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    Masala & Chai » Thanksgiving

    Published: Jul 7, 2023 by Shweta Garg · This post may contain affiliate links

    25 Indian-Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes

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    Celebrate Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving this year with a flavor-filled feast of Indian-Inspired twists to classic Thanksgiving recipes! We're talking about a lovely fragrant upgrade to plain cranberry sauce, roasted tandoori chicken or turkey or cauliflower for vegetarians, and sweet samosas filled with pumpkin pie.

    Your guests are going to be raving about how you stand out this year.

    25 Indian Inspired Thanksgiving Recipes Collage.

    I've rounded up 25 options of appetizers, side dishes, main dishes, drinks, and desserts that are tried, tested, and true! So many of these recipes have made it to my own Thanksgiving spread or comes highly recommended from personal friends.

    At the end, I've also provided my tips and tricks to hosting a successful Thanksgiving feast at your home. It also includes an editable sample menu to help plan out the dishes for each course.

    Jump to:
    • Appetizers
    • Side Dishes
    • Main Dishes
    • Drinks
    • Desserts
    • Thanksgiving Leftovers
    • How to Prepare for Hosting Thanksgiving Ahead
    • Sample Thanksgiving Dinner Menu
    • More Thanksgiving Content

    Appetizers

    For appetizers, you'll want a few quick options that are low effort to put together but keep your guests happy and busy. This gives you a chance to finish off any side or main dishes while they mingle and munch on the appetizers.

    Usually, I go with a classic crowd-pleasing cheese appetizer and another option that's vegetable forward for balance. They are so easy to make, a little helper in the kitchen can definitely prepare them in the morning or afternoon before guests arrive.

    Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese log on a platter with crostinis and fresh cranberries.

    Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log

    Decorate a holiday-themed Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log for the festive season! With just 5 simple ingredients and 5 minutes of your time, this honeyed cheese log with orange zest is perfect for a charcuterie board or as a cheese appetizer for your dinner party.
    Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log Recipe
    Lentil Salad with Curry Lemon Dressing

    Lentil Salad with Curry Lemon Dressing

    This Hearty Lentil Salad by Profusion Curry is a perfect balanced meal full of bright flavors,  textures and colors.  Homemade Curry Lemon Dressing adds an excellent earthy touch to this incredibly satisfying salad.
    Lentil Salad Recipe
    Kachumber Salad

    Kachumber Salad

    Here’s a traditional Kachumber Salad recipe by Tea for Turmeric that you can make in 5 minutes! This recipe shares fun variations, add-ins, and pairing ideas.
    Check out this recipe
    Mushroom Matar Galette

    Mushroom Matar Galette

    Buttery scratch made pastry filled with a north Indian spiced mushroom & peas make this galette a fun Indian fusion recipe by Sinfully Spicy. Serve it with green chutney and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a savory addition to your dinner table.
    Mushroom Matar Galette Recipe

    To keep the Galette simple, skip the pastry dough made from scratch and purchase a pie crust from the grocery store. Alternatively, you can make the pastry dough a few days beforehand and freeze it.

    Side Dishes

    Undoubtedly the best part about Thanksgiving: the Side Dishes. We're talking breads, winter veggies, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and always some type of pasta.

    Indian spices and chutneys make all of these side dishes vibrant and ridiculously flavorful.

    One Chutney Cheese Brioche Roll cut into with golden fork

    Chutney Cheese Brioche Rolls

    Soft and buttery brioche dinner rolls filled with cilantro-mint chutney and cheese make these Chutney Cheese Brioche Rolls a hit at the table!
    Chutney Cheese Brioche Rolls Recipe
    Platter with oven roasted carrots topped with cranberries and almonds with a serving spoon.

    Garam Masala Oven Roasted Carrots

    Garam Masala Oven-Roasted Carrots are an easy-to make side dish that takes just a few minutes to prep! Carrots are simply tossed in oil, ginger garlic paste, and garam masala. They're topped in toasted, crunchy almonds and tart dried cranberries.
    Garam Masala Oven Roasted Carrots Recipe
    cocotte with cranberry sauce with serving spoon

    Spiced Ginger Cranberry Sauce

    Easy homemade Spiced Ginger Cranberry Sauce is an Indian twist to a classic. The cranberry sauce is paired with orange juice, ginger, and fragrant hints of cardamom, star anise, and cinnamon.
    Spiced Ginger Cranberry Sauce Recipe
    Delicata Squash with Pomegranates, Walnuts, and Basil in a platter with a golden spoon and honey in a bowl

    Honey-Roasted Delicata Squash with Pomegranates and Walnuts

    Learn how to honey roast delicata squash to make this delicious side dish! Topped with pomegranates and walnuts, this is dish is going to stand out on your dinner table.
    Check out this recipe
    A large bowl of mashed potatoes and serving spoon with a spicy garlic tadka.

