Traditional Thanksgiving dinners are delicious! However, it is occasionally necessary to shake things up a little. Here are some spiced, aromatic Indian Thanksgiving Recipes to get you inspired. And believe me, you will not miss the turkey!

I like to include a mix of thanksgiving classic dishes and Indian favorites that suit everyone’s palate in our Thanksgiving dinner menu. These dishes have become a thanksgiving tradition for our family, and I hope you enjoy them too!

A collage of indian inspired thanksgiving recipes

Thanksgiving is a popular holiday celebrated in North America. It commemorates the harvest and is a day to express gratitude for our blessings. It is special as it marks the beginning of the holiday season!

A magnificent roast turkey is generally the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Thanksgiving. Aside from turkey, a typical menu consists of mashed potatoes, stuffing, veggies like brussel sprouts or green beans, gravy, bread, cranberry sauce, and the humble pumpkin pie.

I never celebrated Thanksgiving while growing up in India. But over the years, being here in the US, we have started celebrating Thanksgiving -it’s all about gatherings with family and friends. And great cuisine is synonymous with this celebration.

Over the years, living here in the Bay Area, I have taken over the Thanksgiving feast preparation in my home, incorporating my Indian heritage into the holiday fare.

I preserve the classic Thanksgiving elements- such as potatoes, pumpkin, and cranberry sauce, but I prepare them in a desi style – with many aromatics and spices!

So, if you’re looking for a change to liven things up a little and like Indian food, you have come to the right place. And the best part is that this Indian-style menu provides abundant options for vegetarians and vegans!

To make Thanksgiving entertaining easier for you, I’ve put together a delectable list of Indian thanksgiving recipes to impress your friends and family.

From appetizers to desserts to side dishes and main-course, these recipes are simple and easy enough for hosting or to enjoy a cozy meal with family. And don’t forget to scroll to the bottom to see our Indian fusion thanksgiving menu.

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Salad & Soup

Roasted Pumpkin Salad

Pumpkin salad with feta and walnuts served in a platter

A delicious roasted pumpkin salad with feta and walnuts topped with a honey balsamic dressing. A hearty, delicious salad perfect for Thanksgiving dinner.

Pumpkin salad with feta and walnuts served in a platter
5 from 3 votes

Pumpkin Salad (with Feta & Walnuts)

A mouthwatering sweet balsamic-honey dressing is drizzled on top of this delicious roasted pumpkin salad with feta and walnuts. This fall salad is great as a side dish or as a complete meal on its own.
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Kachumber Salad

Kachumber with cilantro

This simple yet colorful Kachumber salad is so easy and refreshing. Made with chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumbers and seasoned with spices, serve it as a side with any Indian food. It is vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free. This will look great on your holiday table!

Indian Salad kachumber garnished with cilantro leaves
4.70 from 13 votes

Kachumber (Indian Cucumber Salad)

This healthy satisfying kachumber salad is so easy and refreshing. Made with chopped veggies and seasoned with spices, serve it as a side with any Indian food. It is vegan, oil-free, and gluten-free.
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Roasted Pumpkin Soup

Roasted pumpkin soup in a rusty soup bowl topped with cream and pumpkin seeds

You’ll fall in love with this lush, creamy roasted pumpkin soup in no time. This flavorful soup prepared with coconut milk and spices is perfect for warming you up on a chilly fall! Add an Indian twist with this curried pumpkin soup.

Roasted pumpkin soup in a rusty soup bowl topped with cream and pumpkin seeds
5 from 6 votes

Curried Pumpkin Soup

This creamy, vegan and gluten-free roasted pumpkin soup is the finest way to enjoy the pumpkins during the fall and the holiday season.
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Thai Curried Butternut Squash Soup

Curried Butternut squash soup topped with coconut milk in front of the instant pot

This creamy butternut squash soup is elevated with thai curry flavors, and topped with peanuts and coconut milk for a flavorful twist.

Roasted pumpkin soup in a rusty soup bowl topped with cream and pumpkin seeds
5 from 6 votes

Curried Pumpkin Soup

This creamy, vegan and gluten-free roasted pumpkin soup is the finest way to enjoy the pumpkins during the fall and the holiday season.
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Appetizers

Tandoori Chicken Wings

Indian style Tandoori chicken wings served in a platter with a dip and lemon wedges

These smoky Tandoori chicken wings are marinated in Indian spices and yogurt and grilled to perfection. The wings are juicy and delicious and crispy on the outside. They will blow your mind away!

