Healthy Thanksgiving Recipes for a Guilt-Free Feast

The holiday season can make starting a new healthy eating habit hard. With so many party foods and desserts, it’s easy to indulge. But you can still include a few healthy Thanksgiving recipes in your menu! It’s a great way to balance heavier dishes. Whether you want vegetarian, gluten-free, or lighter sides, this list has many options for a healthier Thanksgiving meal.
Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and food. While traditional meals can be rich, they can also be balanced and wholesome. If you’re looking for vegetarian dishes or want to add an Indian twist, we’ve got ideas for you! Try these healthy, vegetarian recipes, including Indian-inspired ones, for a guilt-free Thanksgiving feast. You can also incorporate the best high-protein foods into your meal plan to energise everyone. High-protein foods are a great addition to any Thanksgiving table!

Crispy Chana Sooji Bites

Crispy Chana Sooji Bites is a delightful fusion of chickpeas and semolina, creating a crunchy, 

savory snack that’s both satisfying and flavorful. The earthy taste of chana dal combines beautifully with the lightness of sooji (semolina), while a hint of spices adds depth to every bite. Packed with protein, these bites are a great example of high-protein foods that can keep you full and energized throughout the day. Chana Dal is high in protein and fiber, and Sooji Flour adds a crispy texture.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked  Danfe Chana Dal (mashed)
• 1/2 cup Danfe Sooji Flour
• 1/4 cup grated carrots
• 1 tsp Danfe ajwain seeds
• 1/2 tsp coriander powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Mix chana dal, sooji flour, carrots, and spices into a dough.
• Shape into cutlets and shallow-fry until golden brown.
• Serve with yogurt dip or tamarind chutney.
• These cutlets are ideal as a snack or appetizer.

Spinach Dhokla

Spinach Dhokla is a vibrant, nutritious twist on the classic Gujarati snack. Soft and spongy, this steamed treat blends the goodness of fresh spinach with the subtle tang of fermented rice and chickpea flour. Packed with protein from dal and fiber from spinach, this steamed dish is light, nutritious, and an excellent choice for those seeking high-protein foods in their diet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Danfe Idli Rava Flour
• 1/2 cup Danfe Green Moong Dal Split (soaked and blended into a paste)
• 1 cup spinach purée
• 1 tsp Danfe mustard seeds
• 1 tsp Danfe turmeric powder
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Mix Idli Rava Flour, dal paste, spinach purée, and turmeric powder into a batter. Let it ferment for 4-6 hours.
• Pour into a greased tray and steam for 15-20 minutes.
• Temper with mustard seeds and serve with mint chutney.
• This soft, savory dish makes a healthy starter.

Masoor Dal Ajwain Rolls

Masoor Dal Ajwain Rolls are a tasty snack made with the rich flavor of masoor dal and the spicy kick of ajwain seeds. The rolls are filled with a flavorful mix and then baked or fried until golden and crispy, giving you a crunchy bite every time. Masoor Dal adds protein, and ajwain seeds improve digestion, making these rolls a perfect addition to your list of high protein foods.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked Danfe Masoor Dal
• 1 cup Danfe Maida Flour
• 1/4 tsp Danfe ajwain seeds
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Danfe black sesame seeds for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

• Mix flour, dal, ajwain seeds, olive oil, and salt into a dough. Let it rest for 30 minutes.
• Shape into rolls, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle black sesame seeds.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes.
• Serve warm with a bowl of soup or salad.

Chana Dal Croquettes

Chana Dal Croquettes are crispy, golden snacks made from cooked chana dal, mixed with spices, and shaped into small balls. They are coated in breadcrumbs and fried until crunchy on the outside, with a soft, tasty filling inside. These croquettes are a wonderful way to incorporate high-protein foods into your snack time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Danfe chana dal (split Bengal gram), soaked for 2 hours
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green chilies, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ginger-garlic paste
• 1 tsp Danfe jeera (cumin seeds)
• 1 tsp coriander seeds, crushed
• 1/2 tsp Danfe Ajwain seeds
• 1/2 tsp Danfe turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp Danfe rice flour (for binding)
• Salt to taste
• Oil for frying
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

• Drain the soaked chana dal and grind it coarsely in a blender without adding water.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the ground dal with onion, green chilies, ginger-garlic paste, jeera, coriander seeds, ajwain, turmeric powder, and salt.
• Add rice flour to the mixture and knead it into a firm dough.
• Shape the mixture into small croquettes or patties.
• Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the croquettes on medium heat until golden brown and crispy.
• Drain on paper towels and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
• Serve hot with mint or tamarind chutney.

Turmeric Spiced Warm Milk

Turmeric Spiced Warm Milk is a soothing drink made with warm milk and turmeric, which has a rich flavor and many health benefits. It’s flavored with a little black pepper, cinnamon, and sweetness, making it a great drink to relax and support your immunity. While not a high protein food, it offers numerous wellness benefits to complement your healthy eating habits.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder
• 1/4 tsp ginger powder (optional)
• 1 tbsp honey or jaggery (optional)
• A pinch of black pepper powder
• A few strands of saffron (optional)

Instructions:

• Heat the milk in a saucepan over low-medium heat.
• Add turmeric powder, cinnamon powder, ginger powder (if using), and a pinch of black pepper.
• Stir the mixture and let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to infuse the flavors.
• Remove from heat and stir in honey or jaggery for sweetness, if desired.
• Pour into a mug and garnish with saffron strands for an added festive touch.
• Serve warm and enjoy this soothing drink.

You don’t have to miss out on tasty food to eat healthy this Thanksgiving. These recipes, like crispy chana dal cutlets and turmeric spiced milk, offer a healthy twist on traditional dishes. From savory snacks to a warm drink, these dishes are both delicious for you. Enjoy the holiday with wholesome, vegetarian options that are tasty and nourishing. This Thanksgiving, you can have food that’s both yummy and healthy!