Gratitude is a very Jewish principle. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to make a list of everything you are grateful for. And if that list includes foods from our yiddishe mamas, even better!
On a day when turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin reign supreme, mixing traditional American dishes with traditional Jewish dishes only elevates the menu. Enjoy coming together with family and friends, sharing foods that have been passed down through generations by all sorts of pilgrims - early Americans and Jews alike.
1. Fresh Cranberry Braised Brisket
Ok, we know turkeys only get this one day a year to gobble and shine, but maybe that’s because no one really likes turkey. Let’s invite an ol’ faithful standby, brisket, to bring the flavor as the showstopping main course this Thanksgiving!! The fresh cranberries in this recipe knock canned cranberries out of the park. And serving a fresh, moist brisket instead of an inevitably-half-dried-out turkey means no one has to politely pretend to enjoy the oversized bird.
If cranberries, fresh or canned, aren’t really your thing, skip them and try this recipe for the best Jewish brisket.
2. Turkey Tajine With Dried Fruit
Ok fine, maybe brisket for Thanksgiving is just too unorthodox for you. Without compromising on turkey day regulations, you can have your turkey and enjoy it too with this Turkey Tajine recipe.
This aromatic Moroccan stew is the most appetizing turkey dish you can imagine. And using turkey thighs means you’ll get the most flavor and moisture the bird has to offer.
3. Stuffed Cabbage
This Thanksgiving feast is going to require a stretchy waistband. Stuffed cabbage with sauerkraut (aka holishkes in yiddish) are a Jewish staple that melds seamlessly into any Thanksgiving menu. Beautiful to behold and delicious to chow down on, stuffed cabbage is an ultimate addition to any celebration.
4. Butternut Squash Kugel
This butternut squash kugel is a melt-in-your-mouth fall side dish. Ok, it might look and taste like dessert, but call this a casserole and have fun sneaking dessert into the meal. They’ll be room for pie later, but it’s Thanksgiving and doubling down is allowed.
5. Apple and Fennel Challah Stuffing
Is it Thanksgiving without stuffing? Challah is the perfect bread for stuffing, so make some in advance or save some from last shabbos. This apple and fennel challah stuffing is vegetarian and pareve so it pairs perfectly with your Thanksgiving protein of choice (turkey or brisket, we won’t judge).
6. Latke-Crusted Turkey Stuffing Fritters With Liquid Cranberry Core
Hello, Thanksgiving? It’s Hanukkah calling. I have an idea for you. Latke-crusted turkey stuffing fritters with a liquid cranberry core and schmaltz gravy.
If there’s anything that Thanksgivukkah taught us in the past, it’s that Thanksgiving and Hanukkah food belong together. This is a really unique recipe that hits so many Thanksgiving high notes. Fill ‘em, fry ‘em, soak with gravy. It’s a Thanksgiving culinary miracle.
7. Everything But The Bagel Seasoning Roasted Green Beans
This crunchy, well-seasoned side dish adds a welcome pop of color to your plate.
And while bagels hold a special place in our hearts, they’re not perfectly suited to the Thanksgiving menu. Honor the Jewish food staple by sprinkling a healthy dose of everything but the bagel seasoning on these roasted green beans.
8. Pumpkin Pie With Middle Eastern Spices
Dessert time! Pumpkin Pie is a must, but made even better with warm, aromatic Middle Eastern spices. Cardamom, allspice and coriander enliven this pie with a cultural twist. America’s all about its melting pot of flavors and this Pumpkin Pie With Middle Eastern Spices melt perfectly into that pot, and onto our taste buds.
9. Apple Crumble Cake
Apples and honey. We love them together so much, we sing songs about the combo. They’re a natural pairing that symbolize sweet, sweet blessings. This apple crumble cake tastes so good and is a warm, cozy reminder of the multitude of blessings we have to be thankful for today and everyday. Serve this cake warm and score extra points for topping with a hearty scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream of choice.
10. Babka
One more dessert option because dessert is life. The Best Chocolate Babka is indeed one of the best dessert choices you can make, Thanksgiving or not. And if you want to throw controversy into your Thanksgiving convo (no politics-talk, just a babka flavor show-down), you can throw in a cinnamon babka as well.
Happy Thanksgiving!
