Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table, sharing favorite dishes, and making room for a few new ideas. While you may have go-to holiday recipes, adding beans can bring something different to the menu while still fitting right in.
High Plains dry beans offer plenty of ways to add variety, texture, and flavor to your Thanksgiving spread. Here are five ideas to try this year!
1. Make Mayocoba Beans a Creamy Side
Move over mashed potatoes. Mayocoba Beans make a naturally creamy and comforting side dish that pairs beautifully with the flavors of Thanksgiving.
Known for their mild flavor and creamy texture, Mayocoba beans can be cooked until tender and mashed with ingredients like garlic, herbs, butter, or olive oil. Serve them alongside turkey and roasted vegetables for a simple side that puts a fresh spin on a holiday favorite.
2. Add Cranberry Beans to Green Beans
Give a classic green bean side a little something extra by adding Cranberry Beans. Their creamy texture and mild, nutty flavor complement the fresh bite of green beans while adding heartiness to the dish.
Try combining cooked cranberry beans with sautéed green beans, garlic, herbs, and a simple vinaigrette for a colorful side that works well alongside the rest of your Thanksgiving meal.
3. Put Pinto Beans in Your Stuffing
Looking for a way to switch up traditional stuffing? Pinto Beans can add a hearty element to your favorite dressing recipe.
Their creamy texture works well with classic stuffing ingredients like breadcrumbs, onions, celery, and herbs. Fold cooked Pinto beans into your go-to recipe for a variation that keeps the familiar flavors of Thanksgiving while adding something new to the table.
4. Start the Meal With Great Northern Bean Soup
A warm bowl of soup makes a comforting way to begin a Thanksgiving meal. Great Northern Beans are especially well suited for a simple, hearty soup thanks to their mild flavor and tender texture.
Build a soup with Great Northern beans, seasonal vegetables, herbs, and a flavorful broth. Keep the portions small and serve it as a first course before the main meal.
5. Add a Lighter Bean Salad
Not every dish needs to be rich and indulgent. A bean salad can bring a fresh, lighter option to the table and add some color to your spread.
Try Black Beans or Cranberry Beans with ingredients like leafy greens, roasted vegetables, fresh herbs, and a bright vinaigrette. The result is a refreshing side that balances out heavier holiday dishes while still being satisfying.
Bring Beans to the Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving menus are built around dishes everyone looks forward to, but adding a new recipe can be a great way to keep things interesting. With varieties like Mayocoba, Pinto, Great Northern, Black, and Cranberry Beans, there are plenty of ways to make beans part of your holiday menu.
Here are some High Plains original recipes for inspiration!
