Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing laughter, and, of course, enjoying delicious food! But if you or someone in your family is gluten intolerant, finding tasty gluten free Thanksgiving sides can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered with my favorite recipe that’s not just gluten free but also brimming with flavor! This quinoa dish has become a staple on our holiday table, and trust me, it’s just as comforting and satisfying as any traditional side. The vibrant colors and hearty ingredients make it a perfect addition to your Thanksgiving feast, and I can’t wait for you to try it! It’s not just a side; it’s a celebration of flavors that everyone will love, gluten free or not!
Ingredients List
Let’s gather everything we need to whip up these delightful gluten free Thanksgiving sides! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of quinoa, rinsed
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Make sure to grab fresh veggies for the best flavor! Each ingredient adds its own unique touch to this dish, creating a beautiful medley that’s perfect for your Thanksgiving table.
How to Prepare Gluten Free Thanksgiving Sides
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into making these scrumptious gluten free Thanksgiving sides! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a beautiful dish that everyone will rave about. Grab your favorite pot and skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Rinse the Quinoa
First things first, we need to rinse the quinoa. This step is super important because it removes the natural coating called saponin, which can give the quinoa a bitter taste. Just place the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and rinse it under cold running water for about 30 seconds. Give it a good shake to remove excess water, and you’re all set!
Step 2: Cook the Quinoa
Now, let’s get that quinoa cooking! In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed quinoa with the vegetable broth. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, and once it’s bubbling nicely, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quinoa is fluffy and has absorbed all the broth. It’s like magic!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the quinoa is doing its thing, let’s sauté those veggies! In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot (you can tell when it shimmers a bit), toss in the diced carrots, chopped celery, and onions. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender and fragrant. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
It’s time to bring everything together! Once your quinoa is cooked, add it to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper, and give it all a good stir. Make sure everything is well combined, so each bite is packed with flavor!
Step 5: Final Cooking
To finish it off, let the mixture cook for an additional 5 minutes over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This helps all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully. When it’s done, remove it from the heat and get ready to serve this vibrant gluten free side dish warm. It’s a feast for the eyes and the taste buds!
Tips for Success
Want to make sure your gluten free Thanksgiving sides are a hit? Here are some pro tips that I swear by!
- Rinse that Quinoa: Don’t skip the rinsing step! It’s essential for removing any bitterness, and it really makes a difference in the final flavor.
- Play with Flavors: Feel free to experiment! You can add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of freshness. Or, try a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra kick!
- Mix in Some Nuts: For added crunch and nuttiness, toss in some toasted walnuts or pecans just before serving. It adds a delightful texture that everyone will love!
- Vegetable Variations: Don’t feel tied to just carrots, celery, and onions. You could throw in some bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach for a colorful twist!
- Make It Ahead: This dish is perfect for prepping ahead of time. You can make it a day in advance, keep it in the fridge, and just reheat before serving. Less stress on the big day!
- Adjust the Consistency: If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of coconut milk or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving. Yum!
With these tips, you’ll not only nail this recipe, but you’ll impress your guests with your culinary skills. Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Oh my goodness, where do I even start? These gluten free Thanksgiving sides are truly a game-changer! First off, they’re super quick to prepare—like, you can whip this up in just about 35 minutes! So, if you’re like me and always scrambling to get everything on the table, this is a lifesaver.
But it’s not just about speed; let’s talk about flavor! The combination of sautéed veggies and fluffy quinoa creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also bursting with vibrant tastes. Each bite is a delightful medley that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds (or maybe even thirds!). Seriously, your non-gluten-free friends won’t even realize they’re enjoying a gluten free dish.
Plus, this recipe is so versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your guests’ preferences, whether they’re gluten free or not! It’s a fantastic way to ensure everyone feels included at your Thanksgiving feast. And with the added bonus of being packed with nutrients, you can feel good about serving it. It’s a win-win all around!
Whether it’s for Thanksgiving or any gathering, these sides will impress your family and friends. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll be requested year after year!
Nutritional Information Section
Let’s take a moment to appreciate just how good this gluten free Thanksgiving sides dish is, not only for your taste buds but also for your health! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is not only nutritious but also a fantastic way to fuel your body with wholesome ingredients. It’s packed with fiber and protein, making it a satisfying choice that keeps you feeling full and energized. Enjoy every flavorful bite without any guilt! Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to adjust based on your specific ingredients and portions. Happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the feast is over and you’ve enjoyed every last bite of these delicious gluten free Thanksgiving sides, you might find yourself with some leftovers—lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them so they taste just as good the next time around.
First, let’s talk storage. Make sure to let the quinoa and veggie mixture cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps to keep it fresh and prevents any moisture buildup, which could make it soggy. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—just be sure to enjoy it before it starts to lose its flavor!
When you’re ready to dig in again, reheating is simple! You can either microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop. If you choose the microwave, just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. If you prefer the stovetop, add a splash of vegetable broth or water to a pan, toss in the quinoa mixture, and heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until it’s hot. This helps to bring back that lovely texture and flavor!
And there you have it—storing and reheating made easy! Don’t let those leftovers go to waste; they’re just as tasty the second time around! Enjoy your delicious gluten free sides again and again!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about this recipe, so let’s dive into the most common ones I’ve come across when making these gluten free Thanksgiving sides!
Can I use a different grain instead of quinoa?
Absolutely! If quinoa isn’t your thing, you can easily substitute it with rice, farro, or even millet. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times according to the grain you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’ll still be delicious!
What can I serve with these sides?
These gluten free sides pair beautifully with a range of main dishes! I love serving them alongside roasted turkey, grilled chicken, or even a hearty vegetarian main. They add a lovely pop of color and flavor to the table!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in any of your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach would work wonderfully. Just make sure to sauté them until they’re tender for the best flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
After your meal, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to reheat it properly to maintain its great taste and texture!
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can! To freeze, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier.
There you go! These FAQs should help you feel more confident in making and enjoying these gluten free Thanksgiving sides. If you have any more questions, don’t hesitate to ask—happy cooking!
Imprimer
Gluten Free Thanksgiving Sides That Delight Everyone’s Palate
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Delicious gluten free sides for your Thanksgiving dinner.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups of quinoa
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 cup of diced carrots
- 1 cup of chopped celery
- 1 cup of chopped onions
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water.
- In a pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add carrots, celery, and onions.
- Sauté until vegetables are tender.
- Add cooked quinoa, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Side Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 300mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 6g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 5g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: gluten free thanksgiving sides, gluten free sides, thanksgiving recipes
