Elevating Classic Thanksgiving Sides with Innovative Flavors

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Thanksgiving traditions are cherished, yet infusing classic side dishes with unexpected flavors can transform them into something extraordinary.

Rethink butternut squash by foregoing the typical puree and butter approach. Opt instead for roasting it in chunky pieces, enhanced with fresh ginger and Chinese five-spice, embracing and elevating its innate sweetness.

For greens, kale takes center stage over spinach. Charring kale not only imparts a complex bittersweet taste but also adds a nutty dimension, akin to the flavors of roasted kale chips. This dish is then brightened with a zesty touch of lime and a spicy kick from sliced chilies.

Mashed potatoes receive a unique twist inspired by the Belgian dish stoemp, which combines potatoes with finely chopped winter vegetables. Our take incorporates leeks, carrots, and cabbage, seasoned with bay leaves and garlic, creating a fragrant and flavorful blend.

Thanksgiving Celebrations and Tips:

• Cook: Discover ways to cater to meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans during Thanksgiving celebrations.
• Listen: Enjoy an expanded soundtrack of “A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving” in honor of its 50th anniversary.
• Watch: Anticipate Cher’s special appearance at the finale of this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Roasted Butternut Squash with Ginger and Five-Spice

Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Use two large, heavy rimmed baking sheets to prevent overcrowding and ensure flavorful browning. Prepare the squash (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch chunks) up to two days in advance and refrigerate.

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1½ teaspoons Chinese five-spice powder
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• ¼ cup fresh chives, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 500°F. Line two baking sheets with foil.
2. Toss squash with butter, ginger, five-spice powder, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on baking sheets.
3. Roast for 25-35 minutes, rotating pans halfway through.
4. Season to taste. Garnish with chives and crystallized ginger before serving.

Charred Kale with Garlic, Chilies, and Lime

Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 large bunches lacinato kale, stemmed and torn
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon grapeseed or neutral oil
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper
• 5 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 Fresno or jalapeño chili, thinly sliced
• 4 scallions, sliced, whites and greens separated
• 1 teaspoon lime zest, plus 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. Toss kale with neutral oil and salt. In a Dutch oven over high heat, add oil until smoking. Add kale, cover, and char for about 10 minutes.
2. Add garlic, chili, and scallion whites, cooking for 30 seconds.
3. Add water, cover, and cook until kale is tender.
4. Off heat, add scallion greens, lime zest, and juice. Season to taste.
5. Serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Belgian Mashed Potatoes with Winter Vegetables (Stoemp)

Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1¼ cups half-and-half
• 3 medium leeks, sliced and rinsed
• 5 bay leaves
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 10 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• Kosher salt
• ½ head savoy cabbage, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
• ¼ cup fresh chives, chopped

Directions:

1. Combine potatoes, broth, half-and-half, leeks, bay leaves, garlic, and butter in a pot. Cook until potatoes are tender.
2. Add cabbage and cook until tender. Stir in carrots.
3. Off heat, add butter and mash. Stir in vinegar, and season.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl, creating a well for butter and sprinkle with chives.

Additional Recipes and Tips:

• Explore diverse Thanksgiving dishes suitable for all dietary preferences.
• Try adding a flavorful twist to Brussels sprouts with bacon and mustard vinaigrette.
• Elevate a grilled cheese sandwich with kale and crispy bacon for a gourmet touch.

Editor’s Note: For more innovative recipes, visit Christopher Kimball

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Thanksgiving Side Dishes

More about Thanksgiving Side Dishes

• Roasting Techniques for Vegetables
• Kale Cooking Methods
• Traditional Belgian Stoemp Recipes
• Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations for Thanksgiving
• Seasonal Thanksgiving Recipes
• Advanced Cooking Tips for Holiday Meals
• Fresh Ingredient Selection Guide