Because Turkey is already Keto!
I love Thanksgiving, not because of the holiday per se (because there’s all sorts of issues with THAT – historically, politically, morally, ethically, etc.., ya – the origin of Thanksgiving is pretty effed up if you think about it)….but I digress.
I love Turkey Day simply because it’s so low key – no gifts, decorating optional, no ugly themed sweaters. Thanksgiving brings us together – to take a moment to be grateful that we’re all here, now – on this crazy planet.
It’s a holiday of feasting of course – and despite your holiday fears if you’re low carb, it’s fairly easy to “keep it keto” as you celebrate. I’m not gonna sugar coat it though, the holidays can be very carb-centric. Just know that they don’t have to derail your healthy, blood sugar balancing efforts at all if you plan ahead.
My Mom and Dad host Thanksgiving and for the past couple of years, I bring a second turkey because there are SO many of us now. I spatchcock it so it cooks super fast and more evenly. I love how the skin crisps up (my favorite part). Here’s a video if you’re not familiar with this awesome technique. (I spatchcock whole chickens on regular eating days too).
So then Thanksgiving is all about the sides and desserts. I choose wine as my dessert :). I’ll be bringing some of my Dry Farms or Thrive Market Beaujolais to keep it low carb and toxin free.
Although sometimes I’ll be inspired and actually follow a recipe, my approach to dishes – especially sides – is usually just figuring out the flavors and textures and then cooking accordingly. (obviously with baking – which I RARELY do, you usually need to follow the recipe.)
I’m not a food blogger (as you know lol) and I use recipes for inspiration and not for strict following, so for those of you who need specifics, I have a list of my favorite low carb/keto bloggers linked below.
I learned in culinary boot camp that fine dining is all about the sauce. On Thanksgiving, that sauce is gravy. Traditional gravies are usually made with flour or cornstarch or some processed packet of junk, but I found a Keto friendly ingredient that works wonders (in fact, I use this ingredient for my anyday roasted chicken gravy too.)
The ingredient is Xanthan Gum but you could also use Agar Agar powder as well. You only need about a teaspoon for 2 cups of pan drippings. Just simmer and stir. Season as you wish with things like sage, rosemary, lemon – maybe some extra butter. In a few minutes you’ll have the perfect low carb, lump-free, gluten free gravy.
Other keto friendly sides to think about are:
- Roasted non-starchy veggies – think halved Brussels Sprouts, green beans, broccoli or broccollini, cauliflower, etc…Toss with avocado oil, seasonings of choice (I love cumin on pretty much everything) and roast at 375 until tender and browned. Then add something special. Perhaps some bacon pieces or walnut or pecan pieces. Maybe a few unsweetened cranberries or dabs of goat cheese added just before serving.
- Mashed Cauliflower Faux-tatoes – Super easy and delicious. I prefer roasting the cauliflower florets (2 large heads) with an entire head of peeled garlic (same as above). Once softened and slightly browned, mash or blend with 1/4 cup butter or olive oil until smooth. Season with a sprinkle of nutmeg, salt and pepper. If you tolerate dairy, add a generous splash of heavy cream or a 1/4 brick of cream cheese (try dairy free Kite Hill Almond Cream Cheese with chives) or 1/2 cup of sour cream or plain Kite Hill Almond yogurt for extra richness. If you prefer, you could “cut” your real mashed potatoes with this blend to add more nutrition and fewer carbs. No one will even know there’s cauliflower in there!
- Cruciferous Crunch Salad – Buy 2 bags of Trader Joes Cruciferous Crunch (or a similar hearty slaw mix), toss with 1/4 cup of olive oil, the juice of a large lemon and seasoning of choice (cumin or any sort of savory blend). To this I may add 1/2 cup of spicy pumpkin seeds (or any nut or seed blend), a 1/4 cup of dried unsweetened fruit like golden raisins, cranberries, currants OR 1 cup of chopped apple or pear). To make it extra – add a cubed avocado, 4 slices of chopped cooked bacon and/or 3-4 chopped hardboiled eggs. Toss and adjust seasonings. You could also add some mayo to make it creamy.
Pretty simple, huh? That’s how I like my food. But if you want more pizzazz, here are a few of my go-to low carb/keto friendly recipe sites:
Cheers to an amazing kick off to the holiday season! I’m so very grateful you’re here and I look forward to sharing more insights as we approach the New Year. Please tell me what you need help with and I’ll tackle it.
xo,
Ev
