Are You Adventuresome? Experiment with Different Flavors in Your Thanksgiving Food

Comforting nostalgia abounds in the classic meal of stuffing. When we asked readers what their favorite Thanksgiving sides are, homemade stuffing ranked 27%. There are a number of reasons for this. This well-loved classic can be given new life by experimenting with inventive ingredients, even though the scents of sage, celery, and buttery breadcrumbs calm the soul. We had a conversation with Peter Som, a lifestyle expert and recipe developer, about how to add some interesting flavors to stuffing.

Changing the spices is the first reinvention advice Som offers. "For a global take with spices, try za'atar, cumin, coriander, and allspice for a Middle Eastern feel," he advises. "The warm spices will be unique but still complement the season and the rest of the meal." These spices are all complex in their own way. The earthy brightness of za'atar, a mixture of dried herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, is complemented by the nutty, citrusy undertones of cumin and coriander. Two essential components of stuffing, the bread's inherent sweetness and the caramelized onions, go well with allspice's subtle notes of clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg. As a result, your taste receptors are embraced by a comforting, aromatic stuffing that is both familiar and intriguingly unique.

In order to satisfy your hunger between portions of green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and turkey, Peter Som advises adding "an Asian flair" to your stuffing. Chopped kimchi, for example, might seem a little out of the ordinary for stuffing, but he says it's a game-changer that gives a blast of spicy, sour flavor. The fermented characteristic of kimchi adds a vibrant crunch and depth plus brightness. The stuffing is enhanced with a somewhat salty taste by a teaspoon of miso, the secret weapon that should be in your pantry, and scallions, which add a delicate, oniony sharpness to balance these flavors. With the vegetables and toasted bread chunks, miso, a fermented soybean paste that is frequently referred to as a "umami bomb," blends flawlessly.

The classic sage-and-butter stuffing is a beloved mainstay, but experimenting outside of those parameters might create new customs. It brings international influences into your kitchen, acknowledging the variety of ways we meet around the table and express gratitude. Whether it's the zesty flavor of kimchi and miso or the warmth of Middle Eastern spices, Som's recommendations guarantee that your stuffing isn't simply another side dish but rather the focal point of the Thanksgiving meal. Additionally, you can use leftover stuffing in a variety of delicious ways throughout the extended holiday weekend, like creating soup dumplings and muffins, or using it as a poutine or mac & cheese topping.