Tandoor chicken wings served with lime wedges
4.75 from 20 votes

Tandoori Chicken Wings

These smoky-flavored Tandoori chicken wings, marinated in Indian spices and yogurt and grilled to perfection, will blow your mind away! The wings are succulent and juicy on the interior and crispy on the outside.
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Paneer Tikka

Paneer Tikka in a white plate with cilantro ang lime wedge on side

This restaurant-style Tandoori Paneer Tikka is an Indian appetizer full of flavor! Thanks to the marinated paneer and crunchy veggies. Enjoy paneer tikka in the air fryer, oven, or barbecue with this simple recipe!

Paneer Tikka in a white plate with cilantro ang lime wedge on side
5 from 8 votes

Paneer Tikka (Air Fryer, Oven & Grill Recipe)

The best restaurant-style Tandoori Paneer Tikka at home. With the marinated paneer and crispy vegetables, this Indian appetizer is packed with lots of flavor. Enjoy paneer tikka with this easy recipe to make in the air fryer, oven or grill!
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Tandoori Cauliflower

Tandoori Gobi served on a platter with chutney
Air Fryer Recipes

This spiced Tandoori Cauliflower is incredibly easy to make and great in cilantro mint chutney. Serve as a delicious low-carb side dish on your holiday table.

Tandoori Gobi served on a platter with chutney
4.82 from 44 votes

Tandoori Cauliflower (Gobi Tikka)

Tandoori Cauliflower is a wonderful gluten-free and low-carb appetizer. Tossed with a spiced yogurt marinade and roasted in the oven or air fryer, this Tandoori Gobi Tikka is so flavorful, golden and crispy. The whole family will love this easy and healthy cauliflower recipe!
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Indian Charcuterie

Indian-style desi charcuterie board for Diwali or Ramadan with a variety of snacks and sweets

I made this charcuterie for Diwali, however, it would be a great addition to your Indian-inspired Thanksgiving dinner too.

Indian-style desi charcuterie board for Diwali or Ramadan with a variety of snacks and sweets
5 from 2 votes

Indian Charcuterie Board

Everything you need to know in creating and assembling the perfect Indian Charcuterie Board with food inspirations, expert tips and instructions. Serve your Indian snacks and sweets in a cheerful and festive way!
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Sides

Bombay Potatoes

Spicy Bombay Potatoes Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Baby Potatoes, cooked with aromatic spices, are perfect for serving as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy spicy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make and are a wonderful addition to the Thanksgiving meal.

Spicy Bombay Potatoes made in Instant Pot Pressure Cooker in a bowl topped with chopped cilantro
4.92 from 50 votes

Spicy Bombay Potatoes

Baby Potatoes cooked with aromatic spices, as a one-pot dish, are perfect to serve as an appetizer or a side dish. These delicious and easy Bombay Potatoes take just 20 minutes to make in the Instant Pot or on stovetop.
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Cranberry Chutney

Cranberry Ginger Chutney in a bowl

This Cranberry Chutney is sweet, spicy, and tangy. Cranberries, apples, orange juice, and spices are like a flavor explosion in your mouth. It takes only 30 minutes to make in the instant pot or on the stovetop. Serve it with your favorite appetizer or sandwich or on a cheese board!

Cranberry Ginger Chutney in a bowl
5 from 3 votes

Cranberry Chutney

This Cranberry Chutney is sweet, spicy, and tangy, all at the same time. It is like a flavor burst in your mouth, with the cranberries, apples, orange juice, and spices. Make it in the instant pot or stovetop in just 30 minutes. Enjoy it on a cheese tray, or with your favorite appetizer or sandwich!
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Curried Mashed Pumpkin

indian curried pumpkin (mashed pethe ki subzi punjabi)

This Indian curried mashed pumpkin is a delicious and healthy vegetable side that can be made in less than 30 minutes.

Cranberry Ginger Chutney in a bowl
5 from 3 votes

Cranberry Chutney

This Cranberry Chutney is sweet, spicy, and tangy, all at the same time. It is like a flavor burst in your mouth, with the cranberries, apples, orange juice, and spices. Make it in the instant pot or stovetop in just 30 minutes. Enjoy it on a cheese tray, or with your favorite appetizer or sandwich!
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Turmeric Rice

Indian Yellow Turmeric Rice in a white bowl

This fragrant and tasty Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice is a great substitute for white rice. Try this recipe to learn how to prepare this bright rice on the stovetop or in the instant pot in no time.