    Tadka Mashed Potatoes

    Spice up your favorite side dish with a delicious pour of tempered spices in ghee over classic buttery and fluffy mashed potatoes! These Tadka Mashed Potatoes are topped with an Indian twist of tempered aromatics and spices to add a punch of flavor. Serve 'em up as a side dish for a weeknight dinner or add them to your Thanksgiving Day spread!
    Tadka Mashed Potatoes Recipe
    Masala Macaroni

    Masala Macaroni

    This Indian Masala Macaroni by Sinfully Spicy is made with macaroni, vegetables and spices. It is buttery and spicy with no cheese.
    Masala Macaroni Recipe
    Spicy Bombay Potatoes

    Spicy Bombay Potatoes

    These Spicy Bombay Potatoes or Masala Aloo by Piping Pot Curry are a great appetizer or side dish to any meal. Make them as a one-pot dish in just 20 minutes!
    Spicy Bombay Potatoes Recipe

    Main Dishes

    A perfect roast turkey is the centerpiece to your Thanksgiving table. It's what everyone will talk about during and after the meal! I love these various options for using a tandoori marinade to roast a turkey, chicken, or even cauliflower if you've got vegetarians! It's gorgeous, vibrant, unique, and so flavorful.

    Whole Tandoori Chicken

    Whole Tandoori Chicken

    Perfectly juicy from the inside and crispy on the outside this Air Fryer Whole Tandoori Chicken by Ministry of Curry is ready in an hour - a must-try recipe!
    Whole Tandoori Chicken Recipe
    Tandoori Turkey

    Tandoori Turkey

    This Indian inspired tandoori turkey by Nish Kitchen featuring succulent and flavorful roast turkey marinated with homemade tandoori paste is a game changer.
    Tandoori Turkey Recipe
    Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower

    Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower

    Whole roasted spicy-tandoori cauliflower by Ministry of Curry is garnished with pickled onions, pistachios, and pomegranates served alongside cooling cucumber raita.
    Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower Recipe

    If you're looking for a second vegetarian-friendly main dish, then a veggie pot pie and vegan Wellington are impressive, hearty options.

    Air Fryer Vegetable Pot Pie

    Air Fryer Vegetable Pot Pie

    Layers of puff pastry on a ramekin with vegetables in a Vegan sauce, this Air Fryer vegetable pot pie by Herbivore Cucina is great for the Holidays!
    Air Fryer Vegetable Pot Pie Recipe
    Vegan Wellington

    Vegan Wellington

    Impress your guests with this gorgeous Vegan Wellington by Vegan Huggs! The filling is meaty, satisfying and ever-so-tasty! It’s surprisingly easy to make too!
    Vegan Wellington Recipe

    Drinks

    Try an apple-flavored slushie for kids or cocktail for the adults!

    full cup of apple cider slushies with cinnamon sticks

    Spiced Apple Cider Slushie

    Best part about fall? Visiting local farms for apple picking, fresh apple cider, and apple cider donuts! Take home the cozy memories with this Spiced Apple Cider Slushie that you can make in your own kitchen with only a blender!
    Spiced Apple Cider Slushie Recipe
    Caramel Apple Sangria

    Caramel Apple Sangria

    Super easy to make with great fall flavors, this delicious caramel apple sangria by Sweet Tea and Thyme will be a huge hit at your next holiday gathering!
    Caramel Apple Sangria Recipe

    Desserts

    Trust me, you're going to want to try a pumpkin pie in samosa form. They're a must-have and highly requested at Garg Thanksgivings!

    garam masala sweet potato casserole in a baker with toasted marshmallows

    Garam Masala Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

    A classic Sweet Potato Casserole spiced with garam masala and sweetened with jaggery is a delicious addition to a Thanksgiving spread. It's topped with pecans and toasted marshmallows and can be served as a side dish or a dessert!
    Garam Masala Sweet Potato Casserole Recipe
    Pumpkin Pie Samosa with Pumpkin Pie Filling and Whipped Cream on top

    Pumpkin Pie Samosas

    Looking to impress this fall season? Substitute your Thanksgiving pumpkin pie with these pumpkin pie samosas! The rich, flaky, crispy fried dough coated in cinnamon sugar with a delicious and simple pumpkin pie filling is next level!
    Pumpkin Pie Samosas Recipe

    Pumpkin Halwa

    This creamy Pumpkin Halwa, or kaddu ka halwa, is the perfect fall dessert for celebrating Indian festivals. Fresh pumpkin is simmered down into a pudding-like consistency and topped with toasted cashews and golden raisins. It's incredibly rich in flavor and suitable to enjoy for breakfast or a light evening dessert.
    Pumpkin Halwa Recipe
    Chocolate Cardamom Pudding

