The needs of vegetarians have frequently been overlooked at holiday meals. Eating from side dishes on meat-oriented holiday tables has often been a dissatisfying experience for members of many families. A spot of sweet-potato casserole, cranberry sauce, some olives and a roll can seem sparse when compared to a plate piled high with warm slices of ham, turkey, and dressing. Luckily there are delicious and healthy choices available to vegetarians during the holidays. With a little planning, vegetarians can join their family at the dinner table and participate in the full bounty of a thanksgiving feast.
Many vegetarian cooks suggest replacing the ham or turkey with a meatless substitute.
Meat substitute products made of wheat gluten are a commonly used alternative to turkey. Meat alternatives are fibrous in texture and taste very similar to the real thing. One such product is TofuTurkey. Another popular meatless dish is the cheese-nut loaf. Cornbread dressing can also be modified to suit vegetarians by simply substituting vegetable broth for turkey broth.