As one of the most beloved holidays in America, the approach of Thanksgiving creates excitement and anticipation for the biggest meal of the year. Each Thanksgiving, we get the chance to indulge in favorite foods like turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie; yet the fresh poultry and vegetables that go into these dishes would be quite bland without something extra: dried ingredients. From the herbs and spices that infuse each dish with flavor to ready made side dishes that ease the burden on busy cooks, dried ingredients are the added spark that can help make any Thanksgiving a huge success.
Ways to Use Dried Ingredients at Thanksgiving
At Silva, we are passionate about the versatility of dried ingredients and how much they can improve a recipe. Apart from practical concerns like safe storage and transportation, the dehydration process allows for a concentration of flavor that many fresh ingredients just can’t do; or, as in the case of garlic for instance, the same process can reduce the intensity of a flavor that is best when used in moderation. Below are some ways that dried ingredients can be used to improve your Thanksgiving feast:
- Seasoning: Most of the time, seasoning is the difference between a great meal and a bland one. Many herbs and spices are used in the traditional Thanksgiving dishes, but some of the most popular are classics like parsley, rosemary, and black pepper. In each case, the dried version of these flavoring agents add just the right amount to make the meal a success.
- Dried fruits: While fresh fruit is typically associated with the dessert course, there are numerous savory Thanksgiving dishes that can benefit from dried fruit. Dried cranberries, for instance, can be used in cranberry sauce or even mixed into a bread stuffing along with familiar vegetables like onions and celery. Dried apricots or raisins can also work well in rice pilaf.
- Sauces and dressings: Some people would say you can’t have Thanksgiving without turkey, and you can’t have turkey without gravy. Indeed, many Thanksgiving dishes (and even for non-holiday meals) are made better with the right sauce or dressing; but with all Let remove the hustle and bustle of the big day, few have time to make their own. A wide variety of dried vegetables like spinach, corn, and tomatoes can provide a tasty and complimentary sauce that impresses the guests.
- Baked goods: Depending on who you ask, the turkey and all the side dishes are really just the box you have to check before you get to the good stuff on Thanksgiving Day: the desserts. Whether it’s a traditional choice like pumpkin pie or apple pie or something different like a lemon blueberry cake, dried ingredients can offer the right amount of flavor to end your Thanksgiving feast on a high note.
Happy Thanksgiving from Silva!
Thanksgiving is a time of year when family and friends gather together to share a meal and enjoy each other’s company, but it’s also a time to eat a lot of good food. At Silva, we think the best food comes from using the best ingredients, and we’re proud to be a premium provider of such high quality dried ingredients. If you’d like to learn more about how we can partner together, please contact us today.