Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings, giving thanks, and feasting on a delicious meal. A traditional Thanksgiving dinner usually includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans, and gravy. But, one important element of this meal is often overlooked – the sauce.
Sauces can add flavor and richness to any dish, and Thanksgiving is no exception. In fact, there is a specific sauce that is traditionally served on Thanksgiving. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of this sauce and why it has become a staple in Thanksgiving meals.
History and Tradition of Sauces Served on Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a holiday celebrated with enthusiasm and traditional meals across the US. Apart from turkey, the side dishes and dressings have their significance in making the day special. Sauces are an essential part of Thanksgiving food, and various types are served to complement the flavor of turkey.
The custom of serving sauces during Thanksgiving dates back to indigenous communities who had a unique style of preparing food. Tribes like Wampanoag and Powhatan made different sauces using cranberries, corn, and fruits to give a sweet and sour taste to the food. Special sauces were prepared for the main dish, turkey, to enhance its taste. Gradually, other communities adopted the practice, and now, different types of sauces are served during Thanksgiving meals, including gravy, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, and many others.
Classic Cranberry Sauce Recipe for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving dinner is incomplete without a sweet and tangy spoonful of cranberry sauce. This classic accompaniment to the turkey has graced dinner tables for centuries and continues to be a favorite amongst Americans. While it’s easy to grab a can of cranberry sauce from the grocery store, nothing beats the homemade version.
To make classic cranberry sauce, you’ll need fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and water. Simply combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Some people like to add citrus zest, cinnamon, or even bourbon to give it an extra kick. The possibilities are endless, but the end result is always a deliciously tart sauce that complements the savory flavors of Thanksgiving perfectly.
The Best Gravy for Thanksgiving Turkey and Sides
Gravy is an essential part of any Thanksgiving meal. It’s the perfect condiment to complement both the turkey and the sides. The best gravy is made using the drippings from the turkey. After roasting the bird, remove it from the pan and pour the drippings into a glass measuring cup. Skim off the fat and then add enough turkey or chicken stock to make 2 cups of liquid. Pour this liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a boil.
Meanwhile, mix 1/2 cup of flour with 1/2 cup of turkey fat or butter to make a roux. Add this to the hot liquid, whisking constantly until the gravy is thick and smooth. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can also use herbs like thyme, sage, and rosemary. With this gravy recipe, your guests will be reaching for seconds and thirds of the delicious sauce.
Delicious Options for Vegetarian Thanksgiving Sauces
For those who prefer a vegetarian Thanksgiving meal, there are plenty of sauce options that can add different flavors to your dishes. One popular option is mushroom gravy, which can be made by sautéing mushrooms with garlic, onions, and herbs and adding them to a vegetable broth. This savory sauce goes perfectly with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
Another delicious vegetarian sauce option is a cranberry sauce made with fresh cranberries, sugar, and orange zest. This tart and tangy sauce is a classic Thanksgiving dish and goes well with turkey alternatives like roasted vegetables or tofu. For a spicier option, a jalapeño-cilantro sauce can add a kick to your holiday meal. This sauce can be made by blending jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of honey or agave for sweetness. Adding these flavorful sauce options to your vegetarian Thanksgiving meal will surely impress your guests.
How to Make Perfect Giblet Gravy for Thanksgiving Dinner
Making perfect giblet gravy for Thanksgiving dinner is not a difficult task but requires a bit of attention to detail. Start by cooking the turkey giblets, such as the heart, liver, and gizzard, in a saucepan with water, onion, celery, and herbs. Allow it to simmer until the giblets are cooked through, then remove them from the pan and set them aside.
In a separate pan, create a roux by melting butter and adding flour, cooking until it turns a golden brown color. Then, slowly whisk in the giblet broth until the mixture comes to a boil. Add the diced giblets and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the flavors meld together and the gravy thickens. Serve it warm over sliced turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing for a delicious and traditional Thanksgiving feast.
Regional Variation in Thanksgiving Sauces Across America
Regional Variation in Thanksgiving Sauces Across America:
Turkey is the mainstay of Thanksgiving meal; no celebration is complete without it. However, the sauce that is served alongside turkey varies across different regions in America. In the Northeast, cranberry sauce is the staple, and it is believed that the dish was initially served by the Pilgrims during their first Thanksgiving celebration in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
In the South, gravies and sauces made from pan drippings are popular choices, and these are typically thicker and richer than cranberry sauce. Additionally, some southern states opt to serve chutneys and fruit preserves as well. On the other hand, in the Midwest, cream-based sauces such as mushroom and sage are often served to complement the roasted turkey. Regardless of the sauce of choice, Thanksgiving is a time of unity, and different sauces can bring new flavors and ideas to the table, making the meal more dynamic and inclusive.
Ideas for Creative and Modern Thanksgiving Sauces
As families gather around the table on Thanksgiving Day, traditional sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce grace the spread. While there’s nothing wrong with tradition, why not add a creative and modern twist to your Thanksgiving meal this year with some unique sauce ideas?
One option is a savory roasted garlic and onion sauce. Simply roast a few cloves of garlic and one onion until caramelized, blend with some chicken or vegetable broth, and add a splash of cream or milk. This rich and satisfying sauce pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or mashed potatoes. Another option is a sweet and tangy fig sauce made with dried figs, red wine, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of honey. It’s the perfect complement to ham or roasted vegetables. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to elevate your Thanksgiving meal to new heights!
The Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time when families come together to share great food and create memories that will last a lifetime. Turkey is the centerpiece of this celebration, and it’s traditionally served with a variety of side dishes and sauces. The most common sauce served with turkey is gravy made from the drippings of the bird, but there are many other options as well.
From cranberry sauce to apple butter, there are plenty of sauces to choose from that can take your Thanksgiving meal to the next level. Whether you prefer a sweet or savory sauce, there’s bound to be something that will appeal to your taste buds. So this Thanksgiving, don’t be afraid to experiment and try something new. You might just discover a new family favorite!