Recipes for a Globally Inspired Thanksgiving

What does your Thanksgiving table look like? Is there a classic salt-brined turkey and mashed potatoes at the center? Does the food reflect a rich cultural tradition? In any case, if you’re looking to incorporate global flavor into the Thanksgiving spread, we’ve gathered together these recipes that make great additions to the meal.

For more creative cuisine, download the free Chocolates of the World Classroom Activity

Greece: Sautéed Greens with Onions and Tomatoes (Tsigareli)

A dish from Corfu, Tsigareli is the perfect mix of warm winter comfort food and healthy eating. Chef Diane Kochilas provides a recipe for this salad and many more Greek inspired Thanksgiving dishes on her website.

Italy: Butternut Squash and Pancetta Soup 

A velvet butternut squash soup gets the perfect topping with cured Italian pork belly. It’s easy to keep vegetarian too, as the pancetta is added in last. Pair with Parmesan and sage chickpea fries, and you’ve got a holiday antipasto.

Germany: Traditional Yeast Dumplings

They’re known as hefeknödel in Germany, but you just may end up referring to them as the perfect vehicle for mopping up gravy. With only 6 ingredients. they’re not difficult to make. Just be sure to leave time for proving as you would with any bread.

China: Sticky Rice Dressing 

Combine rice, mushrooms, water chesnuts, and (optional) Chinese sausage for a scrumptious savory dressing. We also recommend these cranberry plum glazed wings from Chef Kathy Fang, owner of Fang Restaurant in San Francisco.

India: Spicy Sweet Potatoes and Yams

Bring some spice to the sweet potatoes with cumin, green chile and cilantro. They can make a great side dish to the main meal or be served as a small appetizer.

Japan: Pumpkin Eggrolls With Caramel Sauce

The only problem with pie? It’s not deep fried. Pumpkin pie eggrolls solve this critical dilemma by enveloping a classic pumpkin filling within a traditional eggroll. Then you get to dip it in chocolate or caramel.

Scandinavia: Lingonberry Jam

See if anyone notices if you swap the cranberry sauce for one with lingonberry, a scandinavian cousin. Much like cranberry sauce, lingonberry jam is perfect for dishes both savory and sweet, and it will come in handy for breakfast on Friday morning!