I imagine most of you have your Thanksgiving menus all set, but in case you’re still looking for inspo, here is a whole line-up of ideas. As for what’s on the meal plan, it’s a combo of simple meals, ideas for making use of leftover turkey, and a squash soup that I make each year and set on the stove for lunch on Thanksgiving day.
Genius Butternut Squash Soup
Serve this on a night when you want something simple and cozy or add it to your Thanksgiving menu. Because it’s made with coconut milk instead of cream, it perfect for folks who don’t do dairy.
4-Ingredient Sweet Potato Enchiladas
With just four ingredients, these enchiladas are a snap to make. I’m crazy about the flavor combo of sweet potatoes and the chiles in the enchiladas sauce. Serve it with this salad on the side if you want some crunch!
Brothy Tortellini with Sausage and Kale
This dish lands somewhere between a pasta and a soup. It’s satisfying and nourishing, with everything you need for a balanced supper right in one bowl. Do up some garlic bread on the side if you’re in the mood.
Turkey Sandwiches with Muhammara
This recipe was developed with chicken in mind, but it’s also a terrific way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Just whiz up the savory muhammara in your food processor, tuck in arugula or any extra salad greens, and you’ve got an excellent lunch or dinner on your hands.
Warm Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
It might be nice to have something a little on the lighter side in the lead up to Thanksgiving. This warm spinach salad is filling and really tasty. For a vegetarian version, swap the prosciutto for roasted or sautéed mushrooms.
Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf Cake
Pumpkin and chocolate are a dream team in this supremely moist loaf cake punctuated with dark chocolate chips. It’s the sort of thing to leave out on the counter and let any folks milling about tuck into a slice. Alternatively, swap it in for a pie on your Thanksgiving table.
How to Make Turkey Broth
Don’t toss those turkey bones! Your future self will be so grateful that you turned them into a golden broth to stash in the freezer. This method shows how easy it is to do. You can make it with your Instant Pot if you prefer, figuring 45 minutes and either quick or natural release.
SHOPPING LIST // WEEK 47
Genius Butternut Squash Soup
1 large yellow onion
1 large butternut squash (~3 1/4 pounds)
5 ounces full fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 to 1 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
1 tablespoon fresh sage (optional)
4-Ingredient Sweet Potato Enchiladas
1 1/2 pounds organic sweet potatoes
8 small 6-inch tortillas
2 cups green enchilada sauce (two 8-ounce pouches or one 15-ounce can)
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Brothy Tortellini with Sausage and Kale
One 9-ounce package fresh tortellini
2 links fresh spicy Italian sausage (about ⅔ pound)
¾ cup diced shallot (or yellow onion)
3 large cloves garlic
2/3 cup dry white wine
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade if you have it)
1 bunch kale
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch red pepper flakes
1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Small chunk Parmesan cheese for grating
Rotisserie Chicken Sandwich with Spicy Pecan Muhammara
One 12-ounce jar roasted bell peppers
2/3 cup pecan halves
1/4 cup panko or other unseasoned bread crumbs
1 clove garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses (or 1 1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar + 1 tsp honey)
8 slices crusty bread, such as whole-grain levain
8 ounces shredded rotisserie chicken (~ 3 cups)
Generous handful arugula
Warm Spinach Salad with Balsamic Dressing
4 thin slices prosciutto
4 eggs
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium shallot
1 large clove garlic
1 pound fresh spinach (not baby spinach)
1-2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Marbled Chocolate Pumpkin Loaf Cake
Non-stick cooking spray
One 15-ounce can pumpkin puree, unsweetened
¾ cup firmly packed brown sugar, plus 3 tablespoons
2 eggs
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups whole-wheat pastry flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ heaping cup dark chocolate chips
How to Make Turkey Broth
1 cooked turkey carcass
2 ribs celery
2 carrots
1 large onion
2 bay leaves
Optional add-ins: 2 cloves garlic, 2 sliced leeks, 6 black peppercorns, handful of parsley, 3 sprigs thyme