Flavors of Fall: International Thanksgiving Dishes Inspired by Royal Caregivers
By Kayla Orange
Whether it's roasted, fried, or smoked, no Thanksgiving meal is complete if it doesn't include turkey. And in keeping with tradition, most American households also include ham, stuffing, gravy, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie to round out the perfect Thanksgiving meal. But have you ever thought about what a traditional Thanksgiving dinner consists of in other countries?
Let's explore some traditional Thanksgiving recipes from around the world that pay homage to some of the richly diverse cultures of our very own home health aides.
Jamaican-Spiced Turkey – Jamaica
Jamaican cuisine is synonymous with bright, vibrant spices, from citrusy, aromatic juniper berries to sweet, fragrant thyme. This Jamaican-inspired spiced turkey hits all the culinary notes using a brining technique to infuse the entire turkey with flavor.
Try this recipe to add an unexpected twist and liven up your traditional Thanksgiving turkey.
Pasteles En Hoja – Dominican
Nothing ushers in the holidays in the Dominican Republic like the smells of freshly prepared pasteles en hoja – Dominican tamales. These pockets of savory meat, wrapped in a homemade dough made from plantains and other root vegetables, can be enjoyed as part of a traditional Dominican holiday meal or served as an appetizer during holiday parties and gatherings.
Making pasteles en hoja can be time-consuming, so consider making a few to serve as an appetizer.
https://mydominicankitchen.com/pasteles-en-hoja-dominican-style-tamales/
MoonCakes – China
China has a fall celebration similar to our Thanksgiving celebration, every year between mid-September to early October. The holiday is called The Mid-Autumn Festival and is also commonly referred to as The Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival. The day is meant to celebrate the start of fall and the reuniting of family and friends.
Mooncakes are beautiful pastries that can include a myriad of fillings, including red bean paste, green tea, lotus seeds, nuts, yams, or fruit. They are typically cut into small wedges and served with hot tea.
Share the interesting story behind the Mid-Autumn Festival over moon cakes while reuniting with your family and friends this Thanksgiving.
https://tasteasianfood.com/mooncake-recipe/
Russian Cabbage Pie – Russia
Kulebjaka is a savory pie served during most holidays and celebrations in Russia. The flaky pies are made from puff pastry and are typically filled with meat or vegetables.
Russians celebrate the end of their cabbage harvest with Russian cabbage pies. Cabbage is used not only to show gratitude for a bountiful harvest but also as a way to use the last of it.
Impress your guests this Thanksgiving by adding Russian cabbage pie to your Thanksgiving menu. It can be served as a side dish or as a filling, main course.
http://globaltableadventure.com/recipe/russian-cabbage-pie/
Yucca Fries – El Salvador
Whether it's sweet potato casserole, mashed white potatoes, or roasted red potatoes, the average Thanksgiving dinner in the US isn't complete without the addition of potatoes.
Similar to potatoes, yuca is a staple in El Salvadorian cuisine. Yuca is a root vegetable that looks and tastes similar to white potatoes. However, yuca is longer and more tubular in shape and more nutritious than the typical white potato.
Yuca fries are prepared the same way as french fries and are typically served with different sauces, ketchup, or dips. They can be enjoyed alongside your traditional meal or served as an appetizer before dinner. Make a batch and see if your family notices the difference!
https://www.tfrecipes.com/yuca-frita-el-salvador/
Korean Style Chicken Wings – South Korea
Tired of the same roasted turkey year after year? This year take a break from "the norm" and try Korean-style chicken wings as part of your dinner.
Making Korean-style chicken begins with double frying battered chicken to achieve a delightful, crispy crust. The chicken is then covered with a sauce and traditionally served with pickled radish and beer. Bon appetit!
https://drivemehungry.com/korean-fried-chicken/
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