17 Indian Thanksgiving Food Ideas

Thanksgiving comes once a year, and it's always challenging to find great food ideas to make it extra special! With that in mind, here are 17 Indian Thanksgiving food ideas that will wow your guests! Whether you're hosting an Indian-themed thanksgiving celebration or want to add some Indian flair to your traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Meanwhile, these recipes are sure to help you do just that!

Creamy Mashed Potatoes with Roasted Garlic

This creamy, delicious side dish is a great Indian Thanksgiving food and also an accompaniment to any holiday meal.

You can even serve it as an appetizer or a main dish if you're cooking for vegetarians. The addition of roasted garlic makes for an extra-special side that will win your guests. ?However, using fresh garlic makes all of the difference in flavor and fragrance. You can also roast some cloves and store them in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Otherwise, use jarred or frozen chopped garlic instead.? Though It won't be quite as good, it will still taste pretty darn good. For best results, buy organic potatoes—they are free from pesticides and have a better texture than conventionally grown potatoes. Select russet potatoes (often called Idaho or baking potatoes).? Similarly, they tend to be starchy enough for mashing while also having a fluffy interior texture when cooked through properly.

Red bliss or Yukon gold potatoes are also acceptable substitutes. You make sure they are waxy varieties with smooth skins rather than thick ones with lots of eyes and blemishes on their surface.

Dill Fennel Stuffed Turkey Breast

Fennel is a natural digestive aid, but it has a subtly sweet flavor that complements meat nicely—stuffing the turkey with fennel before roasting gives you two different veggies in one dish. And if you bake your stuffing inside the turkey itself, you'll be cutting down on cleanup and dinner prep time. In addition, this dish can be best for Indian Thanksgiving food.

Apple, Fig and Pecan Stuffing

This is one of the best Indian Thanksgiving food you can look forward to! Its stuffing doesn't have to be packed with gluten or heavy carbs. There are plenty of delicious recipes that are healthy and Paleo-friendly.? Great examples are fig, apple, and pecan stuffing. It is nutritious, but it also tastes fantastic. You'll impress your guests with a dish like this. And you can modify it based on what you have in your kitchen. However, if you don't have apples, use another type of fruit instead. But If figs aren't in season, use dried apricots or dates in their place. So long as you keep those essential ingredients, figs, pecans, and apples, it is easier to come up with a tasty stuffing!

Crispy Herb Crusted Cauliflower with Roasted Garlic Sauce

The idea of a vegetarian Thanksgiving is no longer taboo. Suppose you're hosting a gathering and looking for ways to make it meat-free. An Indian Thanksgiving food might be just what you need. Not only are most traditional Indian meals plant-based.? However, many also feature unique twists on classic dishes like sweet potatoes and stuffing. Herb-crusted cauliflower gives roasted vegetables a crunchy twist that pairs perfectly with homemade garlic sauce in place of cranberry sauce.

For more ideas about making your meal stand out, check out 8 Things People Are Putting On Their Turkeys!

Sweet Corn Cakes

?Meanwhile, corn kernels are also often enjoyed boiled or cooked as a side dish throughout India. Including stuffed and topped with cheese, paprika, or butter. Try serving these corn cakes for your next vegan Thanksgiving meal. Everyone will love them!? Corn is one of my favorite foods, and corn cakes are a classic thing for Indian Thanksgiving food. These are easy to make and taste great when served warm with a spicy tomato dip or raita. The texture is similar to polenta, so you'll probably love these if you like polenta.? Hence, 1 &2 cups of whole-wheat flour and water( 100g) and (480ml) respectively, and a pinch of salt. 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional), Oil 1/2 cup (120 ml) for eight cakes (or oil spray). I used coconut oil to garnish it, coriander leaves (cilantro), and chopped finely Green chilies and chopped finely. Thus, the preparation method is: Add all ingredients except oil into a large bowl and mix well until no lumps remain—heat oil in a large pan over medium heat until hot but not smoking.??Lastly: scoop up some batter using an ice cream or spoon and drop it into the hot oil.

Asian Spiced Green Beans with Almonds

Green beans are typically a side dish. But they're just as good (if not better) than turkey for Indian Thanksgiving food dishes. Try green beans spiced with Asian flavors and almonds instead. Additionally, add crunch almonds which will give you healthy fats and protein. They also contain calcium, vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber, which are not bad for one little nut! So have some fun with green beans on Thanksgiving.? Besides, you can even use them in place of mashed potatoes if you want to cut down on your carbs. This recipe is great because it combines two American staples: green beans and turkey. It also adds a delicious twist that will amaze your family and friends.

Cranberry rice

In your choice of Indian Thanksgiving food, cranberry rice can be an option. Mix up your side dishes with cranberry rice. It's a twist on traditional pilaf or plain rice and is just as tasty and flavorful.? Furthermore, this dish adds tartness and sweetness to balance out a savory main dish. Such as chicken tikka masala or lamb vindaloo. It's also nice to serve alongside fall vegetables like roasted butternut squash, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.? Additionally, cranberries also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them especially good for those dealing with joint pain due to arthritis. Or other similar ailments that flare up during cold winter months.

Cheese Naan Cheese stuffed flatbread

Cheese naan is a delicious and satisfying treat that works as an excellent appetizer or main course for your party. The hot flatbread is stuffed with plenty of ooey-gooey Cheese and then baked to perfection. It pairs wonderfully with your favorite soups, salads, or curries.? Moreover, you can also cut it up into small triangles and serve as an hors d'oeuvre at a party or event. Try mixing some herbs into your cheese mixture: thyme, rosemary, and parsley work well.

