As the holiday season draws near, thoughts of delicious Thanksgiving feasts and family gatherings fill our minds. With so much delicious food waiting on the table, it can be tempting to indulge in unhealthy options that leave us feeling bloated and sluggish. However, this year can be different – you can create a feast using healthy Thanksgiving recipes that are not only scrumptious but also support your wellness goals.
From roasted vegetables and quinoa-stuffed squash to mouth-watering mushroom gravy and immune-boosting cranberry sauce, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the holiday without giving up your commitment to healthy eating. Our curated selection of recipes will help you transform your Thanksgiving table into a haven of nutritious delights that please both your taste buds and your body. Let’s dig in and celebrate the season with gratitude and wellness.
Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes
Get ready to switch up your Thanksgiving side dish game with this cauliflower mashed potatoes recipe. Not only is this dish a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes, but it’s also low in carbs and calories. Impress your guests with the subtle, nutty flavor of cauliflower, and enjoy the added benefits of vitamins and fiber in every bite. This dish is the perfect addition to your holiday table, offering a satisfying and nutritious option that will keep everyone happy and healthy. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the best of both worlds – delicious food that is good for you, too.
Ingredients:
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water—cover and steam for about 10-15 minutes or until the cauliflower is very tender.
Drain and Dry: Drain the cauliflower well and pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Blend or Mash: Transfer the steamed cauliflower to a food processor. Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a potato masher to mash the cauliflower until you reach the desired consistency.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasonings, adding more salt, pepper, or olive oil if needed.
Serve: Transfer the mashed cauliflower to a serving bowl. Garnish with chopped fresh chives if desired.
IMMUNITY BOOST FOR FALL
Healthy Mushroom Gravy
Hereis a healthy Thanksgiving recipe for mushroom lovers. This healthy mushroom gravy is the perfect addition to your next meal. Not only is it packed with delicious umami flavor, but it also happens to be completely vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Imagine pouring this silky smooth sauce over a heaping pile of cauliflower mashed potatoes or drizzling it over some perfectly roasted vegetables. And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, this gravy is the ideal condiment for all your favorite holiday dishes. So what are you waiting for? Give your taste buds a reason to smile, and add this healthy mushroom gravy to your menu today.
Ingredients:
2 cups sliced mushrooms (button, cremini, or shiitake)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons whole wheat flour (or cornstarch for a gluten-free option)
1 teaspoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Sauté the Mushrooms: In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic. Sauté until the mushrooms are tender and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Make a Roux: Push the mushrooms to the side of the pan and add the whole wheat flour to the other side. Stir continuously to form a paste, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. This is your roux, which will thicken the gravy.
Add Broth Gradually: Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens.
Season and Simmer: Add the soy sauce or tamari for depth of flavor. Taste the gravy and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Let the gravy simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Blend (Optional): For a smoother gravy, you can blend it using an immersion blender or transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth.
Serve: Pour the mushroom gravy into a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Healthy Cranberry Sauce
Are You looking for a way to add a healthy touch to your Thanksgiving feast? Look no further than this delicious cranberry sauce. Not only will it perfectly complement your turkey, but it’s packed with antioxidants and vitamin C to keep you feeling great even after the indulgent holiday. The vibrant flavors and natural sweetness of the cranberries will have everyone at your table coming back for more. So why not give this healthy twist on a classic recipe a try this year? Your taste buds (and your body) will thank you.
Ingredients:
1 bag (12 ounces) fresh cranberries, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup pure maple syrup or honey
Zest of 1 orange
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Cook Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries start to pop, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
Add Sweetener: Add the pure maple syrup or honey to the cranberries. Stir well to combine. Adjust the sweetness according to your taste preference.
Add Flavor: Stir in the orange zest, cinnamon stick, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will add depth and warmth to your cranberry sauce.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for another 10-15 minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so be mindful not to overcook it.
Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the cranberry sauce cool to room temperature. Remember, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Remove the cinnamon stick before serving.
Chill (Optional): For a firmer texture, you can refrigerate the cranberry sauce for a few hours or overnight before serving.
Healthy Pumpin Pie
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, there’s no doubt that pumpkin pie is one of the most sought-after desserts of the season. However, for those of us who prioritize our health and wellness, indulging in too much sugar and unhealthy ingredients during the holiday season can be quite a struggle. Luckily, with a guilt-free and delicious healthy pumpkin pie recipe, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health this Thanksgiving.
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
1 can (15 ounces) pure pumpkin puree
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
For the Crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish, creating a crust.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
For the Filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together pumpkin puree, coconut milk, maple syrup, eggs, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Pour the pumpkin filling into the baked crust, spreading it out evenly.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set. You can test for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, the pie is ready.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. You can refrigerate the pie for a few hours or overnight for a firmer texture.
Optionally, serve with a dollop of whipped coconut cream or Greek yogurt.
Conclusion: Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes
As the aroma of your delicious and health-conscious Thanksgiving dishes fills the air, remember that nourishing your body and sharing good food with loved ones is a true celebration of the holiday spirit. These recipes not only bring a burst of flavor to your table but also reflect a commitment to your well-being.
By choosing nutritious options, you’ve made a conscious choice to prioritize health without compromising on taste. With each bite, savor the goodness and the warmth of your gatherings. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with both indulgence and wellness, where every dish serves as a reminder that taking care of yourself can be as delightful as fulfilling. Enjoy our healthy Thanksgiving recipes and happy and healthy feasting!
