In a nation where Thanksgiving is synonymous with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie, it’s essential to pause and reflect on the rich culinary heritage that predates these modern traditions. Many thanks are owed to the Native Americans who first roamed the land and cultivated so many foods still enjoyed today, such as corn, squash, and beans. While Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks, it’s also a solemn day of mourning for many Indigenous Americans grappling with the painful history surrounding this holiday. Yet, amidst the complexities, some Indigenous communities choose to celebrate family, nature, and the bounties of the land. In honoring this spirit of resilience and culinary legacy, we’ve curated a collection of recipes that celebrate traditional Native American foods, crafted by Indigenous chefs.
From bison meatballs to the revered “three sisters” trio and wild rice with root vegetables, these dishes pay homage to the enduring connection between food, culture, and heritage.
Join us on a journey to discover the vibrant flavors and stories behind Indigenous American cuisine, where each dish serves as a testament to resilience, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Native peoples.
1. Succotash
Succotash is a delightful blend of sweet and savory vegetables that adds a refreshing touch to any meal. Traditionally, this combination of corn, zucchini, and lima beans would be cooked alongside various meats, but we’ve chosen bacon for its crispy texture and rich flavor.
2. Three Sisters Dish
The Three Sisters Dish embodies more than just a nutritious blend of Indigenous Mesoamerican staples like corn, beans, and winter squash. It serves as a testament to the ingenuity of companion planting, a method where diverse crops are strategically interplanted to enhance mutual growth and soil vitality. In essence, these gardens showcase the symbiotic relationship between plants, fostering not only nourishment but also sustainable agricultural practices rooted in harmony with nature.
3. Cedar Plank Salmon
Salmon holds a revered status as a sacred food among tribes throughout the Pacific Northwest, with the Nez Perce, Yakima, and Umatilla tribes tracing the practice of grilling the fish on cedar planks back through generations. We firmly believe that grilling over cedar planks represents the most foolproof—and undeniably delicious—method for preparing salmon. An added perk? It eliminates the need for flipping the fish on the grill, simplifying the cooking process while enhancing flavor.
4. Roasted Turnips
Similar to radishes and parsnips, turnips undergo a delightful transformation, becoming irresistibly sweet when roasted. This recipe focuses on purple-top turnips, known for their larger size and thicker skin compared to Japanese varieties like hakurei. If your turnips are small and sweet, there’s no need to peel off the skin; simply halve or quarter them for roasting. These smaller pieces will require less time in the oven, so start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark.
5. Bison Meatballs
Prepare to rethink your bison-cooking habits after trying these delectable meatballs. Bursting with the sweetness of cranberries and the earthy flavor of wild rice, these savory morsels are perfect as appetizers or paired with a wholesome combination of wild rice and root vegetables for a satisfying and nutritious feast.
6. Chayote with dried green chilies
Chayote paired with dried green chile offers a delightful twist on traditional squash dishes. Belonging to the squash family, chayote boasts a subtle flavor profile that harmonizes beautifully with the bold flavors of dried green chile. Should chayote be unavailable, fear not; zucchini makes for an excellent substitute, seamlessly integrating into the dish while maintaining its distinct character.
7. Tamales
Tamales, a beloved dish in Native American cuisine, epitomize the importance of corn, or maize, in culinary traditions. Beyond their delicious taste, tamales offer an enjoyable culinary experience suitable for individuals or groups. Transform cooking into a social affair by inviting friends to join, turning it into a unique date night with your partner or spouse, or making it a family activity that everyone can participate in.
8. Wild Rice With Root Vegetables
This wild rice dish offers endless versatility. Don’t hesitate to exchange the vegetables listed for whichever ones catch your eye at the farmers’ market or grocery store, ensuring the freshest and most vibrant ingredients for your salad.
9. Pozole
Pozole, a revered delicacy with roots in the Zuni pueblo tradition, carries a legacy of culinary excellence. Despite the perception of a significant time investment, fear not; this delectable pozole recipe simplifies the process. Just set water to boil and allow it to simmer while you attend to other aspects of your busy life. Patience rewards, as the longer the soup simmers, the richer its flavors become.
10. Baked Catfish
When we indulge in catfish, visions of leisurely summer afternoons by the lake flood our minds, and that’s precisely why we adore it. Opting to bake your catfish streamlines the cooking process, eliminating any concerns about oil splatters. Staying true to Native American culinary heritage, we coat it in cornmeal, a technique that imparts a delectably crunchy crust, unveiling succulent, delicate fish within.
