United courses of compassion: Thanksgiving meals with a difference

Thanksgiving, an occasion celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in USA since ages. Early settlers learnt to grow corns and beans from the Native Americans and survived through droughts and severe conditions. Thanksgiving feast celebrations were started to thank God for the bountiful harvest in which the Native Americans were also invited. The feasts included pumpkins, potatoes, corns, cranberries, turkey, geese, waterfowls etc. How Turkey became synonymous to Thanksgiving is not clear. But today

Lots of Americans are switching to Vegetarian alternatives to protect environment, animals and their own health.

Talking vegetarianism, there is enormous to dig from Nature’s bounty using creativity and innovation. Besides, USA has beautiful multi-cultural diversity to inspire one to design a continental menu drawn from all over the world. Here are just a few ideas from around the world for the Thanksgiving meals.

 Alternatives to the main course Turkey:

• Tofurkey- Tofu is made of soya, one of richest protein sources of plants. Perhaps Tofurkey or Tofurky comes at the top of the list when it comes for a Vegetarian replacement. The reason is simple; it’s Nutritious and satisfies the teeth and buds that are used to sink in the non-veg meals. Truly, it can be equally scrumptious but far ahead in health benefits and also showing your compassion for Turkeys. Marinating tofu with lime juice or yogurt with Spices and baking it can make a delicious casserole.
• Vegetable Rice-Vegetable rice is great filling alternative for those who do not yet relish the taste of Tofu as the main course. The Indian Basmati rice is a great treat in itself with its fine looks and aroma. Cooked with vegetables it becomes all the more delightful while increasing its nutritional value manifolds. Vegetable rice is a commonly cooked dish in North India. If it is added with soya nuggets, it gives a feel of meat balls, a perfect protein rich alternative to meat. What more would you ask for if your Cooking time is reduced by less than 1/4^th leaving you all fresh for the dinner. Orzo, Risotto, Ratatouille, Saffron rice are other alternatives from across the world.
• Pasta- Italian Food is loved world over and pasta is one great alternative to not just go meatless but allowing you to go fully fertile with your imagination and keep creating new pasta anytime. Garlic- mushroom, spinach-corn, all vegetables, tomato-basil are some of the popular pastas. Then it could be spaghetti, ravioli, penne cooked in olive oil, alfredo or tomato basil sauce. Italian vegetable lasagna is a delicious option if one has little more time to cook. Mouthwatering it is always!

 Now, did you just hear the Turkeys saying Thanks to you already with your switch in the maincourse!

 Side dishes

• Stuffed Bell Peppers- The colorful bell peppers are nature’s treasure in attractive colorful forms that are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants. It could be one of the most beautiful ways to celebrate the harvest. There are many ways to stuff the bell pepper once you extract out the seeds and pulp from its inside. You can fill boiled potatoes inside that are just boiled and mixed with Spices or you can slightly roast them. After filling you can again stir fry the bell peppers or slightly bake them. The other fillings could be a mix vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, tomatoes, olives) slightly sautéed and mixed with tofu or cottage cheese or ricotta cheese, Herbs and spice etc. Some people also fill it up with rice or beans but then it should be switched to the main course instead of side dish. Just innovate and create something new each time!
• Roasted or Grilled vegetables- Vegetables are rich source of vitamins and mineral and our nature has given us enormous to choose from. Vegetables are healthier and make the meals colorful. Experts say the more natural colors in your platter the richer your meal is. And a roasted vegetable platter is one way to go for it. Roasting with simple olive oil and Herbs or adding a dash of lime in it or tantalizing it more with some hot sauce is all up to your creativity. Then just roast in oven or just grill them up
• Stuffed mushrooms- For those who like mushrooms, stuffed mushrooms are a sure delight. Use of vegetables, Herbs, light cheese, and bread crumbs is common for stuffing mushrooms. With a little touch of your creative soul, the taste could be different.

 Soups and Salads:

Thanksgiving time is when winter already sets in. Who would not love the hot soups around this time? Go pure vegetable, pumpkin, broccoli, asparagus, tomato or go for a mix of vegetables, noodles, crotons…there and unending and wholesome options. Pick easy to cook or get a can for convenience.

Salads are a health-bite which does not demand much from you but helps your menu go extensive not just in range, but also in health. Chickpeas, beets, carrots, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, olives, goat cheese, lettuce, spinach crotons; try single or combinations- results are always juicy, healthful and refreshing.