4 Traditional Staple Dishes To Enjoy On Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is an event that customarily brings the people together, as it is essentially a time to bond, share delicious food, and celebrate the seasonal abundance. Some traditional dishes for the event are often rooted in cultural and historical practices, offering a familiar, comforting experience that honours holiday traditions.
So, whether it is a savoury main course or decadent desserts, these iconic dishes represent a classic Thanksgiving meal. The list in this article includes enduring staples that contribute to the holiday, steeped in tradition.
Roast Turkey
Any Thanksgiving event is always incomplete without the proverbial elephant in the room — the roast turkey.
Literally and metaphorically the centre-table dish, the holiday is symbolised by the presence of the roasted bird, generously stuffed with various kinds of stuffing (depending upon personal choice). This (generally) large oven-cooked bird is prepared using multiple techniques—stuff, marinade and roast—to achieve the perfect crisp, golden exterior and a soft, luscious interior.
The dish is typically seasoned with spices and herbs and the bird is generally soaked in brine to enhance its flavour. Roasting or other slow-cooking techniques are generally used to cook the roast turkey to ensure that the moisture is sealed well inside the bird.
Turkey has a propensity to overcook fast and become extremely dry. The roasted bird is generally accompanied with cranberry sauce or gravy.
Mashed Potatoes
This side dish is a must during Thanksgiving. A humble and contrasting dish to the herbed bird, mashed potatoes are a perfect vehicle to carry the Thanksgiving meal.
The mash is prepared by boiling and mashing the potatoes into a smooth mix and adding some much-needed butter or cream to it for a rich texture. The potatoes add the perfect neutral backdrop that counterbalances the richer flavours of the Thanksgiving meal and thus, remains a much-loved option.
The creamy, soft, and gooey consistency also makes it a go-to for a side dish.
Stuffing
This is undoubtedly one of the key elements during any Thanksgiving meal. Often referred to as dressing in certain regions (not to be confused with garnish though), the stuffing which goes inside the roasted turkey can be a make-or-break moment for the entire meal.
Prepared with herbs, bread cubes, and vegetables, stuffing is traditionally cooked inside the turkey itself. Many preparations also bake the stuffing separately to ensure food safety. This hearty side dish features multiple aromatic condiments like celery, thyme, and sage, creating a heady medley of essences.
Interestingly, stuffing dates back to European cuisine, but has oddly come to be synonymous with Thanksgiving.
Green Bean Casserole
Depending on how it is cooked, the casserole maybe vegetable-heavy or decadent, if the recipe involves the addition of mushroom and heavy cream.
Said to have developed in the mid-20th century, this casserole has become a must during holidays, primarily due to the ease of preparation. This casserole provides a completely different texture and taste profile, contrasting with the other, more indulgent dishes served during the holiday.
The creamy and crunchy combination is always a winner when served with the roast turkey and potato mash.
