Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and of course, delicious food. While the United States is perhaps the most well-known for its Thanksgiving traditions, countries across the globe celebrate their own versions of this cherished holiday. Each has unique dishes that reflect its culture and culinary heritage.
Here are six to eight recipes from around the world that will bring international flair to your Thanksgiving feast
1. Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce – United States
When it comes to Thanksgiving in the USA, roast turkey is the undeniable star. Paired with tart cranberry sauce and classic sides like mashed potatoes and green bean casserole, this dish embodies the essence of an American Thanksgiving. Add a twist by incorporating spices like smoked paprika or maple glaze for a modern take.
Disposable Full Size Steam Table Pan
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (12–14 lbs)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp orange zest
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pat the turkey dry, rub with melted butter, and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Roast the turkey for 3–4 hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- For cranberry sauce: In a saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and orange zest. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until cranberries burst and sauce thickens. Serve with turkey.
2. Butter Tarts – Canada
In Canada, Thanksgiving (celebrated in October) features comforting, hearty meals. Butter tarts, a flaky pastry filled with buttery caramelized sugar, are a sweet staple. Often mixed with raisins or pecans, these bite-sized treats are a favorite dessert for Canadian Thanksgiving tables.
4" Disposable Foil Tart or Pie Pan
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup shortening
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 tbsp cold water
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup raisins or chopped pecans
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- For pastry: Mix flour, butter, and shortening until crumbly. Add egg yolk and water to form dough. Roll out and cut into circles to fit muffin tins.
- For filling: Whisk brown sugar, corn syrup, melted butter, vanilla, and egg until smooth. Add raisins or pecans.
- Fill each tart shell with 2/3 filling and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
3. Kartoffelklöße (Potato Dumplings) – Germany
Germany’s Erntedankfest, or “Harvest Thanksgiving Festival,” includes dishes that highlight autumn’s bounty. Kartoffelklöße, or potato dumplings, are soft, fluffy bites served with rich gravy. Pair them with roasted vegetables or pork for a hearty addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
1 lb. Disposable Aluminum Take-out Pan
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and boiled
- 1 cup potato starch
- 1 egg
- Salt to taste
- Nutmeg (optional)
- Bread cubes, toasted (optional filling)
Instructions:
- Mash boiled potatoes until smooth. Mix in potato starch, egg, salt, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Form into golf-ball-sized dumplings, optionally adding a bread cube in the center.
- Boil water with a pinch of salt and gently drop dumplings in. Cook for 10 minutes until they float. Serve with gravy.
4. Songpyeon (Rice Cakes) – South Korea
South Korea’s Chuseok festival, similar to Thanksgiving, honors ancestors and celebrates the harvest. Songpyeon, crescent-shaped rice cakes filled with ingredients like sesame seeds or red bean paste, are steamed over pine needles for a fragrant finish. These delicate treats are perfect for a globally inspired dessert option.
Disposable Half Size Foil Steam Table Pan
Ingredients:
- 2 cups glutinous rice flour
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 tbsp honey
- Pinch of salt
- Pine needles (optional, for steaming)
Instructions:
- Mix rice flour and hot water to form dough. Knead until smooth.
- Mix sesame seeds, honey, and salt for filling.
- Divide dough into small pieces, flatten, add filling, and shape into crescents.
- Place cakes on pine needles in a steamer and steam for 20 minutes.
5. Matsutake Gohan – Japan
Though Thanksgiving isn’t traditionally celebrated in Japan, the country’s Kinrō Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day) in late November often includes special meals. Matsutake gohan, rice infused with fragrant matsutake mushrooms, celebrates the season’s harvest flavors.
Ingredients
- Rice: 2 cups (short grain)
- Matsutake mushrooms: 4-5 (sliced)
- Soy sauce: 2 tbsp
- Mirin: 2 tbsp
- Dashi stock: 2 cups
Instructions
- Wash rice and soak in water for 30 minutes. Drain.
- Combine rice, dashi stock, soy sauce, and mirin in a rice cooker or pot. Place mushroom slices on top.
- Cook until rice is tender. Gently mix and serve warm.
6. Jollof Rice – Ghana
In Ghana, gratitude is celebrated with vibrant dishes like Jollof rice, a one-pot wonder made with tomatoes, onions, peppers, and aromatic spices. This flavorful staple can be paired with grilled chicken or plantains, adding a spicy kick to your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 3 large tomatoes, blended
- 2 red bell peppers, blended
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat oil in a pot and sauté onions until golden. Add blended tomatoes and peppers.
- Stir in curry powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add rice and chicken broth. Cover and cook on low heat until rice is tender. Serve hot.
Bring Global Flavors to Your Thanksgiving Table
Exploring Thanksgiving dishes from around the world is a great way to honor diverse cultures and expand your culinary horizons. Whether you’re inspired by Canada’s buttery tarts or Ghana’s spicy Jollof rice, these unique recipes will ensure your Thanksgiving celebration is truly memorable.