Thanksgiving

: 10 Vegetarian Alternatives To Turkey For Indian Hosts

Quick Summary

Like every festival, Indians have internalised Thanksgiving as well, and have made it their own! While turkey forms an important part of celebrating Thanksgiving, Indians have found vegetarian substitutes for it. This article looks at ten such vegetarian alternatives for turkey that keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive,  but with some alterations in the food. Dive deeper to know more. 

Deep Dive

Thanksgiving is an American festival, which is celebrated to offer thanks for the past year’s harvest and blessings. But it has quietly slipped into Indian dining calendars, especially among urban hosts who love themed meals. Yet, turkey is often replaced with something more local and accessible. Indian vegetarian cooking has a lot to offer both nutritionally and filling-wise, for example, layered biryanis, stuffed vegetables, and creamy gravies. 

This new, fusion-style Thanksgiving is about taking the gratitude and reimagining it the Indian way, with spices, pulses, and produce from Indian kitchens. The goal is not to mimic meat, but to deliver the same sense of gratitude with vegetarian alternatives, and some comfort. Read this article to learn how you can make Thanksgiving the Indian way by replacing turkey with these vegetarian options, and be grateful for the past year’s blessings and harvest. 

Mushroom And Walnut Loaf

For those who want that sliceable roast vibe, a mushroom and walnut loaf is the perfect one. It is earthy, nutty, and packed with herbs. This loaf holds a perfect shape when baked, and the slices are perfect to be cut. You can drizzle it with vegetarian gravy or even makhani sauce for a bold Indian upgrade.

Paneer Wellington

A clever Indian twist on the British classic, paneer Wellington is made by using a block of marinated paneer wrapped in spinach, mushroom duxelles, and flaky puff pastry. It bakes into a golden, savoury centrepiece that slices beautifully. The umami from mushrooms and spices like cumin and coriander give it depth. You can serve it with a mint-yoghurt chutney or a spicy tomato chutney and make it a perfect example of East-meets-West.

Jackfruit Pot Roast

Young green jackfruit (kathal) makes for an excellent substitute for turkey because of its fibrous texture. For this dish, slow-cook jackfruit in a thick gravy of caramelised onions, garlic, tomatoes, and whole spices until the pieces soften and soak up flavour. This is a showstopper for vegetarian Thanksgiving, which is hearty and not heavy. The Jackfruit pot roast would pair perfectly with mashed potatoes or jeera rice.

Masala-Roasted Pumpkin

Roasted cubes of pumpkin stuffed with spiced lentils or brown rice are both stunning and satisfying. The natural sweetness of pumpkin meets the savoury flavour of garam masala, creating balance. If you have a whole pumpkin, you can use it as decor as well, which will combine Thanksgiving as well Halloween vibes together!

Stuffed Bell Peppers With Couscous

A nod to Mediterranean influences, colourful bell peppers filled with couscous, sautéed vegetables, and feta can brighten up your Thanksgiving table. Add Indian touches like curry powder, roasted cumin, or crushed peanuts for crunch. These bell peppers are baked till tender, and they bring a light yet festive feel to the spread.

Spinach And Ricotta Lasagne With A Desi Twist

This classic Italian dish is a crowd-pleaser that takes on a fusion quality when layered with spinach, ricotta, and a makhani or masala béchamel sauce. The result is cheesy, creamy, and just spicy enough to feel like home. It is perfect for vegetarians who crave something hearty and familiar.

Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie

Instead of the traditional mashed potato topping, try mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of chilli and cumin. Layer it over a filling of lentils, carrots, and peas simmered in tomato gravy. It is a comfort food that feels festive, nourishing, and deeply satisfying.

Cauliflower And Paneer Tikka Casserole

Take your favourite tikka marinade, yoghurt, kasuri methi, ginger, garlic, and red chilli and bake it into a cheesy casserole with cauliflower and paneer. It is smoky, creamy, and reminiscent of both gratin and curry. You can serve it with garlic naan or crusty bread.

Dal And Barley Risotto

This twist on risotto uses moong dal and pearl barley for a nutty, protein-packed version. Simmered with saffron and ghee, it has the creaminess of risotto but the comfort of khichdi. Top it with roasted garlic and herbs for a sophisticated presentation.

Lentil And Spinach Koftas In Cashew Gravy

These soft, spiced koftas made from lentils and spinach simmer in a rich cashew gravy. The texture of this gravy is rich and meaty, without any actual meat, which is ideal for those craving a main course feel. You can serve it with saffron rice or naan to complete the festive meal.

Thanksgiving Made Indian

Indian vegetarian cuisine has long mastered the art of hearty, festive cooking, long before the world adopted a plant-based approach. For Indian hosts, a fusion Thanksgiving is more than just a creative meal; it is a cultural dialogue on the plate. From paneer Wellington to masala-roasted pumpkin, these dishes prove that you do not need turkey to feel thankful, but just good food, good food and good food.