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    Home » Cuisine » Indian

    Indian Thanksgiving Recipes (+Dinner Menu)

    January 19, 2023 . By Meeta Arora . 4 Comments | This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Quick and easy Indian Thanksgiving Recipes
    Easy Indian Thanksgiving Recipes

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Salad & Soup
    • Appetizers
    • Sides
    • Mains
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • How To Plan Ahead?
    • Our Thanksgiving Menu

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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. 

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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!

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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.

    CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL RECIPE

    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

    More Recipes you'll love

    • 20+ Vegetarian Instant Pot Thanksgiving Recipes
    • Cranberry Chutney
    • Coconut Pumpkin Halwa (Pudding)

    More Indian Recipes

    • Vegetable Curry with Basmati Rice and Naan
      21+ Amazing Recipes With Garam Masala
    • Freshly ground garam masala in a glass container and in a spoon
      Garam Masala Recipe (Easy & Authentic)
    • Authentic homemade garam masala in a small white bowl.
      The Best Garam Masala Substitute
    • Keema Matar with peas in a plate
      Keema Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. adriana j quintero says

      November 23, 2022 at 9:28 am

      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!

      Reply
      • Piping Pot Curry says

        November 28, 2022 at 8:28 am

        You’re welcome, Adriana! Thank you for your review.

        Reply
    2. Jayne Misra says

      November 22, 2022 at 7:07 pm

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

      Reply
      • Meeta Arora says

        December 05, 2022 at 10:30 am

        Hi Jayne - Hope you all enjoyed the cranberry chutney. Happy Holidays!

        Reply

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    Meeta Arora of Piping Pot Curry

    I strongly believe that each one of us has a chef inside us, we just need to explore the ingredients and create great food. Here you will find easy & delicious recipes using Instant Pot & Air Fryer.

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