Thanksgiving Without Turkey? Meaty Turkey Alternatives For Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving and turkey are inextricably linked for some folks. But did you know that earlier this year, studies showed that Americans preferred chicken over beef, and turkey placed even lower than chicken, beef, or pork on American's preference scale? And if this is indicative of a majority of America's feelings, why do we insist on upholding a less-than-favorable tradition?
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What if this year you served your nearest and dearest an entirely different main dish for Thanksgiving? We know it sounds blasphemous to even suggest such a thing. But hear us out. There are actually quite a few benefits to ditching the turkey this year. For one, you'll cut down on excess food waste, especially if you're making Thanksgiving dinner for a small group. You'll also cut days off of your prep work and planning time. That means you'll get to wake up at a normal hour — all just by skipping the stereotypically Thanksgiving turkey.
Instead of slaving over your oven for hours cooking a bird many people won't even want, try making other seasonally appropriate dishes that your family and friends will enjoy and that the pilgrims would have enjoyed, too. A roast chicken or a sweet pork roast are both crowd pleasers. But if you aren't quite ready to let go of turkey, you could make a simpler version of the big bird with turkey tenderloins or turkey breast.
After all, this is your holiday. Make whatever you'll be most thankful to eat!
Pork Tenderloins
Pork tenderloin is an elegant, simple, and satisfying meal, but the plum salsa really puts this dish over the top. Plums are perfect in a salsa because they don't break down when you cook them. They add a fresh, bright element to the pork by balancing that savory flavor with sweet fruit. After it's prepared, this salsa looks absolutely beautiful, and the flavor and color adds to the appeal of the tender pork. This is a great dish for entertaining because it's low in calories, low in fat, and high in protein without sacrificing flavor. It is also easy to prepare because the pork is roasted whole and then individually sliced for your guests.
Duck Breast
Looking to impress some dinner guests? Look no further than this recipe. Who can resist a perfectly cooked duck breast? It's a feast for the senses, and although there are a few different components involved, they each come together with ease.