15 Mexican-Inspired Thanksgiving Ideas

Do Thanksgiving differently this year

Published Nov 18, 2015 9:35 PM

Food

Deconstructed turkey braised in a refreshing green mole provides a light and quick alternative to the standard Thanksgiving bird. Get the recipe for Braised Turkey in Green Mole ». Helen Rosner

Braised Turkey in Green Mole

Deconstructed turkey braised in a refreshing green mole provides a light and quick alternative to the standard Thanksgiving bird. Get the recipe for Braised Turkey in Green Mole »

Roasted Turkey with Achiote–Citrus Marinade

Achiote paste gives the rub for this recipe a deep red hue, making for a visually striking roast holiday bird.

A Little Something On the Side

Mexican Noodle Casserole (Sopa Seca)

This comforting casserole is dense with thin fideo noodles, bathed in chile sauce, and capped with salty cotija cheese.

Frida Kahlo’s Zucchini Salad (Ensalada de Calabacín)

The recipe for this simple salad of grilled zucchini, avocado, and salty, crumbled añjeo cheese was served at a dinner party attended by Mexican composer Carlos Chávez and Nelson Rockefeller. Get the recipe for Frida Kahlo’s Zucchini Salad (Ensalada de Calabacín) »

Mango with Cilantro, Coconut, and Chile Powder

Sweet Potatoes in Syrup with Guava

Sweet and spicy with orange juice, cinnamon, and ginger, this stewed sweet potato dish makes a wonderful side dish or dessert.

Refried Black Beans

This easy 4-ingredient side dish practically takes care of itself.

Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing

Bacon and jalapeños flavor this otherwise classic cornbread dressing from Mary Sue Milliken.

Soups & Starters

Poblano Chile Soup (Sopa de Chile Poblano)

Sweet roasted poblano chiles add smokey depth to this soup made with spinach and enriched with cream.

Pumpkin Seed Salsa (Sikil P’ak)

This earthy toasted pumpkin seed salsa, a specialty of the Yucatan, is rich, thick, and satisfying. Serve it with tortilla chips for dipping.

Ancho Chile Soup with Avocado & Crema (Sopa de Chile Ancho)

The heat of this deep-red ancho chile soup and its pasilla chile garnish is balanced by the addition of cooling crema and thinly sliced avocado.

To Drink

Desert Snow Tequila Punch

Adding tequila and lime zest to a rich homemade horchata is an impressive egg and dairy free alternative to eggnog. For extra citrus flavor, twist a strip of lime peel above each glass and rub it around the rim before adding it to the drink.