Thanksgiving Recipes: International Sides

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

21 Nov 2008 08:54 AM

Thanksgiving is one of those occasions where you don't look like a cheapskate by asking others to contribute to the meal. This is especially true if you are hosting a ton of people from different backgrounds. My best friend of Japanese-Filipino descent married an Irish guy whose brother married a woman from Jamaica and whose sister married a half-German, half-Mexican man. Their Thanksgiving feasts are cornucopias of colorful and flavorful dishes representing various cultures.

If your family is not as diverse you might consider making the following recipes. Both are easy to prepare and will go a long way to spice up your traditional Turkey Day spread.

Another way you can infuse different flavors into your Thanksgiving Day meal is to have each family member research a particular country and make a dish that best represents the region. The project will not only yield a tasty dish, but your guests will learn to appreciate other cultures as well.

JAMAICAN PEAS AND RICE

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 large bell pepper

1/2 medium onion

2 cups of cooked Uncle Bens Rice

2 cups of water

2 chicken bouillon (cubes)

2-3 twigs of fresh thyme

1 can pegion peas

1 can coconut milk

Salt and pepper

Directions:

In large pot combine olive oil, bell pepper and onions, saute for about 2 minutes. Add pegion peas, coconut milk, thyme, water, rice, chicken bouillon cubes, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover and cook for about 20 minutes.

Serve hot.

GERMAN SAUERKRAUT SALAD

Ingredients:

1 (28 ounce) can or 1 (2-pound bag) of sauerkraut

1 cup diced celery

1 /2 chopped onion

1/2 cup chopped green or red bell pepper

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup vinegar

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix sauerkraut, celery, onion and green pepper.

In a small bowl, mix sugar, oil and vinegar. Add to kraut mixture.

Marinate in refrigerator at least 6 hours before serving.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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