8 traditional dishes prepared on Thanksgiving

It’s that time of the year when we all love to indulge in good food and enjoy the company of our near and dear ones. Yes, we are talking about the Thanksgiving festival which is celebrated across the world. Thanksgiving is always associated with heavy meals prepared together with family. The menu may differ from place to place, but several items have been passed on for ages and remain the backbone of this festival. Here are 8 classic dishes prepared during Thanksgiving and their recipes that epitomize this much-revered celebration.
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The centrepiece of any Thanksgiving dinner, roast turkey is prepared with a savoury blend of herbs and spices. Start by seasoning a whole turkey (5-7 kgs) with salt, pepper, garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Stuff it with a mix of onions, celery, and lemons. Rub the turkey with butter and roast at 325 degrees F (163 degrees C) for about 3-4 hours, basting every 30 minutes. The skin turns golden, and the meat becomes juicy and flavorful.

Stuffing is a tasty side dish of bread, herbs, and vegetables. Cut day-old bread into small cubes and toast lightly. Saute onions, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs such as sage and parsley in butter. Mix the sauteed vegetables with the bread cubes, add chicken stock, and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes until golden brown.

A creamy and comforting staple, mashed potatoes are a must-have on Thanksgiving. Boil peeled potatoes until tender. Mash them with butter, warm milk, salt, and pepper. For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese. Serve with a drizzle of melted butter or gravy.

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without rich and savoury gravy. Use the turkey drippings as a base. Heat them in a pan, whisk in flour to create a roux, and gradually add turkey or chicken stock. Season with salt, pepper, and a dash of soy sauce for depth. Simmer until thickened.

A crunchy and creamy dish, this casserole pleases the crowd. Combine cooked green beans with a mixture of cream of mushroom soup and milk. Transfer to a baking dish, top with crispy fried onions, and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly.

A tangy-sweet side, cranberry sauce gives the meal a burst of flavour. In a saucepan, combine fresh cranberries, sugar, orange juice, and a pinch of cinnamon. Simmer until the berries burst and the sauce thickens. Let it cool before serving.

This is a sweet and savoury dish with a great topping. Boil sweet potatoes, and mash them with butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of vanilla extract. Spread this mixture in a baking dish, top it with marshmallows or a pecan crumble, and bake at 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) until golden brown.

A classic dessert, pumpkin pie is the epitome of Thanksgiving. Make a pie crust and fill it with canned pumpkin puree, eggs, sugar, heavy cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set. Chill and serve with whipped cream.