How to Thanksgiving: Side Dishes

Farhad Taraporevala

Mashed potatoes are also another easy dish that you can make in big batches for your family. Plus, who wouldn’t like a big spoonful of rich and buttery potatoes?

Foodies everywhere rejoice as the Thanksgiving feast draws nearer. For those who wish to give a gift in food form, this is the perfect holiday. From beginners who have never cooked in their lives to experienced chefs approaching Gordon Ramsay-level, there is a Thanksgiving recipe for you.

For beginners who wish to contribute to the big feast, the perfect choice is a side dish. They are simple to cook and possess a large margin of error. The easiest side dish for those with zero-to-little experience is cranberry sauce. 

What you need:

  • Fresh cranberries
  • Cinnamon stick
  • Salt and sugar
  1. Wash and dry the cranberries (and eat a few if you enjoy overwhelming sourness).
  2. Place the cranberries in a pot with the cinnamon stick and set stove burner to medium-high, stirring often so that they do not burn. 
  3. Once the cranberries soften, mash and break them with a spoon.
  4. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste. Once they reach your desired taste, take the cranberries off the stove to cool.
  5. Allow the cranberries to cool to lukewarm. Then, place in a blender to achieve a smooth consistency. This sauce is wonderful on a piece of bread or the next day in your leftover sandwich. 

If cranberry sauce isn’t your boss, mashed potatoes might just be your jam. These potatoes are generally cheesy and rich, but the recipe can be altered to be more health conscious. 

What you need:

  • Six large Russet Potatoes
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/8 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cups of a shredded cheese of your choice
  • Salt and pepper
  1. Boil the potatoes in salt water until a fork can pass through the potato easily around 30-45 minutes.
  2. Remove potatoes from the water and place them under cool running water until cool enough to peel.
  3. Once peeled, mash the potatoes and add the milk and unsalted butter.
  4. Add the shredded cheese of your choice, as well as salt and pepper to taste. 

There is a simple joy in cooking, especially when cooking for loved ones. Surprise your family or friends on Thanksgiving with a side dish, or stay tuned for for the dessert and turkey recipes to come.