Hi Reader,

One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is that everyone has their must-have dish. For some people it’s turkey or the mashed potatoes. For me, it’s stuffing, especially made with brown butter, fresh herbs, and toasted walnuts, with plenty of crispy edges.

The other recipe I keep coming back to is this lentil loaf. I made it last year and it just might have earned a permanent spot in my holiday rotation.

Knowing your favorite recipes is like intuitive eating in action. It’s your own taste and experience telling you what makes a meal feel satisfying in your body. If you’re starting to think about your Thanksgiving menu, here are some more ideas.

For a vegetarian main that's actually satisfying:

• ​Easy Vegetarian Lentil Loaf - Savory, sliceable, and finished with a sweet and tangy maple glaze.
• ​Vegetable Pot Pie with Chickpeas - Flaky crust and a creamy filling, with plenty to share.
• ​Shepherd’s Pie with Beans and Tempeh - It’s topped with mashed potatoes, so it already tastes like Thanksgiving.

​See all 15 vegetarian Thanksgiving main dishes here.

If you’re bringing a side:

• ​Brown Butter Herb Stuffing - A personal favorite. Brown butter, walnuts, and crispy golden edges.
• ​Creamy Vegan Mushroom Gravy - Rosemary, thyme, and enough to pour over everything on your plate.
• ​Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Walnuts and Goat Cheese - Crunchy, creamy, and finished with a drizzle of balsamic.

If you want to make ahead:

• ​Make-Ahead Kale Salad with Cranberries - It tastes even better after a night in the fridge.
• ​Sun-Dried Tomato Basil Strata - Assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning for an easy holiday brunch.

For the long weekend:

• ​Pumpkin Overnight Oats - Breakfast that’s ready when you wake up.
• ​Cranberry Walnut Chickpea Salad Sandwiches - Easy to pull together for a lunch between all the bigger meals.

Want even more ideas? Find all of my Thanksgiving recipes here.

What’s the one dish you have to have this year? Hit reply and tell me. I’d love to know.

Warmly,
Stephanie

Hi, I’m Stephanie. I’m a registered dietitian and certified intuitive eating counselor. Whether I’m developing a recipe or working with a client one-on-one, my goal is the same: helping you spend less time thinking about food and more time enjoying it. If you’d like support with that, I’d love to work with you. Learn more about nutrition counseling here.​