Give Your Thanksgiving U.S. Turkey a Flavourful Indian Masala Twist

Thanksgiving brings families together to share meals and memories, a tradition rooted in love and gratitude. This year, why not add a touch of warmth and vibrance by introducing Indian flavours to your festive table filled with U.S. Turkey & Duck? “Infusing Thanksgiving classics with the richness of Indian spices creates a feast that’s as bold and diverse as the stories we share,” says Devna Khanna, In-Country Marketing Representative, USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC).

The Magic of Masala

There’s something magical about the way Indian spices like cumin, turmeric, garam masala, and coriander transform your dishes. They don’t just add flavour—they create an experience. Their warmth feels like a hug, their aroma stirs up nostalgia, and their complexity brings an unmistakable sense of celebration. Incorporating them into your Thanksgiving menu adds an extra layer of comfort to an already cherished occasion.

Try out this Delicious Indian Delicacy absolutely apt for your Thanksgiving meal:

U.S. Turkey Galauti Kebab

Turkey Galauti Kebab is a delightful fusion dish that combines the traditional richness of the famous Lucknawi Galauti Kebab with the lean, protein-packed goodness of turkey. Originally made with minced lamb or mutton, Galauti Kebabs are known for their melt-in-the-mouth texture, created by finely mincing the meat and mixing it with aromatic spices and tenderizers.

Ingredients:

500 gm minced meat

Grind Together
100 gm chopped raw papaya
salt to taste
15 gm chopped ginger
15 gm chopped garlic
8 cloves
seeds of 2 black cardamoms
4 peppercorns
3 gm pieces of cinnamon
30 gm desiccated coconut, lightly roasted
3 gm blades of mace
3 gm green cardamoms
5 gm chilli powder
2 gm grated nutmeg

For The Kebabs
240 gm sliced onions, fried brown
50 gm finely chopped coriander leaves
15 gm finely chopped green chillies
45 gm roasted gram flour
1 egg
50 ml ghee to pan fry the kebabs
5 ml lemon juice to sprinkle over the kebabs

Method:

1. Grind the mentioned ingredients and marinate the minced meat for 4-5 hours.
2. Mix the coriander leaves, green chillies, gram flour and egg. Add this to the meat and work at it for some time, almost kneading it like a dough.
3. Shape the mixture into round patties of the desired size, and refrigerate for half an hour or so.
4. Heat ghee in a heavy-based frying pan or griddle.
5. Fry the kebabs, browning first on one side and then the other, over medium heat.
6. Arrange them on a serving dish, sprinkle lemon juice and serve.

By seasoning Indian spices into Thanksgiving traditions, you’re crafting a meal rich in connection and meaning. Every bite becomes a conversation, every dish a celebration of togetherness. It’s a way to honour old customs while embracing the beauty of something new, making this year’s Thanksgiving table one to remember.

This is an authored article by USA Poultry & Egg Export Council (USAPEEC)