Spicing Up Tradition: An Indian-Inspired Thanksgiving Feast

Posted by mississauga1 October 14, 2024
Person Slicing Meat on Table

Roasted Turkey with Indian-Spiced Gravy

Ingredients:

  • Turkey (10-12 pounds)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon garam masala
  • 1 tablespoon cumin powder
  • 2 teaspoons coriander powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)
  • Lemon and orange slices
  • 1 onion, chopped

For the gravy:

  • Pan drippings from the turkey
  • 2 cups chicken or turkey broth
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

    1. Prepare the Turkey: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Rub the turkey inside and out with olive oil, turmeric, garam masala, cumin, coriander, chili powder, garlic, and ginger. Season with salt and pepper.
    2. Stuff and Roast: Stuff the turkey cavity with lemon, orange slices, fresh herbs, and chopped onion. Tie the legs together and roast in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours (about 15 minutes per pound), basting occasionally with the pan juices.
    3. Make the Gravy: Once the turkey is done, transfer it to a serving plate and let it rest. In the meantime, heat the pan drippings in a saucepan. Add flour and whisk to make a roux. Slowly add broth, whisking to avoid lumps. Add garam masala, cumin, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer until thickened.

Cranberry Chutney

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
  • Juice of 1 orange
  • 1/2 cup water

Directions:

  1. In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and ginger.
  2. Add the orange juice and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries burst and the chutney thickens.
  3. Adjust sugar and spice levels to your liking. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

3. Masala-Spiced Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil, garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
  2. Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
  3. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.