Being a vegetarian at Thanksgiving doesn't mean you are destined for a meal of Tofurky and mashed potatoes. Here are some amazingly simple vegetarian Thanksgiving style recipes to get you and your non-turkey eating friends through the day.

(Afterwards, if you're feeling really gutsy, you could help free the turkeys, SNL style.)

On with the recipes!

Soups and Salads

Pumpkin Tortilla Soup. Contrary to what you might think, this tortilla soup is very filling even though it doesn’t have any meat or even soy protein. You can use the tortilla for garnish or actually cook it into the soup.

Butternut Squash and Carrot Soup isn’t just quick and easy, it’s also flavorful and filling. Remember to cook it slowly to make sure all the natural juices and flavors of the vegetables come out fully. Top it off with a little bit of sour cream and rosemary for garnish.

Roasted Beet and Pear Salad is not only a treat to eat but it will also help keep that holiday weight in check. The combination of beets mixed with pears brings out a curiously delicious flavor. Remember to wear gloves while preparing the salad or the beets will stain your hands red.

Not only is a fresh fruit salad healthy and nutritious, but it is easy to prepare and goes with everything. Make sure you’re using fruits that everyone in the family enjoys and ones that complement each other. You can also top it off with nuts or opt for a Mojito Fruit Salad.

Side Dishes

Hearty Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers are a great compliment to any entree and can be a great ‘little something’ to take over to someone’s place even if you don’t know what the host is preparing. Lentils are a good option here because they are both tasty and provide a good meaty and filling alternative to meat.

Spanakoptia is a mouthful to say. A very delicious mouthful I should add. This delicious recipe comes from Greece and though is usually served in triangles, if you’re having trouble folding, try making rectangles. Once your party tries a couple of these delicious mouthfuls, no one will judge you for the shape.

Main Courses

Vegetarian Lasagna will make all your friends happy, vegetarian or not. Once you’re done preparing the lasagna, garnish it with fresh basil leaves (or other fresh herbs) and let it sit for 20 minutes before serving. Lasagna has become a Thanksgiving staple in many homes. After you try this recipe, you’ll know why.

If you don’t mind standing by the stove for a while, this Winter Squash Risotto is going to complete your Thanksgiving meal. Make sure the rice is creamy before serving and if you don’t like mushrooms, just take them and don’t worry about affecting the recipe. This one is bound to become a winter staple long after Thanksgiving has come and gone.

Desserts! (aka the best part)

This vegan-friendly Apple Pie recipe is incredibly simple and uses very few ingredients. Use an apple slicer to save yourself some time and you’ll be ready to serve delicious homemade apple pie in under an hour. Add some wheat flour to thicken it up if you’re not a fan of liquidy pie.

If you still have some pumpkin remaining after the pumpkin tortilla soup, try out this wonderful Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake recipe. Be sure to keep all ingredients at room temperature before cooking and dip your knife in a glass of hot water (the hotter the better) before cutting slices and serving. Don’t forget to top it off with some whipped cream.

Yum, yum, and yum. Is it Thanksgiving yet?

-SocialVibe

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via WebEcoist