Indian Yellow Turmeric Rice in a white bowl
4.88 from 32 votes

Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice

This fragrant and flavorful Turmeric Rice is a healthy alternative to your usual white rice. Try my recipe to know how to easily make this vibrant rice on the stovetop or in the instant pot.
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Cucumber Raita

Cucumber Raita in a bowl garnished with mint leaves and sprinkled red chili and cumin powder.

This simple homemade Indian Cucumber Raita is delicious. It’s a quick, easy side dish made with grated cucumber, yogurt, and spices.

Cucumber Raita in a bowl garnished with mint leaves and sprinkled red chili and cumin powder.
5 from 3 votes

Easy Cucumber Raita

This easy homemade Indian Cucumber Raita is so refreshing. Made with grated cucumber, yogurt, and flavored with spices, it a perfect easy side dish. Serve it as an accompaniment to biryani, pulao or any Indian meal.
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Mains

Butternut Squash Curry

Butternut Squash Curry with spinach served over rice. Garnished with cilantro and peanuts

This Butternut Squash Curry is a creamy, vegan curry packed with squash, coconut milk, and spinach. This cozy and delicious curry is ideal for impressing your guests!

Butternut Squash Curry with spinach served over rice. Garnished with cilantro and peanuts
4.93 from 26 votes

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry with Spinach

This Instant Pot Butternut Squash Curry is a creamy vegan curry, filled with goodness of squash, coconut milk and spinach. This cozy and comforting curry is perfect for Fall dinners!
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Spinach Artichoke Lasagna

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna in Pressure Cooker.

A healthy vegetarian lasagna with lots of fresh spinach, artichokes and cheese layered between noodles. This is an elegant main dish to include to your thanksgiving menu.

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna in Pressure Cooker.
4.82 from 27 votes

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna

A healthy vegetarian lasagna with lots of fresh spinach, Reese Marinated Artichokes and cheese layered between noodles. Step out of your comfort zone and try this delicious lasagna in the instant pot. 
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Mexican Casserole

Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Rice & Bean Casserole is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, along with brown rice and lots of veggies. This is an easy gluten free & vegetarian casserole for a weeknight dinner or your next party!

Although not Indian, you will love this fusion Vegetarian Mexican Casserole with Rice & Beans. It is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, brown rice, and lots of veggies. It is a great addition to your Thanksgiving meal. 

Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Rice & Bean Casserole is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, along with brown rice and lots of veggies. This is an easy gluten free & vegetarian casserole for a weeknight dinner or your next party!
4.83 from 172 votes

Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Casserole with Rice & Beans

Healthy Vegetarian Mexican Rice and Bean Casserole is easy to make and filled with cheesy goodness, along with brown rice and lots of veggies. This is an easy gluten free & vegetarian casserole for a weeknight dinner or your next party!
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Palak Paneer

Palak Paneer Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

If you are going with traditional Indian dishes, Palak Paneer is on your Thanksgiving menu. Indian cottage cheese is dunked in a curry made with Spinach, ginger, garlic, onions, and aromatic spices. Pair it with Naan bread for a memorable holiday meal.

Palak Paneer Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
4.79 from 239 votes

Instant Pot Palak Paneer Recipe (Pressure Cooker)

A North Indian favorite with spinach and cottage cheese, Palak Paneer. Make this instant pot palak paneer as a one-pot dish, super easy and delicious!
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Coconut Chickpea Curry

Coconut chickpea curry in a bowl

You can’t have an Indian dinner without the addition of a chickpea curry. This Coconut Chickpea Curry is an outstanding curry that is simple yet fancy enough to be served for Thanksgiving . It is vegan and nutritious as well!

Coconut Chickpea Curry served over rice in a plate
4.91 from 31 votes

Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry

Instant Pot Coconut Chickpea Curry is a creamy vegan curry, perfect for those busy weekdays. Made with staple pantry ingredients, this one-pot meal with pot-in-pot brown rice will make up for a perfect wholesome meal.
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Desserts

Coconut Pumpkin Halwa

Coconut pumpkin halwa in a golden bowl

Coconut Pumpkin Halwa, also known as Kaddu ka Halwa, is a pumpkin dessert created in India with pumpkin, sugar, ghee, coconut, and almonds. You will not miss the pumpkin pie after you eat this!

