Alternative Thanksgiving Dishes

Thanksgiving is just over a week away. Though today this feast of a holiday is based upon slicing up roasted turkey and piling it on your plate with heaps of accompanying sides, it wasn't always about the bird.

Remembering the history behind the holiday reminds us that, despite its current traditions, there is more to celebrating than just eating turkey. Especially if you aren't a turkey eater.

So what is there to eat this holiday season when you are without the acquired taste for turkey? Plenty!

We've picked out our favorite alternative Thanksgiving dishes that both turkey lovers and turkey haters will enjoy. Cooking for a vegetarian? We've got you covered. Prefer red meat? We've got that too.

Read on for five great Thanksgiving dishes without the turkey.

Photo courtesy camknows via Flickr/CC

Seared Tofu with Gingered Vegetables

Catering to some vegetarians or vegans this holiday? Simply cook up this seared tofu dish. Paired with gingered veggies, this recipe is a hearty and seasonal swap that is sure to please both veggie and meat eaters alike.

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Grilled Balsamic and Garlic Flank Steak

Some people just prefer their red meat. Marinated flank steak is a great meat to add to any holiday table, so why not cook some up as a turkey alternative this Thanksgiving?

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Fish Tagine with Preserved Lemon and Tomatoes

This delectable fish recipe incorporates many savory flavors while still allowing the delicate flavor of fish to shine through. With the lemon and tomatoes presenting a nice acidic twist, this is perfect as a lighter holiday alternative.

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Cranberry Honey-Glazed Chicken

Incorporating the holiday flavors of cranberry and sweet honey, this chicken will fit into any Thanksgiving spread. Cook some up for those who prefer chicken to the traditional turkey. The smaller poultry is also great for a more intimate Thanksgiving gathering when a whole turkey is just too much.

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Oven Roasted Turducken

And then, there is the infamous Turducken. Yes, this recipe does have turkey in it, a whole turkey stuffed with chicken and duck, in fact, but you can't name alternative Thanksgiving dishes without bringing it up. If anyone out there has ever tried this, PLEASE tell us about it!

Get the recipe here

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Comments

gsh02

745539 11

"5 holiday recipes without the turkey"? Actually, it's 4, since you included turducken. I was hoping for more than just one or two vegetarian options, as I don't eat meat or fish.

Nov 16, 2011 at 8:16 PM
tomstrong

322070 0

People who don't eat meat don't have much to be thankful for anyway, do they?

Just kidding :-)

Nov 21, 2011 at 4:06 PM