Food writer Khushbu Shah, with her rich background, has crafted one of the most exciting cookbooks of 2024 - "Amrikan: 125 Recipes from the Indian American Diaspora". Her strong views on Thanksgiving side dishes add a unique flavor to the culinary scene.

Discover the Fusion of Indian and American Thanksgiving Delights

Indian Influences on Thanksgiving Sides

Growing up in an Indian household in Michigan, Khushbu Shah's Thanksgiving experiences were far from traditional. Instead of the standard turkey and mashed potatoes, there was always Indian food. As she grew older, she started to experiment with fusion dishes like sweet potato samosas with a cranberry chutney. This shows how Indian cuisine can seamlessly blend with American traditions, creating a new and exciting culinary experience.She also emphasizes the importance of using local ingredients. Growing up, she saw her mother use products from American supermarkets, which added a unique touch to Indian dishes. This shows how Indian cuisine can adapt to different cultures and environments.

Mexican-Inspired Thanksgiving Sides

Khushbu Shah believes that corn is an underutilized vegetable on Thanksgiving tables. She suggests taking the Indian or Mexican route with corn. For example, adding cotija, a good amount of spice and heat, some cheese, some lime, and a kashmiri red chili powder can turn corn into a spicy and cheesy side. This shows how Mexican and Indian cuisines have a lot in common and can be combined to create delicious dishes.She also mentions the Indian street corn-style, which is kashmiri red chili powder, a ton of butter, some salt, a lot of lemon, and shredded cheese on top. This shows how simple ingredients can be transformed into a flavorful side dish.

Squash as the Main Event

Khushbu Shah is a big squash girl and believes it should be treated like a main on Thanksgiving. She shows how to hasselback a squash and pour a pomegranate-type glaze on it, along with fresh herbs. She also shares a version where she bakes biryani inside the squash, creating a unique and delicious dish. This shows how squash can be a versatile and flavorful addition to Thanksgiving.She also gives tips on how to make sure the squash and the rice are cooked properly at the same time. Par boiling the rice and seasoning the squash properly are key steps. This shows her attention to detail and her knowledge of cooking.

Indian-American Mac and Cheese

Khushbu Shah's makhani mac and cheese is a blend of Indian and American flavors. It combines the best elements of a butter chicken or a butter paneer with noodles and a creamy béchamel sauce. This shows how Indian cuisine can be incorporated into American comfort foods, creating a new and delicious dish.The recipe is inspired by chef Preeti Mistry's tikka masala mac and is a simplified version that combines a makhani sauce, a creamy béchamel, and sauce-hugging noodles. This shows her creativity and her ability to adapt recipes to her own style.In conclusion, Khushbu Shah's "Amrikan" cookbook offers a unique perspective on Thanksgiving sides. Her fusion of Indian and American cuisines creates delicious and innovative dishes that are sure to impress. Whether it's the spicy corn, the hasselback squash, or the makhani mac and cheese, these recipes are a must-try for anyone looking to add some excitement to their Thanksgiving table.