How to Prepare a Nontraditional Full Course Meal for Your Thanksgiving

Krisha Konchadi, Social Media & Marketing Team|November 25, 2019

Krisha Konchadi

Although the idea of using a root vegetable to create a pie might be repulsive to some, it actually creates for a sweeter flavor profile and closely resembles a pumpkin pie’s nutty and smooth taste.

After years of the same turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie dinner, Americans are beginning to get bored. If you too are tired of binging on the same Thanksgiving foods every year, you’ve come to the right place for a full three-course meal!

For starters, a classic appetizer of mashed potatoes is necessary. However, the addition of herbs and creamy ingredients can create a flavorful twist to the traditional dish. 

HOMESTYLE GARLIC MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 5 pounds unpeeled red potatoes
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt 

Instructions:

  1. Bring chicken broth to a boil in a large pot over high heat.
  2. While the broth boils, cut the unpeeled potatoes into about one-inch chunks. Place the potato chunks and garlic cloves into the chicken broth and boil until potatoes are tender (about 15 minutes).
  3. Strain the potatoes from the broth, and put the cooked potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Using a masher, combine the butter, cream cheese, buttermilk and salt until everything is completely mashed.
  5. Serve with your favorite gravy recipe and enjoy!

OVEN ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

For the main course, instead of a large roast turkey, opting for a vegan dish may not only be a healthier option, but also a textural change and an unusual visual component to the classic American Thanksgiving dinner. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 head of cauliflower
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter
  • salt
  • ground black pepper
  • 4 whole cloves garlic (skin-on)
  • 4 leaves of sage
  • 4 sprigs of thyme
  • 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450 F.
  2. Put cauliflower in a large oven-safe skillet and brush two tablespoons of melted butter all over. Season with salt and pepper on top. 
  3. Arrange garlic and herbs around cauliflower.
  4. Bake for one hour and 15 minutes.
  5. Halfway through the baking process, brush the remaining two tablespoons of melted butter.
  6. Bake until cauliflower is soft and slightly charred.
  7. Pierce cauliflower with a paring knife to check if it’s thoroughly cooked, and then enjoy!

Last but not least, for dessert, instead of a traditional pumpkin pie, substituting yam as the main ingredient makes for a creamy texture and nutty flavor. 

NUTTY & SWEET YAM PIE:

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/4 pounds of yams (2 cups)
  • 1 tablespoon margarine or butter
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

Instructions: 

  1. Boil yams until tender (about 30 minutes), and mash them in a bowl.
  2. Add butter to hot mashed yams. 
  3. Stir in milk, sugar, eggs, salt and cinnamon. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  4. When blended, pour into a greased 9-inch diameter pie pan.
  5. Sprinkle with walnuts (optional).
  6. Bake at 400 F for 35 minutes.