Cook the lentils: Rinse 1 cup lentils and place them in a saucepan with 2 1/2 cups water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes or until lentils are tender but not mushy. Drain any excess water.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, sautéed onion and garlic, chopped walnuts, rolled oats, soy sauce, tomato paste, flaxseed meal, thyme, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or food processor to blend the mixture slightly, ensuring it holds together but still has texture.
4. Shape and bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Press the mixture firmly into a greased loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the top is firm and slightly browned. Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.

Sweet Potato Casserole

1. Boil sweet potatoes: Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of boiling water. Cook for 15-20 minutes until tender. Drain well.
2. Mash and flavor: Mash the sweet potatoes with maple syrup, coconut milk, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
3. Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine chopped pecans with a tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar for sweetness.
4. Assemble and bake: Spread the mashed sweet potatoes into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping evenly over the surface. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until the topping is golden and crunchy.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze

1. Prepare sprouts: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
2. Roast: Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until sprouts are tender and caramelized.
3. Make glaze: While roasting, simmer balsamic vinegar and brown sugar in a small pan over medium heat until thickened into a syrupy glaze.
4. Serve: Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the roasted Brussels sprouts and toss gently before serving.

Tips & Variations

For the lentil loaf, try adding finely chopped mushrooms or grated carrots for extra moisture and flavor.

If you prefer a nut-free sweet potato casserole, substitute the pecan topping with a mix of oats, brown sugar, and vegan butter for a crisp streusel.

For an added twist, sprinkle some dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds over the Brussels sprouts just before serving to enhance color and flavor.

You can also experiment with herbs and spices like sage, rosemary, or smoked paprika to tailor these dishes to your holiday palate.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These vegetarian dishes pair wonderfully with classic Thanksgiving sides. Consider serving the lentil loaf alongside a fresh cranberry chutney or a creamy mushroom gravy for extra moisture and flavor.

The sweet potato casserole complements green beans almondine or a crisp autumn salad dressed with apple cider vinaigrette. The roasted Brussels sprouts make a perfect side to mashed potatoes or a savory stuffing.

For dessert, keep the festive vibe going with a rich, spiced pumpkin pie or try a delightful treat like the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe to cool things down after your hearty meal.

More Moosewood-Inspired Recipes to Try

• Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe – Perfect for a creamy pasta side dish.
• Cheese Penny Recipe – A comforting cheesy pasta to warm your guests.
• Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe – An indulgent dessert to finish your feast.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with loved ones, and Moosewood’s vegetarian recipes help make the holiday inclusive and delicious for everyone at the table. These dishes combine wholesome ingredients and simple techniques to create meals that are both satisfying and festive.

From the hearty lentil loaf that stands in beautifully for a traditional roast, to the sweet, comforting casserole and the tangy, caramelized Brussels sprouts, each recipe brings its own unique flavor and texture to your holiday spread.

By embracing these vegetarian options, you not only cater to diverse dietary preferences but also introduce new tastes and traditions into your Thanksgiving celebration. Don’t forget to explore other delightful recipes like the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for a complete, memorable feast.

Happy Thanksgiving and happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Best Vegetarian Thanksgiving Recipes Moosewood”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A collection of hearty and flavorful vegetarian dishes inspired by Moosewood Cookbook for a festive Thanksgiving. These recipes are wholesome, easy to prepare, and perfect for sharing with loved ones.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 cups cooked brown rice”, “1 cup chopped mushrooms”, “1 cup diced carrots”, “1 cup chopped celery”, “1 cup diced onions”, “1/2 cup chopped walnuts”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1/2 teaspoon dried sage”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 cup vegetable broth”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onions, celery, carrots, and mushrooms in a pan until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic, thyme, sage, and pepper; cook for 2 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix cooked vegetables with brown rice, walnuts, and parsley.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour vegetable broth over mixture and stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Transfer mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “8 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “45 g”}}