Filipino Thanksgiving Food: 7 Heartwarming Dishes to Savor

Name: Filipino Thanksgiving Food: 7 Heartwarming Dishes to Savor
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 9 h
Cuisine: Filipino
Ingredients: 1 whole roasted pig (Lechon); 3 cups of cooked rice; 2 cups of mashed potatoes; 1 cup of green beans; 2 dozen lumpia (spring rolls); 3 cups of pancit (noodles); 1 large fruit salad; 1 gallon of leche flan (caramel custard); 1 bottle of soy sauce; 1 bottle of vinegar

27 października, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Przechodzimy do Przepisu·Drukuj przepis

There’s something truly magical about a Filipino Thanksgiving feast! The air is filled with the aroma of roasted lechon, and the table is a vibrant display of colors and flavors that celebrate our rich culture. I remember the joy of gathering with family around a table overflowing with lumpia, pancit, and all the delicious side dishes. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming tradition where every bite tells a story and every dish is made with love. The unique blend of savory and sweet flavors, like the creamy leche flan and the tangy dipping sauces, makes it a feast to remember. Trust me, once you experience it, you’ll want to make it a part of your holidays too!

Ingredients List

To create this unforgettable Filipino Thanksgiving feast, you’ll need the following ingredients. I promise you, these classic dishes will bring joy to your table!

1 whole roasted pig (Lechon)
3 cups of cooked rice
2 cups of mashed potatoes
1 cup of green beans
2 dozen lumpia (spring rolls)
3 cups of pancit (noodles)
1 large fruit salad (mixed fruit of your choice)
1 gallon of leche flan (caramel custard)
1 bottle of soy sauce (for dipping)
1 bottle of vinegar (for dipping)

How to Prepare Filipino Thanksgiving Food

Now, let’s dive into the delicious process of preparing this Filipino Thanksgiving feast! I promise, it’s easier than it seems and oh-so-rewarding. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a table full of amazing dishes in no time!

Preparing the Lechon

First things first, the star of the show: the lechon! You’ll want to marinate your whole roasted pig the night before. Trust me, this is key to infusing it with flavor! Use a mixture of garlic, soy sauce, and some herbs to give it that irresistible taste.

When the big day arrives, preheat your oven (or if you’re feeling adventurous, use a charcoal pit for that authentic taste) and roast the lechon until the skin turns beautifully crispy—this usually takes about 5-6 hours, depending on the size. The sound of the skin crackling? Pure music to my ears! Once it’s done, let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This helps keep the juices inside, making every bite succulent.

Cooking the Side Dishes

While the lechon is roasting, let’s get those side dishes ready! Start by cooking your rice; it’s a staple that pairs perfectly with all the rich flavors. I usually make about 3 cups of cooked rice, which should take around 20 minutes. Just bring water to a boil, add the rice, cover, and simmer!

Next, for the mashed potatoes, peel and chop about 2 cups of potatoes, boil them until tender, then mash with a bit of butter and milk, and season to your liking. It should be creamy and comforting—perfect for soaking up those savory juices!

Now, steam your green beans for about 5 minutes until they’re bright green and tender-crisp. They add such a fresh contrast to the other rich dishes.

Oh, and don’t forget the lumpia! Fry those golden brown spring rolls in oil until crispy, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes per batch. They’re always a crowd-pleaser! Lastly, prepare the pancit—just follow your favorite recipe, and it should come together in about 15-20 minutes.

Making the Fruit Salad and Leche Flan

For the fruit salad, mix together your choice of fruits—think bananas, mangoes, and pineapples—then chill it in the fridge while you tackle the leche flan. This sweet, creamy dessert is a must! To make it, combine egg yolks, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a bowl. Pour this mixture into a baking dish, and place it in a larger pan filled with hot water (this is your water bath) to ensure even cooking.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about an hour, or until set. Once it cools, flip it over onto a plate to reveal that glorious caramel topping. Wow, just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

And there you have it! A beautifully prepared Filipino Thanksgiving feast ready to impress your family and friends.

Tips for Success

Now that you’re on your way to creating a fantastic Filipino Thanksgiving feast, here are some of my best tips to ensure everything turns out just right! Trust me, these little pointers can make a huge difference.

