Thanksgiving is usually known as an American holiday, but there are also other celebrations in different cultures that reflect the same traditional aspects and principles. Saint Lucia, an East Caribbean island, celebrates their public holiday of thanksgiving on the first Monday in October. This is also referred to as “Harvest Festival”, which is a time for the people to show their gratitude for the island’s bounty. Liberia celebrates on the first Thursday in November, and marks when freed American slaves founded the country in 1822. In South Korea they celebrate Chuseok, a 3 day holiday which also happens to follow the same line of the busiest travel days. This time involves eating traditional harvest food, and is celebrated on the 15th day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar. Here we have provided a list of the top 10 cultural dishes to bring to your thanksgiving day table:
10: Jamaican Curry Goat
This may seem very different compared to your normal thanksgiving dishes, but it’s a very enjoyable alternative for those who prefer to cook unique red meat. Goat is also very healthy, as it contains a lot less fat than beef and even skinless chicken. This must be cooked at a low temperature to help retain the flesh’s natural flavor and tenderness. However, do know that this dish isn’t for those with sensitive palettes as Jamaican food is known for its spicy flair.
9. Salata de Varza
This dish is a Romanian-style coleslaw, similar to our transitional coleslaw but more mild palates that mix together more smoothly. Is it also very simply made, which is a process nowhere as near as turkey. It consists mostly of sliced cabbage and carrots, and is healthier than American coleslaws which are packed with mayonnaise.
8. Tandoori Chicken
Though this meal is very popular in India and parts of Asia, it’s a great alternative meaty dish if you want to switch it up from turkey every year. The cooking process is easier as well, as the chicken does not have to be basted. It had a delicious, light marinade applied to the surface of the meat
7. Rice and Beans
Cuban-style beans and rice is a must for any event, because not only are they consistently delicious and healthier than many other dishes. It doesn’t take long at all to make, and can go with many different types of food dishes as well. “Congri” is another name for this dish: and Cajun-style of it is served often in Louisiana, except it’s seasoned with cilantro, oregano, and cumin.
6. Potato Gnocchi
Couscous is a traditional North African dish, and is a grain from nature. It is often confused with pasta for its similar taste, though the small difference is that the grains which make up couscous are crushed while pastas are ground. It’s flexible palate allows for it to be adapted in many different ways and served with a wide variety of meals. For a little thanksgiving twist, this dish could be served with stuffing, potatoes, or cranberries and nuts.This is a type of Italian pasta, the difference being that its dough is made of potatoes and ricotta. It can be served with a wide variety of vegetables and sauces. The flavors in this dish match well with other thanksgiving dishes because of its simplicity. It is also common to add some tomato, basil, and mozzarella, which are staple ingredients in Italian food.
5. Sweet and Spicy Braised Turkey
This may seem very similar to normal turkey at first glance, but this one has a traditional Korean deeply caramelized sweet and spicy glaze. In this recipe you will be able to taste soy sauce, some cranberry sauce, mirin sauce, and ginger and garlic. Making this turkey also leaves a lot of room for left over foods such as fried noodles, roll ups, and more.
4. Doro Wat
Although it’s spelled many different ways, this traditional Ethiopian chicken stew is a great way to warm up your thanksgiving. Its a great dish to explore if you’re interested in developing your skills in African cooking as well, as its features resemble American stew although it is very very spicy. It is served on top of injera, traditional Ethiopian flatbread, which helps to soak the stew’s delicious juices.
3. Tourtière
This traditional French Canadian meat pie is surprisingly easy to make, and its flavors make it a great course for thanksgiving. Its ingredients are simple and consist of ground meat, onions, and an assortment of spices all baked into a traditional pie crust. While making this dish, you are able to substitute the meat for whatever you prefer; pork, turkey, beef, veal, or even potatoes.
2. Hasselback Potatoes
These are kinda like a Swedish version of baked potatoes, but they look much cooler. They got their name from the restaurant that first made them, “Hasselnacken”, in Stockholm. The potatoes are slides very thinly but left connected at the bottom, giving it an accordion shape. Their crispy edges can be perfectly topped with butter and parmesan cheese.
1.Pumpkin Empanada
Empanadas are from Spain originally, but have grown many different adaptations throughout the world over the years. This dish puts a sweet thanksgiving twist on it, and it’s perfect for the fall holiday seasons. Pumpkin empanadas consist of fresh seasonal pumpkins as they are growing this time of year.
