Thanksgiving Menu Planning: Simple Sides
RACHEL MORROW
Even with the most delicious Thanksgiving dishes crowding out the table, sometimes some simple sides need to be called on to really complete the table. After all, is it really the holidays without stuffing or cranberry sauce? Storebought alternatives are often filled with toxins and chemicals, and let’s be honest, they just don’t taste as good as homemade stuff.
Your sides don’t have to be elaborate or tricky, with a few nourishing herbs and spices, and some easy simple swaps, you’ll be having the stress-free Thanksgiving of your dreams.
1. Homemade Cranberry Sauce
This humble side can make or break a holiday dinner, but when you’re approaching food from a healthy perspective, avoid the nasty additives in storebought sauce and make your own. This delicious sauce lasts a few days, so you can make it early and leave the stress behind.
2. Gluten-Free Stuffing
A good stuffing is a staple for any holiday gathering - and no one should be missing out. This simple, tasty rendition is packed with healthy, delicious wholefoods and endless flavor. The best part? This stuffing is cooked on it’s own, so it’s perfect for vegetarian and vegan guests.
3. Perfect Roast Vegetables
No holiday feast is complete without some perfectly-cooked roast vegetables, and we’ve got the tips you need to avoid any tragedies. No matter what’s in season and readily available, you’re going to want to try roast veggies the Food Matters way.
4. Maple Walnut Hasselback Butternut Squash
Roasted butternut squash is still one of our most favorite vegetables. The combination of the maple, Dijon, walnuts, sage, and thyme, baked Hasselback style, will be the show stopper in your holiday spread this year!
5. Mashed Root Vegetables & Silverbeet
Vegetables like turnips and parsnips conjure up memories of the aromas pouring out of Grandma's kitchen around the holidays. Their unique headiness and a slight bit of spice are mellowed out with some sweet potato here, and also have the added goodness of silverbeet ribboned throughout! Sprinkle with a handful of organic parmesan, feta, or nutritional yeast to deepen the creamy texture of this hearty root vegetable side dish and compliment any Thanksgiving table.
Struggling with the main event? Check out our Mains & Salads here.
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Alongside being a qualified nutritionist and our social media guru, Rachel is Food Matters’ Recipe Developer. She’s forever dreaming up and developing new recipes for the community to enjoy.