Diabetes-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes: Delicious and Wholesome Options

INTRODUCTION

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude and celebration, with a feast that traditionally includes many delicious but often sugar and carb-laden dishes. If you or someone at your table has diabetes, it’s essential to create a diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving menu without sacrificing flavor. In this blog, we’ll share a selection of mouthwatering recipes that allow you to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal while keeping blood sugar levels in check.

1. Herb-Roasted Turkey

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (12-14 lbs)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
• Garlic cloves
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
• Rinse and pat dry the turkey.
• Combine chopped herbs, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a herb-infused oil.
• Rub the herb mixture all over the turkey.
• Roast the turkey in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73°C).

2. Mashed Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cauliflower
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Steam or boil cauliflower until tender.
• Drain and transfer to a food processor.
• Add minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Green Bean Almondine

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of fresh green beans
• 1/4 cup of sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Juice of half a lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Steam green beans until crisp-tender.
• In a skillet, toast sliced almonds in olive oil until golden.
• Add minced garlic, then toss the cooked green beans in the mixture.
• Squeeze lemon juice over the top and season with salt and pepper.

4. Cranberry Sauce (Sugar-Free)

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup erythritol (or stevia to taste)
• Zest of one orange

Instructions:

• Combine cranberries, water, and erythritol in a saucepan.
• Bring to a simmer and cook until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
• Remove from heat, stir in orange zest, and let it cool.

5. Pumpkin Pie (Sugar-Free)

Ingredients:

• Sugar-free pie crust
• 1 can (15 oz) of pumpkin puree
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
• Erythritol or stevia to taste

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine pumpkin puree, eggs, almond milk, pumpkin pie spice, and your chosen sweetener.
• Pour the mixture into the sugar-free pie crust.
• Bake for about 45-50 minutes, until the pie is set.

These diabetes-friendly Thanksgiving recipes allow you to savor the holiday while managing your blood sugar levels effectively. Enjoy your meal and give thanks for good health and delicious food!