Coconut pumpkin halwa in a golden bowl
4.87 from 15 votes

Coconut Pumpkin Halwa Recipe (Pumpkin Pudding)

Coconut Pumpkin Halwa, also called as Kaddu ka Halwa is an Indian pumpkin dessert made with pumpkin, sugar, ghee, coconut and nuts. It can be cooked in a pressure cooker on the stovetop or Instant pot and takes less than 30 minutes to make this delicious dessert!
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Gulab Jamun Custard Jars

Gulab Jamun shrikhand cups

These gulab jamun custard jars is layered with goodness of the cookie crumble, creamy cooling custard and sweet gulab jamun’s, adorned with slivered pistachios and rose petals. These unique dessert jars are simple to make and will be the talk of your holiday dinner!

Indian fusion dessert - Gulab jamun custard jars
5 from 6 votes

Gulab Jamun Custard Jars (Indian Fusion Dessert)

An easy Indian fusion festive dessert – Gulab Jamun Custard Jars. This dessert is layered with goodness of the cookie crumble, creamy cooling custard and sweet gulab jamun's, adorned with slivered pistachios and rose petals. These exotic dessert jars are easy to put together, and are sure to be a party stunner!
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Drinks

Masala Chai

Masala Chai in 2 cups

A warm cup of authentic Indian Masala Chai, prepared with aromatic spices and ginger, to refresh and brighten the festive spirit!

Two cups of tea with toast on the side
4.84 from 71 votes

Indian Masala Chai Recipe (Spiced Milk Tea)

A warm cup of authentic Indian Masala Chai, prepared with aromatic spices and ginger, to refresh and brighten your morning! 
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Masala Chaat (Spiced Buttermilk)

Masala Chaas, indian spiced buttermilk in 2 glasses ready to be served

This staple Indian spiced buttermilk drink is refreshing, delicious, and healthy. Made with buttermilk, spices, and herbs, it takes only 5 minutes to make and can be served along with the meal.

How to Make Indian buttermilk - masala chaas
5 from 2 votes

Masala Chaas (Indian Spiced Buttermilk)

This staple Indian summer spiced buttermilk drink is refreshing, delicious, and healthy. Made with buttermilk, spices, and herbs, it takes only 5 minutes to make and can be served after lunch, dinner, or any time of the day.
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How To Plan Ahead?

For a stress-free thanksgiving dinner, you can plan and make a few things ahead to avoid last-minute hang-ups.

  • Make space in your refrigerator to keep the produce and also leftovers.
  • Plan your menu and make your grocery list and shop for nonperishables ten days before in advance.
  • Buy the produce 3-4 days in advance.
  • Plan to use all your cooking equipment (oven, stove top, air-fryer, instant top) and gadgets so you can multitask and cook a few dishes simultaneously.
  • You can prepare the cranberry chutney a week before and store it in an airtight container.
  • You can prepare your soup 3-4 days in advance and freeze it.
  • You can roast pumpkin and make the puree, and store it for multiple dishes.
  • Many Indian curries store well when frozen, and you can easily make them ahead of time.
  • Desserts like Halwa can also be frozen, saving you time if you make them in advance.
  • Potatoes can be boiled and stored.
  • The Tandoori marinade can be made ahead of time, and the proteins can be marinated one day before.
  • Most importantly, delegate responsibilities among family and friends – don’t be shy to ask for help!

Our Thanksgiving Menu

I am sharing here our thanksgiving menu. Feel free to print it out to have it handy as you plan your dinner menu.

Indian thanksgiving menu

I hope you add an Indian twist to your Thanksgiving meal this year. Just select your recipes, shop for the ingredients and get cooking! And after you’ve finished your delectable meal, you’ll certainly be grateful for a wonderful dinner.

If you loved this menu, do share in the comments below. If a favorite holiday recipe is missing from this list, I would also love to hear about that.

Don’t forget to let us know if you have tried these recipes. Share your thanksgiving dinner table photos @PipingPotCurry or #pipingpotcurry

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About Meeta

Hi..I’m Meeta. I am a former product specialist by profession, and a foodie at heart. I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need some inspiration to explore the ingredients and create great food. I share simple step-by-step recipes made using instant pot and other gadgets in the modern kitchen. I primarily cook Indian food, but I also love to cook global cuisines such as Italian, Thai, Mexican and more. Enjoy the world of awesome food!

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4 Comments

  1. Thank you so much for these wonderful recipes, all so Yummy. I prepare your recipes and they are all delicious and easy. Thanks so much!

  2. I was looking for something to make my cranberries taste really good and not so plain. Your recipe will join our turkey!