Thanksgiving will be here in just a few days. Most people are surely planning traditional turkey dinners complete with all the fixings, but why not try something a little different this year?
If you want to break tradition this holiday, consider cooking a Middle Eastern style Thanksgiving dinner. There are plenty of reasons to try Middle Eastern food, and there are many downright delicious Middle Eastern dishes that will satisfy your Thanksgiving guests. With that in mind, we’re running through some Middle Eastern foods perfect for Thanksgiving day.
Hummus is one of the most popular Middle Eastern dishes, and for good reason. Its a healthy side that pairs perfectly with pita, chips or vegetables. And its creamy texture make it the perfect alternative to traditional unhealthy dips. You can make hummus from scratch or find it pre-made at your local grocery store, making it an easy option for dinner guests. Serve hummus as an appetizer to get everyone prepared for your Middle Eastern style Thanksgiving feast.
These delicious fried balls are made from chick peas and/or fava beans, and are the perfect bite-sized treat to serve alongside other appetizers. Of course, you could also serve falafel as part of your main course — a great option if you have vegetarian guests. We recommend serving a falafel platter that includes some fresh or pickled vegetables and dipping sauces, giving guests several ways to enjoy the dish.
A big Middle Eastern meal typically includes some rice, and you can’t go wrong with traditional jeweled rice. This dish features basmati rice with pistachios, almonds and carrots as well as fruits like cranberries and raisins. It’ll definitely take a lot of work to make, but the results will be well worth it. Jeweled rice will make a perfect substitute for a classic stuffing in your Middle Eastern Thanksgiving meal.
Tired of turkey? Try a leg of lamb this Thanksgiving. Slow-cooking a leg of lamb with Middle Eastern spices will result in deliciously tender meat that can serve your entire Thanksgiving dinner party. You might even be able to send friends and family home with some leftovers!
Every Thanksgiving dinner needs some dessert, and to keep with the Middle Eastern flavor you’ll want to have some baklava. Baklava is one of the most popular desserts in the Middle East and Mediterranean, made from sweetened pastry dough and typically featuring chopped nuts.
Thanksgiving may be a time for tradition, but it’s also a great time to start new traditions! Celebrating with a Middle Eastern inspired menu will give your loved ones something original and exciting to experience this year. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, come visit Terrace Restaurant & Lounge. We have a full menu of Middle Eastern cuisine ready for you to try, bringing a taste of the Middle East to America. Contact Terrace Restaurant for more info on our delicious offerings.