A Non-Traditional Thanksgiving Recipe to Spice Up Your Holiday Table

Top view of many Butternut squashes

Thanksgiving is a time for gathering, gratitude, and of course—great food. While turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes are staples, sometimes it’s fun to shake things up with a dish that surprises and delights your guests. Whether you’re hosting in your newly purchased home or just looking to add something fresh to your holiday spread, this recipe is a flavorful twist on tradition.

Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite non-traditional Thanksgiving dishes: Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with seasonal ingredients, but with a bold, unexpected flavor profile that brings something new to the table.

🥘 Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup baby spinach
• Juice of half a lime
• Fresh cilantro for garnish
• Cooked basmati rice or naan for serving

Instructions:

1. Roast the Squash
   Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
2. Prepare the Curry Base
   In a large skillet or saucepan, heat coconut oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Spices
   Sprinkle in the curry powder, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. Stir well to coat the onions and release the spices’ aroma.
4. Add Chickpeas and Liquids
   Add the chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Combine and Finish
   Add the roasted butternut squash and spinach to the curry. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Spoon the curry over warm basmati rice or serve with naan bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.

🌟 Why This Dish Works for Thanksgiving

This curry is a celebration of fall flavors with a global twist. The butternut squash adds sweetness and texture, while the chickpeas provide protein and heartiness. The spices bring warmth and depth, making it a perfect complement to more traditional dishes, or a standout main course for vegetarian guests.

Plus, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and reheat, which makes hosting less stressful. For more creative Thanksgiving ideas, check out Bon Appétit’s non-traditional recipes https://www.bonappetit.com/or explore Food52’s vegetarian Thanksgiving guide.

🏡 Final Thoughts

As a real estate agent, I love helping people find the perfect home, but I also enjoy helping them make it feel like home. Sharing meals, creating memories, and celebrating holidays in your space is what homeownership is all about.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, or just want to talk about how to make your home holiday-ready, I’m here to help. And if you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out!

Happy Thanksgiving—however you choose to celebrate!

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