It’s Turkey time! Thanksgiving is right around the corner, so let’s get to planning your menu for a memorable feast. While indulgence is often synonymous with this holiday, why not add a healthy twist to your Thanksgiving dinner this year? In this blog post, we'll explore three classic starch dishes – sweet potato casserole, stuffing, and mashed potatoes – and show you how to incorporate fresh produce and healthy ingredients to elevate their flavors and nutritional value.
1. Delightful Sweet Potato Casserole with a Crunchy Pecan Topping:
Ingredients:
● 4 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
● 1/3 cup softened butter
● 2 eggs
● 2 tablespoons sugar
● ½ cup milk
● Topping: 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/3 cup rolled oats; 2 tablespoons melted butter; 2
tablespoons maple syrup
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, softened butter, eggs, sugar,
and milk. Mix until well combined.
3. Transfer the sweet potato mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the pecans, rolled oats, melted butter, and maple syrup to
create the crunchy topping.
5. Sprinkle the topping over the sweet potato mixture, covering it completely.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
7. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Flavorful Stuffing with Fresh Ingredients:
Ingredients:
● 8 cups bread cubes (preferably whole wheat)
● 2 tablespoons olive oil
● 1 onion, diced
● 2 celery stalks, diced
● 2 carrots, diced
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 1 teaspoon dried thyme
● 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
● 1 teaspoon dried sage
● 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
● Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender
and fragrant.
4. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, and sage, cooking for an additional minute.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetable mixture with the bread cubes. Toss
until well mixed.
6. Gradually pour the vegetable or chicken broth over the bread mixture, stirring gently to evenly distribute the liquid.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Transfer the stuffing mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the stuffing is heated through.
3. Creamy Mashed Potatoes with a Twist:
Ingredients:
● 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
● 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
● 1/4 cup unsalted butter
● 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
● Salt and pepper to taste
● Chopped fresh chives (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes and cauliflower florets. Cook until tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
2. Drain the cooked potatoes and return them to the pot. Add the hot milk and remaining 1 stick (1/2 cup) of butter to the pot with the potatoes.
3. Mash the potatoes using a potato masher until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a hand mixer or immersion blender.
4. Gradually pour in the melted butter and garlic mixture, stirring it into the mashed potatoes.
This will add a delicious garlic flavor throughout.
5. Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the mashed potatoes and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. At this point, you can keep the mashed potatoes as is, or you can add your desired twist
ingredients. For example, you can crumble cooked bacon and mix it into the mashed
potatoes, or stir in ranch dressing for a tangy flavor. Feel free to get creative and add any
other ingredients you like!
7. Serve the creamy mashed potatoes with a twist hot, garnished with additional toppings if
desired. Enjoy!
By incorporating natural sweetness, crunch, and nutritious elements, you can create dishes that not only satisfy your taste buds but also nourish your body. Embrace the flavors of the season and make this Thanksgiving a celebration of both indulgence and healthiness. With these revamped recipes, you'll have a memorable feast that showcases the versatility and goodness of fresh ingredients.
Happy Thanksgiving!
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