Thanksgiving’s star is the turkey. They are our country’s obsession. They are so beloved that Ben Franklin suggested they be our national symbol, instead of the eagle. The cooking of the bird is a subject that has become a part of family mythology. What time to start cooking, how often to turn on the oven and who can baste the bird? There are also those who would rather tempt fate than deep-fry a bird. You can live your life however you like, but it is not worth it. YouTube videos are created by fire departments across the country warning citizens about the dangers. Spoiler alert! The risk is a huge fireball that’s launched many feet high into the air.
We’ve started asking tough questions this year. Are Christmas decorations allowed in November? Is it necessary to make a turkey? What is Thanksgiving without a turkey? It’s all about side dishes, especially on Thanksgiving. People expect a ta da moment during the holidays. We’ve created some Thanksgiving main dishes that don’t include turkey. There are vegetarian, vegan, and non-traditional options.
Macaroni & Cheese but you like it, lots of It.
This could be done in two ways. One is to whip up a huge serving of macaroni & cheese and serve it on top the sides. Another option is to make many different types of mac & cheeses. This is our favorite alternative main dish because leftover mac and cheese is like manna from heaven. If you have too many leftovers, you can freeze them. It’ll still be delicious six weeks into the season of seasonal depression.
Honey Glazed Ham
We don’t think there is any difference in turkey and ham as main courses. If you love ham, it’s the perfect alternative. You can also experiment with glazes. There are a lot of different recipes that combine sugar, bourbon, peach and mustard. It’s not the most exciting option for main dishes. Warning: If you make a substitution for a statement like this, it’s likely that you will have to continue the conversation with your friends and family. You can expect comments such as “No turkey?”, “So it’s…just Ham?” and “What’s the deal with the ham guys?”
Acorn Squash Soup Bowls
Vegan options are a must when we speak of alternative main dishes. It’s hard to imagine anything that can capture the grandeur of a huge roasted turkey on Thanksgiving tables. At least, not much that is plant-based. There’s also a possibility that the main course on this feast day will be labor-intensive, and likely not worth it. This is why we chose this vegan recipe. It won’t make sense to buy a bowl if you aren’t going to use it for soup or other food that requires it.
Roasted Guinea Hen
You’re thinking, but isn’t the guinea chicken just a small turkey? Yes, biologically, it’s true. It’s actually not true at all. Here’s the problem: If you have only 2 or 4 people to dinner this Thanksgiving, does that mean you don’t need an entire turkey? Guinea hens can be roasted for a few days and then you can add more stuffing or cheese.
Rum and Pomegranate Roast Duck
Not everyone likes duck. The duck is cuter than a turkey or duck. Duck is also known for being oily. Although it is fattening, it makes it delicious. Duck confit is a key ingredient in every mouth-wateringly delicious meal you have at a restaurant. We believe that duck confit is the best time of year to try it for the first time. You might try it out before you make your big Thanksgiving dinner. Rum and pomegranate sound elegant and sophisticated, so people will be very excited to hear what you are having for dinner.
Does your Thanksgiving turkey need a non-traditional alternative? Here are some variations of your standard stuffing recipe for this holiday.
Pizza
Pizza isn’t a facetious suggestion. You can use Thanksgiving to get a top-quality pizza pizza stone and make your own pizza. It’s a non-traditional version of traditional that is appropriate for a holiday during a pandemic. You can also use traditional Thanksgiving toppings. Third, everyone loves pizza. It can be made vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free. It’s pizza! (We love you, pizza.)
