Thanksgiving is all about taste, so if you’re celebrating this classic American holiday, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the fuller, nuttier taste of whole grains. Using recipes from the Oldways Whole Grains Council site, here are some of our top suggested swaps for dishes to accompany your turkey:

  • Instead of mashed potatoes, try our Millet Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes.” While we like a good spud as much as the next person, trying changing things up by cooking cauliflower and millet then puréeing the two together, as suggested by WGC Culinary Advisor Robin Asbell.
     
    Millet-Cauliflower Mash and Apple Sage Wild Rice Stuffing
    Millet-Cauliflower “Mashed Potatoes” (L) and Apple Sage Wild Rice Stuffing (R)
  • Tired of the same old soggy bread cube stuffing? How about substituting Apple Sage Wild Rice Stuffing instead? Start with a mix of brown and wild rice, apples, celery and onions, then add pecans, cranberries and a tiny touch of heat, to start a great new stuffing tradition for your family.
     
    Three Whole Grain Side Dishes for Thanksgiving
    Freekeh with Brussels Sprouts (L); Farro, Dried Fruit & Garbanzos (C); Pecan Brown Rice Pilaf (R)
  • If you’re in the habit of serving plain white rice, take things up a notch this year with a grain side dish. One great option would be Freekeh with Brussels Sprouts, Apple, Dried Cranberries, Honey and Pomegranate. Freekeh’s smoky taste balances perfectly with the other ingredients, and the dish can be made ahead and served warm or at room temperature, taking some of that last-minute stress off of dinner prep.  Two other good choices would be Farro, Dried Fruit and Garbanzo Salad from WGC Culinary Advisor Paul Lynch or Toasted Pecan and Brown Rice Pilaf.
     
    Three Thanksgiving Bread Recipes
    Accordion Rolls (L); Three Grain Pan Rolls (C); Holiday Pumpkin Bread (R)
  • In place of the usual white dinner rolls, consider baking up a batch of Accordion Rye Rolls or Three Grain Pan Rolls made with bulgur and oats in addition to wheat flour. You may even want to try our site’s recipe for Holiday Pumpkin Bread.
  • If you’re inviting vegetarians who plan to skip the turkey, consider serving up some Pumpkin Quinoa Chili, another hearty dish from Robin Asbell. Trust us – the addition of just a bit of unsweetened chocolate is essential!
     
    Pumpkin Quinoa Chili and Pumpkin Pie
    Pumpkin Quinoa Chili (L) and Best Ever Pumpkin Pie (R)
  • To finish off your meal, we propose our light and lovely Best Pumpkin Pie Ever. Unlike gummy, thick, custard pies, this recipe uses egg whites to create an airy dessert – a welcome option after you’ve eaten all those other dishes.  

Chances are you’ve already planned your menu for tomorrow, but don’t let these good ideas go to waste. All of these recipes will be welcome at the table throughout the coming months. Try making one or two soon – and you’ll be all ready for Thanksgiving 2018. (Cynthia)

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