    Chocolate Cardamom Pudding

    This 15 minute, egg-free chocolate pudding is silky smooth with a sophisticated cardamom flavour by End of the Fork.
    Chocolate Cardamom Pudding Recipe

    Thanksgiving Leftovers

    Transform your leftovers into muffins for breakfast or sweet milkshakes!

    bite shot of leftover cranberry sauce coffee cake muffins

    Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins

    Stuck with a ton of leftover cranberry sauce from Thanksgiving Day dinner? Make these scrumptious bakery-style Coffee Cake Muffins with layers of cranberry sauce! They're topped with a sweet buttery crumble for a perfect breakfast treat served with coffee.
    Leftover Cranberry Sauce Coffee Cake Muffins Recipe
    A pumpkin pie milkshake with a slice of pie and a straw.

    Leftover Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

    Found yourself with leftover pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving? Use up those leftovers and toss a slice into a blender for a delicious quick and easy Pumpkin Pie Milkshake.
    Leftover Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Milkshake Recipe

    How to Prepare for Hosting Thanksgiving Ahead

    If you're hosting Thanksgiving, it can be extremely overwhelming!

    Here are some of my favorite tips for prepping your kitchen as well as your menu ahead of time.

    Prepping your Kitchen and Home

    • Clear out as much space in your refrigerator and freezer as possible the week prior.
    • Choose your dishes and make a grocery list 2 weeks beforehand. Continue to refine it up to a week before Thanksgiving.
    • Go grocery shopping 3-4 days before Thanksgiving.
    • Try storing everything for one recipe in one part of your refrigerator or store it in large ziploc bags! Put a sticky note with the name of the recipe and list of ingredients in the bag so you know exactly what you need to grab.
    • Prep all the kitchen equipment you need and take note of the appliances you will be using at what time for which recipe. This is especially important if you will be multitasking in the kitchen.
    • Focus on cleaning only the areas that guests will occupy - like your kitchen, dining room, living room, and bathrooms. I promise you don't need to do all of your laundry and power wash your backyard before guests come.
    • Grab some extra tupperware containers so you can pack up leftovers for your guests.
    • Consider printing out a menu to send beforehand or place somewhere near the food so people know exactly what they're eating.
    • Delegate what you can to other family members and friends so you can enjoy the day, too! Don't be shy.

    Prepping your Menu Ahead of Time

    • Be serious about what you think you are able to accomplish in the week leading up to Thanksgiving. Making cranberry sauce or a casserole is easy, yes. You can definitely knock that out. But it's easy enough that a family member or friend can follow your preferred recipe so you can spend 30 minutes doing something else.
    • Cranberry sauce can be made up to a week ahead and it'll taste amazing! Just keep it in an airtight container. When ready to serve, just transfer it to a small serving dish.
    • A lot of dishes can be frozen ahead of time and defrosted in time for dinner. Curries freeze really well.
    • Make casserole the day before because they reheat really well and the flavors only get better the next day.
    • Prep all the vegetables as soon as you receive them. Mince them, portion them, and get everything chopped up as needed. Store them in ziplocs with labels on them so you know which dish you need them fore.

    Cheers to stress-free entertaining and Happy Thanksgiving!

    Sample Thanksgiving Dinner Menu

    Don't get overwhelmed by the options! Here's a sample Indian-Inspired Thanksgiving dinner menu with all of my favorite recipes.

    Sample Thanksgiving Menu with appetizers, side dishes, entrees, and desserts listed.

    Feel free to edit this template I made for you on Canva.

    More Thanksgiving Content

    • Samosa Pinwheels on a platter with appetizer picks and cilantro green chutney. Surrounded by other Indian snacks and chai.
      Samosa Pinwheels
    • A pumpkin pie milkshake with a slice of pie and a straw.
      Leftover Thanksgiving Pumpkin Pie Milkshake
    • Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese log on a platter with crostinis and fresh cranberries.
      Cranberry Pistachio Goat Cheese Log
    • Platter with oven roasted carrots topped with cranberries and almonds with a serving spoon.
      Garam Masala Oven Roasted Carrots
    See more Thanksgiving →

    I love seeing when you share my recipes! Tag me on Instagram @masalaandchai so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Don't forget to leave a rating and comment about what you thought!

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    ABOUT SHWETA

    Shweta Garg in a kitchen with milkshakes and a waffle.

    I’m Shweta, a self taught recipe developer and food photographer living in New York City. I’m a full time cloud consultant who also enjoys eating out at restaurants, discovering and supporting small business, and cozying up with a cup of chai.

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