Thanksgiving is a significant holiday celebrated in the United States, Canada, and some islands in Liberia and the Caribbean. It occurs on the fourth Thursday of November each year.
Thanksgiving serves as an occasion for family members to come together after a year of hard work and study. During the gathering, people often hold hands, close their eyes, and silently express gratitude to nature for the bountiful harvest. As a result, the Thanksgiving Day meal is considered the most lavish feast of the year for Westerners.
So, what are the must-have dishes on Thanksgiving? Let’s explore the answers in the following article!
1 Roasted turkey
Roasted turkey is an essential dish on Thanksgiving Day.
The turkey is meticulously prepared by cleaning it and then roasting it with various herbs and spices. The outer layer is coated with butter or oil, giving the dish a delightful aroma and an irresistible appearance. Roasted turkey has become a symbol closely associated with Thanksgiving.
Roasted turkey
2 Pumpkin pie
In addition to roasted turkey, pumpkin pie is another highly popular dish on Thanksgiving Day.
The pumpkin is carefully cleaned and then roasted with various ingredients such as spices and mushroom sauce. This creates a delectable dish with a chewy texture, a fragrant taste of mushroom sauce, and a subtle spicy kick from the onions, making it truly appetizing.
Pumpkin pie
3 Grilled vegetables
Grilled vegetables are often served alongside the main dishes on the Thanksgiving dinner table. These vegetables are cooked to perfection, offering a chewy and fragrant experience. Their vibrant colors not only contribute to the visual appeal but also help balance the nutritional intake and prevent overeating effectively.
Grilled vegetables
4 Stuffing
Stuffing is a delectable mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, onions, and other ingredients that are chopped and then roasted. Sometimes, nuts and dried fruits are also added to enhance the flavor and texture. This fragrant and enticing dish is often used to either fill the turkey or is served alongside other main dishes on Thanksgiving Day.
Stuffing
5 Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes are not only a favorite in the United States but also beloved in Asian countries due to their creamy and delicious taste.
These mashed potatoes are made by boiling or steaming potatoes until tender, then mashing them together with butter and milk. Additional toppings such as bacon bits can be sprinkled on top to enhance the flavor even more.
Mashed potatoes
6 Pumpkin bread
During the late autumn and early winter period when Thanksgiving takes place, the presence of pumpkin bread reminds people that autumn still lingers amidst the approaching cold of winter.
This familiar dish is loved by everyone for its delicious and pleasant combination of pumpkin, spices, nuts, and raisins.
Pumpkin bread
7 Meat pie – La tourtiere
This savory pie is a traditional dish in Canadian Thanksgiving. La tourtiere is made from minced meat, potatoes, onions, herbs, and spices.
The pie’s preparation involves intricate cooking techniques that result in a unique aroma, crisp and fragrant crust, and a filling of chewy meat and tender potatoes that tantalizes the taste buds.
Meat pie – La tourtiere
8 Cranberry sauce
The harmonious blend of cranberries, sugar, and citrus zest creates a sweet and enticing sauce on Thanksgiving Day.
This sauce is boiled until it thickens and is often served as an accompaniment to turkey. Cranberry sauce elevates the flavor profile of the turkey, making it even more perfect.
Cranberry sauce
9 Cornbread
Cornbread is a highly popular dish in American cuisine, and it is also an essential part of the Thanksgiving table.
Unlike regular bread, cornbread is made from cornmeal, which gives it a unique aroma and a delicate touch of sweetness. It is truly captivating.
Cornbread
For more fragrant and attractive dishes, you can also explore our Easter dishes collection!
Above is our detailed overview of the 9 essential dishes on Thanksgiving Day. We hope this article provides you with useful knowledge. Don’t forget to follow us and stay tuned for our upcoming articles!
(Note: The information and images in this article are provided for educational and informative purposes only.)
