Thinking of skipping the turkey this year? Whether you’re a veteran at going fowl-free or a newbie attempting your first vegetarian Thanksgiving menu, we have fresh ideas to take the stuffing and the stuffiness out of this traditional holiday.

1.  Our own healthy “Vegetarian Thanksgiving Tips” video!

2.  A tasty Vegetarian Thanksgiving recipe.

3.  Our suggestion for an adventurous Vegan Thanksgiving out!

These ideas will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling great instead of asleep on the sofa!

Thanksgiving is synonymous with overindulgence. We tend to overeat so many different food groups, which leaves our digestive tracts working and struggling well into the next day. Take a look at this short video where we show you a few small but healthier food choices that can make a big digestive difference.

Going to your Auntie’s house, a potluck or just looking for a new dish to add to your table? We invite you to try this delicious and easy Vegetarian Thanksgiving Quinoa Casserole Recipe. Be sure to make enough for everyone because it will be popular even with the biggest turkey fanatics.

Thanksgiving Quinoa Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

•  1 parsnip

•  2 carrots

•  1 red pepper

•  1 container fresh brussel sprouts (9 oz)

• 1 bunch rosemary

•  1/4 tsp garlic powder OR 2 cloves crushed garlic

•  1/2 tsp onion powder OR 1 chopped sweet onion

•  1/4 tsp ginger powder OR 1 tsp fresh grated ginger

•  1 tsp Bragg’s Liquid Aminos

•  1 tsp Nama Shoyu

•  Several twists of fresh ground pepper

•  1 Tbs Seitenbacher Vegetarian Vegetable Broth & Seasoning

•  1 cup purified water

OPTIONAL:  Extra virgin olive oil or coconut oil (added to taste after cooking)

*This recipe will yield 12 cups or 3 quarts of food to fit a 9″ x 13″ casserole pan 2            1/2″ deep.

Vegetable Prep (use ORGANIC when possible)

1.  Wash brussel sprouts and cut into 1/4′s.

2.  Wash and dice all the other vegetables into small cubes trying to keep the pieces         similar in size.

3.  Place all vegetables into roasting dish (approx 9 x 12 or any casserole dish will           do).

4.  Add the water.

5.  Spray or drizzle vegetables with thin layer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil if desired.

6.  Sprinkle vegetables with Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, Nama Shoyu, several twists of        fresh ground pepper, and all herb powders.

7.  Using large serving spoon, mix the ingredients thoroughly.

8.  Place stems of rosemary on top of mixed vegetables and press stems into mixture      so they reach the bottom of liquid to infuse during baking.

9.  Place casserole in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes or until vegetables are soft,      mixing every 20 minutes or so and checking for tenderness.

10. While the vegetables are baking, you can prepare the Quinoa.

Quinoa Prep

1.  4 c water

2.  2 c quinoa (rinse before cooking)

3.  1 tsp sea salt

4.  4 tsp Seitenbacher Vegetarian Vegetable Broth & Seasoning (Doesn’t contain seitan.)

5.  A few stems of fresh rosemary leaves.

6.  Place 4 c water in saucepan w/ 4 tsp Broth and whole rosemary leaves

7.  Bring water to a boil.

8.  Immediately add quinoa and stir once gently.

9.  Leave the pot uncovered until the water boils again.

10. Reduce heat and cover, allowing to simmer for 15 min, or until all water is                 absorbed.

11. You will know the quinoa is cooked when the seeds become transparent and the        spiral germ is separated.

12. Once vegetables are done baking, remove from oven.

13. Add the quinoa to vegetables in casserole dish and mix gently until blended                 thoroughly.

And, now, it’s ready to eat!

OIL TIP: If you prefer to cook without oil, as we suggest, add the oil (to taste) to the finished casserole when you mix the Quinoa and vegetables together or when it is on your plate. It adds a delicious flavor and keeps the dish moist. Raw oil is healthier for our blood as it metabolizes easier than cooked oil. In some cases, cooking oils renders them carcinogenic.

Raw Food Thanksgiving: A New Tradition Did you know that during Thanksgiving it was customary in a Pilgrim household for the adults to sit down to eat and have the children serve them? Isn’t it sad how some holiday traditions have disappeared? Well, if you can’t get the kids to wait on you, or if you’re thinking of forgoing the cooking altogether this year, why not start a new tradition by celebrating with a sexy, gourmet  raw food Thanksgiving feast at Pure Food and Wine. Sarma & her staff are sure to knock the socks off of the most ardent turkey-loving traditionalists. If your plans are already set in stone, we recommend grabbing some goodies-to-go from One Lucky Duck!

Whatever you decide, remember there are plenty of ways you and your loved ones can enjoy a delicious and healthy Thanksgiving without the digestive discomfort. Be creative, try something new, but most of all have fun!

Happy Vegetarian Thanksgiving!