There’s something truly special about gathering around the table for a Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of family, community, and our rich cultural heritage. Growing up, I remember the vibrant aromas wafting through the air, the sounds of laughter, and the joy of sharing delicious dishes that blend spices and flavors like no other. This recipe is a hearty tribute to those cherished memories, featuring a beautifully roasted turkey that’s seasoned to perfection and served alongside savory rice and beans. Trust me, you’re going to love how this Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner brings everyone together!
Ingredients for Jamaican Thanksgiving Dinner
Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner. Gather these ingredients to ensure your meal is bursting with authentic flavors:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons allspice (for that warm, aromatic kick)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (dried works too, but fresh is best!)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 onion, chopped (adds a sweet depth to the turkey)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for that umami flavor)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (to help the spices stick)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy!)
- 2 cups rice (I prefer long-grain for fluffiness)
- 1 can black beans, rinsed (adds protein and texture)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (for a pop of color)
- 1 cup corn (sweetness that complements the savory)
- 1 cup pineapple chunks (a tropical twist!)
How to Prepare Jamaican Thanksgiving Dinner
Let’s dive into making this delicious Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, grab a large bowl and mix together the allspice, thyme, minced garlic, chopped onion, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper. This spice blend is where the magic begins!
Now, it’s time to rub that flavorful mixture all over your turkey—don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! Make sure every nook and cranny is coated because this is what makes the turkey sing with flavor. Once that’s done, place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover it with foil to keep it moist during cooking.
Pop the turkey into the oven and let it roast for about 2.5 to 3 hours. I recommend basting it every 30 minutes with the juices at the bottom of the pan; this ensures a juicy, golden bird. While the turkey is roasting, cook your rice according to the package instructions. When it’s fluffy and ready, stir in the black beans, chopped bell pepper, corn, and pineapple chunks. This colorful mix is the perfect complement to your turkey!
Once the turkey is done, let it rest for 20 minutes before carving—trust me, this step is crucial for juicy slices! Serve the turkey alongside your vibrant rice and beans, and enjoy the flavors of Jamaica at your Thanksgiving table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Bursting with Flavor**: The combination of allspice, thyme, and garlic creates a mouthwatering aroma that fills your kitchen and excites your taste buds.
- **A Taste of Tradition**: This Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner is rich in cultural heritage, bringing family together to celebrate love and gratitude.
- **Easy to Prepare**: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, even beginner cooks can create a stunning centerpiece for their holiday feast.
- **Versatile Sides**: The vibrant rice and beans pair perfectly with the turkey, and you can easily add your favorite traditional accompaniments.
- **Memorable Experience**: Sharing this meal will create lasting memories and joyful moments with loved ones around the table.
Tips for Success
To make your Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner truly unforgettable, here are some pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the seasoning—really rub that spice mixture into the turkey for maximum flavor. If you have time, let the turkey sit with the seasoning for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. This enhances the taste beautifully!
Keep an eye on the cooking time, as every turkey can vary. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is your magic number for a perfectly cooked turkey. And for presentation, carve the turkey and arrange it on a platter with the colorful rice and beans surrounding it. It’ll look amazing and taste even better!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values for each serving of this Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner. You can expect about 650 calories, 30g of fat, 40g of protein, and 70g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, but it gives you a good idea!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about this Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner:
Can I use a different protein instead of turkey?
Absolutely! Chicken or even a plant-based roast can work beautifully in this recipe if you prefer.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently to keep the flavors intact!
Can I prep this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the spice rub a day ahead and apply it to the turkey before roasting. Just let it marinate in the fridge for even more flavor.
What can I serve with this dish?
Consider traditional sides like fried plantains, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement your Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner, consider serving it with some classic sides! Fried plantains are a must for that sweet-savory balance, while steamed callaloo or a fresh garden salad adds a refreshing crunch. And don’t forget a chilled glass of sorrel drink or ginger beer to wash it all down—delicious!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner leftovers flavorful, store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover the turkey with foil to maintain moisture, ensuring every bite remains juicy and delicious!
Imprimer
Jamaican Thanksgiving Dinner: 7 Flavors That Bring Joy
- Temps Total: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Rendement: 8 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Halal
Description
A traditional Jamaican Thanksgiving dinner featuring flavorful dishes.
Ingrédients
- 1 whole turkey (10–12 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons allspice
- 1 tablespoon thyme
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups rice
- 1 can black beans, rinsed
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix allspice, thyme, garlic, onion, soy sauce, vegetable oil, salt, and pepper.
- Rub the mixture all over the turkey.
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Roast for 2.5 to 3 hours, basting occasionally.
- In a pot, cook rice according to package instructions.
- Stir in black beans, bell pepper, corn, and pineapple once rice is cooked.
- Serve turkey with rice and beans on the side.
Notes
- Let the turkey rest for 20 minutes before carving.
- Use leftover turkey for sandwiches or soups.
- Feel free to add your favorite side dishes.
- Temps De Préparation: 30 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 3 hours
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Roasting
- Cuisine: Jamaican
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sucre: 5g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 30g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 70g
- La fibre: 6g
- La protéine: 40g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 120mg
Mots-clés: jamaican thanksgiving dinner, turkey, rice and beans
