(Fuzull Hanum / Shutterstock.com)
For many, Thanksgiving is turkey day, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Afterall the first Thanksgiving in 1621 may not have even served turkey. Venison, waterfowl like ducks, shellfish, and local produce was much more likely to have been part of the meal, according to Smithsonian Magazine.
So, this year, why don’t you swap out the usual roast turkey with some non-traditional main courses. Here are five recipes to try.
Chicken and Stuffing Casserole
This recipe from The Pioneer Woman contains all the flavors of a traditional Thanksgiving meal in a casserole but uses cooked shredded chicken instead of turkey. It is also a big time-saver because you can use boxed savory herb stuffing instead of making fresh. The only other ingredients you need are butter, heavy cream, chicken broth, onion, celery, carrots, frozen peas, and spices. Just serve with your favorite sides for a festive Thanksgiving meal.
(Fanfo / Shutterstock.com)
Fall Harvest Vegetarian Pot Pie
This seasonal one-pan main dish from the Something Nutritious blog is made with fall vegetables and spices. The filling is made of cubed sweet potatoes, butternut squash, carrots, potatoes, and white beans. The pot pie is covered with a sheet of puffed pastry. You will also need butter or margarine, milk or a non-dairy alternative, and flour. The recipe can be made vegetarian or vegan.
(iuliia_n / Shutterstock.com)
Spicy Orange-Honey Glazed Ham
You don’t have to wait for Christmas for a honey glazed ham. This easy recipe from the blog Pure Wow, is foolproof and will leave you lots of leftovers after Thanksgiving. All you need is a 10-to-12-pound boneless ham, honey, the zest of one orange, brown sugar, garlic cloves, mustard, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. It will make a beautiful presentation on your table.
(Elena Veselova / Shutterstock.com)
Butternut Squash Lasagna
This hearty butternut squash lasagna recipe from The Pioneer Woman is both festive and seasonal. Each layer is made with sage-infused butternut squash puree, spinach, spicy Italian sausage, and loaded with cottage cheese, fresh mozzarella, and grated parmesan. You will also need a 16 oz box of lasagna noodles. Leave out the meat for a veggie main course. It’s sure to become a family favorite.
(Olga Nayashkova / Shutterstock.com)
Salmon Wellington
This dish from the Coined Cuisine blog will dress-up any Thanksgiving table. Making a salmon wellington is not complicated at all. The only ingredients you need are skinless salmon fillets, frozen spinach, puff pastry, mustard, spices, and eggs to make an egg wash with. You can make this recipe ahead of time and freeze it. What can be simpler?
(Ivanna Pavliuk / Shutterstock.com)
