For those who will be entertaining vegetarians or vegans this Turkey Day, or for anyone looking for healthier meal options, Bostonist wanted to show that a delicious and animal-friendly feast is easier to prepare than you may think.

By substituting plain soymilk for regular milk, and non-dairy margarine for butter, traditional dishes such as mashed potatoes can be made easily vegan. Oh, and if you don't tell your guests you made the switch we promise they won't notice the difference. For those feeling especially ambitious, there are many meat-substitues on the market, such as seitan, that can impress even the most prudent carnivores. Try Acorn Squash Stuffed with Sage Polenta and Seitan Bourguignon. While the Bird is hailed as the main event on T-Day, this Bostonist has always preferred the side dishes anyhow, and by stocking your holiday table with plenty of veggies you'll be doing your friends and family a healthy favor. Try this recipe for wine-glazed root vegetables, borrowed from the Adopt-A-Turkey Project, after the jump

Wine-Glazed Root Vegetables
Serves 8

6 cups water
3 cups uncooked lentils
2 teaspoons salt
2 bay leaves
3 teaspoons olive oil
2 cups leeks, chopped
2 cups turnips, diced
2 cups rutabagas, diced
2 cups parsnips, diced
2 cups carrots, diced
2 tablespoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 1/3 cup red wine
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons non-dairy margarine
½ teaspoon pepper

1. Using a large saucepan, bring lentils and water to a boil. Add salt and bay leaves, reduce heat, cover and cook until lentils soften and water is absorbed, about 30 minutes
2. Using a large skillet, sauté leek, root vegetables and 1 tablespoon of the tarragon over medium-high heat until browned, about 15 minutes.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of the salt, tomato paste and garlic to the skillet and cook for a minute or two more.
4. Add wine, bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat, cover and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 15 minutes.
5. Add mustard and lentils and leave on medium-low heat until thoroughly warmed.
6. Remove from heat, add margarine, remaining tarragon and pepper.

For more information on how you can have a compassionate Thanksgiving, check out The Cancer Project and tips from Greenrightnow.com

Image of Corey Feldman cuddling up to Mr. Gobble McFeather from Farm Sanctuary