Marinating the Lechon: Don’t rush the marinating process! Let the lechon soak in that flavorful mixture overnight; it’ll be worth the wait when you taste that juicy, seasoned meat.
Perfectly Crispy Skin: If you’re using an oven, make sure to keep the temperature consistent. If the skin isn’t getting crispy, you can crank up the heat in the last half hour of roasting, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Resting Time: Seriously, let the lechon rest! This is crucial for keeping it moist and tender. I know it’s tempting to carve right away, but patience pays off!
Timing is Key: Since the lechon takes the longest, plan your side dishes around it. Start cooking them once it’s in the oven, and time everything so that they’re ready to serve hot alongside the lechon.
Mashed Potatoes: For extra creamy mashed potatoes, use warm milk instead of cold. It blends in better and gives you that luxurious texture!
Lumpia Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this keeps the oil temperature consistent and helps achieve that perfect crunch.
Chilling the Fruit Salad: Letting the fruit salad chill not only enhances the flavors but also gives it a refreshing taste that balances the richness of the other dishes.
Water Bath for Leche Flan: Make sure the water in the baking pan is hot before placing it in the oven. This helps the flan cook evenly and prevents cracking.
Taste as You Go: Don’t hesitate to taste your dishes as you prepare them. Adjust seasonings to your preference, especially for the pancit and mashed potatoes!
Enjoy the Process: Lastly, remember to have fun! Cooking is all about joy and creativity. Don’t stress over perfection; just focus on making delicious food that you and your loved ones will enjoy!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone at your Thanksgiving gathering. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick glance at the nutritional values you can expect from this delightful Filipino Thanksgiving feast. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But I think you’ll find these numbers pretty helpful when planning your meal!

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 1200
Total Fat: 70g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 30g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 100g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 20g
Protein: 50g

With a feast like this, you’ll be nourishing both body and soul! Just remember to enjoy every bite and the time spent with your loved ones around the table.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to a Filipino Thanksgiving feast, the way you serve your dishes can elevate the whole experience! Traditional Filipino condiments are a must to accompany your meal, and they add that extra burst of flavor that makes everything sing. Trust me, you’ll want to have soy sauce and vinegar on the table for dipping! Soy sauce adds that salty umami goodness, while vinegar brings a tangy punch that cuts through the richness of the lechon and the lumpia.

For a little extra flair, consider serving some spicy vinegar (sukang maanghang) or a soy-vinegar dipping sauce that includes chopped garlic, onions, and chili peppers. It’s a game changer! And don’t forget to offer some pickled vegetables (atchara) on the side—they’re refreshing and balance the hearty dishes perfectly.

If you’re looking to complement your feast with drinks, try serving some refreshing calamansi juice or a cold San Miguel beer for that authentic touch. A nice sweet dessert wine could also be a delightful pairing with the leche flan! Whatever you choose, just remember to keep it festive and full of flavor, just like the spirit of the celebration! Enjoy every moment and every bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

After enjoying your amazing Filipino Thanksgiving feast, you might have some delicious leftovers to savor later! Knowing how to store and reheat them properly ensures that every bite remains just as flavorful and satisfying as the first. Here’s how I do it:

First, let everything cool down to room temperature before packing them away. For the lechon, make sure to carve it into portions and then place it in an airtight container. This way, it stays moist and flavorful. Trust me, no one wants dry lechon!

For the rice, mashed potatoes, and green beans, I recommend storing them in separate containers as well. They’ll keep well in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dig in again, just pop them in the microwave or reheat them on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water to the rice and green beans to keep them from drying out.

Ah, the lumpia! These beauties can be reheated in the oven for that delightful crunch. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the lumpia on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crispy again. Oops! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

As for the pancit, you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little bit of broth or water to keep it from sticking. Stir it occasionally until it’s hot and steamy. And the fruit salad? That’s best enjoyed fresh, so I’d suggest eating it within a day or two for the best taste.

Now, for the leche flan, you can keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container for about a week. Just serve it cold straight from the fridge; it’s still delicious! If you decide to freeze it, wrap it tightly, but be aware that the texture might change a bit once thawed.

With these simple storage and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your Filipino Thanksgiving food long after the celebration is over. Happy feasting!

FAQ Section

What is lechon, and how is it prepared?
Lechon is a whole roasted pig, and it’s the centerpiece of many Filipino celebrations! To prepare it, you’ll want to marinate the pig overnight with a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and spices to infuse it with flavor. Then, roast it slowly until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. The aroma as it cooks is simply irresistible!

Can I substitute any ingredients?
Absolutely! If you can’t find certain ingredients, feel free to make adjustments. For instance, you can swap out the lechon with roasted chicken or pork belly if that’s more accessible. The same goes for the side dishes—use whatever vegetables you prefer or have on hand!

How long can the leftovers be stored?
Leftovers can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to keep them in airtight containers to maintain their freshness. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months, but remember that the texture might change a bit once thawed.

What are traditional drinks to pair with Filipino Thanksgiving food?
For drinks, you can’t go wrong with refreshing calamansi juice, which adds a zesty touch! Another popular choice is San Miguel beer, which pairs perfectly with the flavors of the feast. If you want something sweeter, a nice dessert wine can complement the leche flan beautifully. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s festive and full of flavor!

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O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.