As a foodie, Thanksgiving is a major occasion. The dinner table is a sight to behold. With roast turkey taking the prized place, and then the side dishes… Mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, various casseroles, brussels sprouts, steamed corn, and so much more. You might be salivating just at the thought.
But did you know you could enjoy some of these favourites this summer? Of course, such foods aren’t limited to the holiday season. They do tend to be rather heavy, though, falling into that comfort food category – making them perfect for fall and winter. However, with a little twist, you could be enjoying them at the next cookout. Here are three Thanksgiving staples that could be making an appearance this summer:
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Sweet Potato Casserole
The first recipe to tweak for summer is that of a sweet potato casserole. If made correctly, it could pair well with several grilled proteins – chicken, pork chops, and ribs, to name a few.
A savoury twist is a good start here. Sweet potato casseroles are often topped with pecans and marshmallows at Thanksgiving. This might be too sweet in the summer. It is advised to reduce the sugar, so say “goodbye” to the marshmallows. Instead, you could add in fresh rosemary, thyme, garlic, or other savoury elements to the pecan topping.
Another small adjustment is forgoing heavy dairy. Such ingredients are typically too much during the warmer months. Lighter, dairy-free alternatives – primarily coconut milk and coconut oil – work well with tropical summer flavours.
Of course, not everyone wants to lose the sweetness. If that’s you, just read a chef’s tips for sweet potato casserole with cinnamon if you want a sweeter version, perfect for summer.
Maple-Roasted Carrots
There are various ways to enjoy maple-roasted carrots, making them the perfect side dish at a summer cookout. No matter the method – whether you grill them, roast them, or prepare them ahead of time – they’ll be a great partner with smoky grilled meats.
If grilling, use skinny or halved carrots. This will ensure faster and more even cooking. Simply toss them with maple syrup, olive oil, and salt before grilling over medium heat. Alternatively, you might want them oven-roasted. If so, roast at a high heat (200°C) for 20 to 30 minutes.
Adapt the flavour for summer, too. For those of us chasing heat, try mixing maple syrup with a little sriracha. Or even hot sauce! This’ll balance the sweetness. For something a little lighter, add a splash of lemon juice and garnish with toasted pecans.
Grilled Green Beans
Green beans often show up at Thanksgiving in the form of a casserole. While you might make that for summer, grilling them is much more appropriate. They could be enjoyed raw and crunchy, but if the grill is already out, why not use it, right?
So, you could pair the green beans with a variety of veggies. Bell peppers, radishes, and scallions are great choices. Mixing these up with a simple vinaigrette is great for a cookout. However, do be careful when grilling the green beans. Place them perpendicular to the grates; this avoids them falling in. Only grill for a few minutes to obtain a slight crisp appearance.
To conclude, if you’re missing your Thanksgiving favourites, then it’s time to try some summer alternatives. The three listed in this post are perfect for balancing lighter alternatives with that comfort-food vibe.
*Disclaimer – This is a collaborative post. This post has been pre-written.
