India, Nov. 29 -- Food is one of the most obvious ways Indians customize Thanksgiving. Instead of offering a typical Western-style turkey and mashed potatoes, immigrant households add South Asian flavors to the meal, such as pumpkin pie with cardamom, saffron-spiced mashed potatoes, tandoori-style turkey, or even completely vegetarian spreads with paneer, rice dishes, and dals.

Some families completely abstain from meat, particularly in vegetarian or Jain homes. To follow their dietary preferences, they might make plant-based "turkey substitutes" and classic "butter paneer" or maybe just a desi twist on tofu.

This year's Thanksgiving had Instagram flooded with Indian immigrant families and students celebrating with an Indian feast on th...