You can even include a couple of sliced tomatoes if you're adventurous. Meanwhile, this dish can also be included in an Indian Thanksgiving food menu!

Cranberry-Apple Chutney

Cranberries, like most fruits, go through a ripening process that involves ethylene gas. So you can use that to your advantage by making a chutney. During shipping, the gas is used to create an unripe (but tart and colorful) fruit.? In contrast, adding apples to cranberries during ripening takes away some of their tartness and adds sweetness.

This easy-to-make chutney combines both a sweet and tangy cranberry-apple chutney. These pair well with anything from pork chops to mashed potatoes (like you would usually do for Thanksgiving).

Hence, continue reading for more Indian Thanksgiving food ideas you can serve up for your family next week!

Caramelized Onion and Fig Chutney

Before your Indian Thanksgiving food preparation, you can take advantage of fall's abundant crop of figs. Then you pair them with onions, cardamom, cloves, peppercorns, and other Indian spices for a versatile chutney. Serve with your favorite meats and cheeses or as a dip for crudités. Besides, stirring it into rice or couscous to give it some zing can be better. If you prefer more heat, try adding chili powder to taste. This delicious fig chutney can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for two weeks.

Cheesy Pav Bhaji classic

Bhaji is a popular Indian Thanksgiving food that originated in Mumbai. The dish became very famous in India after being served by street vendors during Indian Independence Day celebrations. Bhaji can be done with Pav or roti, like pita bread.? Meanwhile, it is typically made with mung beans and potatoes and mixed vegetables and spices. Make your pav bhaji at home for your family or friends visiting from out of town! Or go to an Indian restaurant for a new take on an old favorite at Indian-food restaurants in your area.? Moreover, Pav is an Indian word for bread and bhaji refers to any vegetable curry or stew. In Hindi, Pav means lump (as in lump of dough), so you could say that Pav Bhaji means bread lump. Lump as in something roundish (like a ball).? However, this round thing is delicious and very spicy as well. You can also make variations using different types of veggies and add dal (lentils) or paneer (Indian Cheese). Depending on the taste, you can even add other ingredients such as eggplant, tofu, pineapple, and others.

Scalloped potatoes

The Indian-spiced scalloped potatoes are sure to please vegans and non-vegans alike. The dish calls for green peas and onions. You can freely mix it with other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers.? Likewise, It's also gluten-free and oil-free if you choose gluten-free breadcrumbs and use vegetable broth instead of oil.

You can find all of these ingredients at most health food stores. It's an Indian Thanksgiving food to make in advance so that your oven will be free for cooking other dishes.

Herb-infused roast potatoes

Cut potatoes into cubes and toss them with half an onion (chopped) and a couple of garlic cloves (minced). And a handful of fresh rosemary, fresh thyme, and some olive oil. Place on a baking sheet and roast in an oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for around 25 minutes. At the same time, occasionally check, so they don't burn—and turn up/down the heat if needed. They're deliciously served alongside your favorite Indian thanksgiving food or can be eaten as a side dish with dinner. Mixing herbs into your roasted potatoes is not only flavorful but makes them look attractive too!

Cornbread stuffing

This is a traditional Indian Thanksgiving food. You stuff your recipe with cornbread and vegetables. It can be made at home by using cornbread, buying it at a store, or using leftover bread.? Additionally, the veggies include celery, onions, garlic, and fresh thyme and sage for flavor. Cook them until soft, then mix everything in a baking dish for a tasty side dish. It goes well with many different main courses. Furthermore, it can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving to make your meal preparation smooth. Serve with gravy or cranberry sauce if desired.

Butter-Roasted Turkey with Giblet Pan Gravy

Turkey is a staple of most Indian Thanksgiving food. But roasting it with butter ensures that you get all its juices and flavors. It will never taste better than when roasted in butter.? Plus, turkey leftovers are delicious on sandwiches and salads. Your guests will love it even after the end of your holiday feast. If you're not cooking for a crowd, buy two smaller birds—they'll fit into your oven better.? If time permits, brine your turkey before roasting to guarantee juicy meat and crisp skin. One 12-pound bird should serve 8 to 10 people. Though, it depends on appetites and whether or not other side dishes are being done (such as turkey soup).

Pumpkin Pie

Whether it's Indian Thanksgiving food, pumpkin pie is a classic dessert. Fortunately, you don't have to wait for autumn to enjoy it. Substitute canned pumpkin puree for fresh and keep things simple with minimal spices (You can make yours in advance).? Additionally, since there are plenty of cans involved in Pumpkin Pie making, everyone will think you were working tirelessly in your kitchen all day long. Don't forget to serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg!

Spiced Hasselback sweet potatoes

Hasselback is a Swedish dish consisting of potatoes carved into notches and stuffed with fillings. These spiced Hasselback sweet potatoes are a variation of that classic recipe.

For Indian Thanksgiving food ideas, try loading them with cooked rice, spices, and roasted vegetables for an appetizer or side dish. However, If you're hosting a dinner party, stuff your Hasselback. When dinner's over, your guests will devour them as finger food. You can use any leftover filling in burritos or enchiladas to top soup, salad bowls, or eat plain.

Conclusion

On a budget and looking for inexpensive Indian Thanksgiving food to serve your guests? Here are 17 food ideas that will make you look like a culinary star without breaking your bank account. Plus, if you want to keep it simple.? Likewise, you can consider making just one or two of these dishes and topping them with some delicious chutneys and salsas from our recipe archives. No matter what you decide to prepare, all of these recipes are sure to be great crowd-pleasers. Meanwhile, you sit back and enjoy your family's company—the cooking is (almost) done! We wish you a happy holiday season filled with good food, health, and happiness.