Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones and sharing delicious food, but it can be a challenge when dietary restrictions come into play. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this gluten and dairy free Thanksgiving recipe that everyone can enjoy! This dish is not just for those with specific dietary needs; it’s packed with flavors and textures that will impress all your guests, no matter their preferences. Imagine the hearty quinoa mingling with crunchy walnuts and sweet cranberries, all cooked to perfection in a savory vegetable broth. Trust me, this meal will make your holiday feast inclusive and memorable, ensuring that everyone feels welcome at your table. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe that celebrates the spirit of Thanksgiving while keeping it healthy and delicious!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, rinse your quinoa under cold water! This helps remove any bitterness. Just give it a good swish and drain it well.
- In a medium pot, combine the rinsed quinoa and the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s bubbling away, reduce the heat to low, cover it up, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want that quinoa to soak up all that delicious broth!
- While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté everything together for about 5-7 minutes, or until the veggies are nice and soft and the kitchen smells amazing!
- Now, sprinkle in the dried thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well to combine those flavors. This is where the magic starts to happen!
- Once your quinoa is fluffy and cooked through, add it to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Toss in the chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, mixing everything together. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, so everything gets warmed through and melds together beautifully.
- Finally, serve this colorful quinoa dish warm and enjoy the smiles around your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: This dish comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for a busy Thanksgiving day.
- Delicious flavors: The combination of savory vegetables, crunchy walnuts, and sweet cranberries creates a delightful flavor profile that everyone will love.
- Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein from quinoa and healthy fats from walnuts, this meal is not only filling but also nutritious.
- Inclusive for all: It’s a gluten and dairy free Thanksgiving option, ensuring that everyone at your table can enjoy a hearty meal without worry.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply reheat it before serving, saving you time on the big day!
- Customizable: Feel free to switch up the veggies or nuts based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your gluten and dairy free Thanksgiving dish turns out perfectly! First off, don’t skip rinsing the quinoa—this step is crucial to avoid any bitterness and helps it fluff up beautifully. If you’re allergic to nuts, swap the walnuts for sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds; they’ll still give you that nice crunch without the worry!
Also, feel free to experiment with the vegetables! If you have some leftover roasted veggies or seasonal squash, toss them in for extra flavor and color. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking; a little extra salt or a splash of lemon juice can really brighten things up. Lastly, this dish can be made ahead of time, so consider preparing it a day in advance to let those flavors deepen—just reheat gently before serving!
Variations
- Veggie Swap: Feel free to mix in other seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even roasted butternut squash for a different flavor profile.
- Nuts or Seeds: If walnuts aren’t your thing, try pecans or slivered almonds for a nutty crunch, or go for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin if you’re nut-free.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs! Chopped parsley or cilantro added just before serving can elevate the flavors even more.
- Spiced Up: For a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper while sautéing the veggies.
- Sweet Twist: Add chopped apples or pears for a touch of natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this gluten and dairy free Thanksgiving dish, there are so many delightful options to complement it! I love pairing it with a fresh, crisp green salad drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette—something light to balance the heartiness of the quinoa. You could also roast some seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs for a colorful and nutritious side.
If you want to add a little more protein to your meal, consider serving it alongside some herb-marinated grilled chicken or a savory stuffed acorn squash. And of course, don’t forget a warm loaf of gluten-free bread to soak up all those wonderful flavors! Trust me, this combination will bring joy to your Thanksgiving table and have everyone asking for seconds!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for this delicious gluten and dairy free Thanksgiving dish, based on a serving size of 1 cup. Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 8g
This dish is not only hearty and satisfying, but it also delivers a good balance of nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for your Thanksgiving feast!
FAQ Section
Can I use another grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can substitute it with brown rice, farro, or even millet for a different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
What can I serve with this quinoa dish?
This quinoa dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a protein like grilled chicken or turkey. It’s versatile and can complement many dishes!
Can I make this dish ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
Definitely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it will be just as delicious!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve it with a spicy sauce on the side for those who like it hot!
gluten and dairy free thanksgiving: 5 flavors to savor
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 6 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A gluten and dairy free Thanksgiving meal that everyone can enjoy.
Składniki
- 2 cups quinoa
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup dried cranberries
Instrukcje
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Add thyme, sage, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Add cooked quinoa to the skillet. Mix in walnuts and cranberries.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm and enjoy.
Uwagi
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Substitute nuts with seeds if allergic.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Stovetop
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 300mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 1g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 35g
- Włókno: 6g
- Białko: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Słowa kluczowe: gluten free, dairy free, Thanksgiving, quinoa, vegetable broth
