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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
