When it comes to Thanksgiving, it can be difficult to deviate from traditional dishes. However, with a few adjustments, some of the usual side dishes can be transformed into bold and exciting new creations.
Take, for example, the classic butternut squash puree. Instead of the standard preparation, we suggest cutting the squash into chunks and roasting it with a seasoning of fresh ginger and Chinese five-spice.
This not only enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, but also adds a depth of flavor that is sure to impress your guests.
Similarly, sautéed greens can be given a fresh twist by using kale instead of the usual spinach. By charring the kale, it takes on a bittersweet flavor with a nutty edge, reminiscent of oven-roasted kale chips.
A squeeze of lime and a touch of sliced chilies add a bright and spicy kick that will elevate this once mundane side dish to a whole new level.
These simple yet innovative changes are sure to breathe new life into your Thanksgiving feast and leave your guests raving about the exciting flavors on their plates.
For a unique and flavorful twist on traditional mashed potatoes, we drew inspiration from stoemp, a hearty Belgian dish that combines potatoes with finely cut winter vegetables.
Our version of this dish includes a medley of leeks, carrots, and cabbage, adding both texture and depth of flavor to the mashed potatoes.
To enhance the dish even further, we incorporate a generous amount of bay leaves and garlic, infusing the dish with a fragrant and savory essence.
This unique take on mashed potatoes not only adds complexity to the dish but also provides a delicious and satisfying accompaniment to any meal.
Whether served alongside a hearty stew or as a standalone side dish, this stoemp-inspired mashed potato dish is sure to impress and delight even the most discerning palates.
The recipe for Roasted Butternut Squash with Ginger and Five-Spice is a delightful dish that is sure to impress your guests.
With a total preparation and cooking time of just 40 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight or a special dinner party.
It serves 8 people, making it an ideal choice for a family meal or a gathering with friends. When preparing this dish, it’s important to use two large, heavy rimmed baking sheets to ensure that the squash browns evenly and develops its full flavor.
While it is possible to buy pre-cut butternut squash at the grocery store, it is recommended to peel, seed, and cut the squash into chunks yourself for the best results.
The addition of salted butter, fresh ginger, Chinese five-spice powder, and a sprinkle of kosher salt and ground black pepper enhances the natural sweetness of the squash, creating a delicious and aromatic flavor profile.
To finish the dish, garnish with finely chopped fresh chives and crystallized ginger for an extra burst of flavor. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy the rich, earthy taste of butternut squash with a unique and exciting twist.
This recipe for Charred Kale with Garlic, Chilies, and Lime is a delightful and flavorful way to enjoy this nutritious leafy green.
The combination of garlic, chilies, and lime adds a punch of flavor that elevates the kale to a whole new level. The recipe is easy to follow and the end result is a dish that is both delicious and visually appealing.
The instructions provided are clear and concise, making it easy for even novice cooks to recreate this dish. The warning about using a large bowl and Dutch oven is particularly helpful, as it ensures that the kale is cooked properly without overcrowding the pot.
Additionally, the tip about not using olive oil for charring the kale due to its lower smoke point is a valuable piece of advice that can prevent the oil from burning and imparting a bitter taste to the dish.
The use of scallions, lime zest, and lime juice adds a refreshing and zesty element to the kale, balancing out the richness of the garlic and chilies. The final touch of drizzling the dish with olive oil adds a touch of richness and enhances the overall presentation of the dish.
Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to enjoy kale in a new and exciting way. The flavors are well-balanced, and the cooking process is straightforward.
Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this Charred Kale with Garlic, Chilies, and Lime is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. I look forward to trying this recipe and sharing it with friends and family.
Belgian Mashed Potatoes with Winter Vegetables, also known as Stoemp, is a traditional Belgian dish that is both hearty and comforting.
This dish is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a delicious and satisfying meal. The recipe calls for potatoes, carrots, and leeks, which are all readily available during the winter months.
The combination of these vegetables, along with the creamy texture of the mashed potatoes, creates a dish that is both rich and flavorful.
The addition of butter and milk adds a luxurious touch, making this dish perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. The recipe is relatively easy to prepare, with a total cooking time of just one hour, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
With its generous serving size of 8, this dish is also perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers the next day. Whether you are looking for a new way to enjoy winter vegetables or simply want to try a traditional Belgian dish, Stoemp is a recipe worth trying.
When preparing the leeks, it is essential to ensure that they are thoroughly rinsed to remove any dirt or sand that may be trapped within their many layers.
It is recommended to rinse the leeks after slicing them, as this will allow for better access between the layers. To save time and effort, the vegetables can be cooked, mashed, and seasoned with vinegar and salt in advance, and then stored in the refrigerator for up to a day.
When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture in a large pot over medium heat with ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth, ensuring it is covered and stirring occasionally, until warmed through, which typically takes about 15 minutes.
Once heated, transfer the leeks to a serving bowl and follow the remaining instructions to create a well and finish the dish with butter and chives. This method will ensure that the leeks are properly prepared and presented in a delicious and appealing manner.
In this recipe, we will be creating a delicious and hearty potato soup. To start, we will need 4 pounds of Yukon Gold potatoes, which should be peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes.
Additionally, we will require 1½ cups of low-sodium chicken broth, 1¼ cups of half-and-half, 3 medium leeks (white and light green parts thinly sliced, rinsed and dried), 5 bay leaves, 4 medium garlic cloves (smashed and peeled), and 10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks) of salted butter, divided.
To add some extra flavor and texture, we will also include kosher salt, ½ medium head of savoy cabbage (cored and finely chopped, totaling 3 to 4 cups), 2 medium carrots (peeled and shredded on the large holes of a box grater), 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar, and ¼ cup of finely chopped fresh chives.
To prepare the soup, we will start by combining the potatoes, broth, half-and-half, leeks, bay leaves, garlic, 4 tablespoons of butter, and 1 tablespoon of salt in a large pot over high heat.
After bringing the mixture to a boil, we will reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the potatoes are tender. This soup is perfect for a cozy and comforting meal, and the combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
The instructions provided in this recipe are clear and concise, making it easy to follow and execute. The step-by-step process ensures that each ingredient is cooked to perfection, resulting in a delicious and satisfying dish.
The first step of removing and discarding the bay leaf is essential as it can be tough and unpleasant to eat. Stirring in the cabbage and cooking it until it is almost tender allows for the flavors to develop and meld together.
Covering the dish and cooking for an additional 5 minutes with the carrots ensures that the cabbage is fully tender and the carrots are crisp-tender. This adds texture to the dish and makes it more enjoyable to eat.
The addition of butter and vinegar at the end of the cooking process enhances the flavors of the dish and adds a creaminess to the mashed potatoes.
The use of a potato masher ensures that the potatoes are almost smooth, making them easier to eat and more visually appealing.
The final touch of creating a well in the center of the potatoes and adding butter and chives adds a decorative element to the dish, making it more visually appealing and inviting.
Overall, this recipe is well-written and easy to follow. The use of simple ingredients and cooking techniques makes it accessible to cooks of all skill levels. I highly recommend giving it a try and exploring more recipes from Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street.