Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to prepare to travel. This year, make the holiday extra special by baking the Thanksgiving turkey with a flavorful twist. Pick an international flavor inspiration that works with your menu and start a new tradition of global discovery.
On Thanksgiving, Samoans focus on the turkey’s tail, rather than the breast meat. Seasonings are kept simple, usually stopping at salt and pepper, before the tail is broiled to a crisp. This technique is a great way to try turkey while minimizing clean-up.
A popular dish found in Mexico is baked turkey with mole sauce, which is commonly found at weddings, birthdays and baptisms. The mole poblano sauce is made with one or more chili types for a bit of heat, then chocolate is added at the end to balance the heat of the peppers with a sweetness. During the meal, the sauce is poured over the golden-brown turkey.
The Peruvian take on turkey is called pavo a la brasa. To replicate this dish, simply marinate the bird in salt. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and grill it over charcoal for several hours. As it cooks, sprinkle spices onto the coals to create an aromatic smoke that will flavor the turkey.
To add a Greek-inspired twist to your meal, season the bird with a mixture of basil, bay leaf, dill, oregano, parsley, rosemary, wild celery, time and sage. Keep in mind, the herb ratios will depend on your preference. If you have the equipment, add a smoky flavor by cooking the turkey over charcoal.
Rogan josh is a popular Indian curry that tastes great with turkey. To make the base, create a gravy of yogurt and spices, specifically red pepper. While the red pepper isn’t very hot, it offers a vibrant red color to the dish. After the gravy is created, cook slices of turkey before mixing together.
Adding a Chinese-inspired twist to your Thanksgiving meal has never been easier or more delicious! Season your turkey with sesame oil and stuff it with a mixture of cooked mushrooms, pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt and pepper. Then steam the turkey in the oven for a few hours before transferring it to a roasting pan. For a more Chinese-inspired Thanksgiving, change your menu and serve the turkey over sticky rice.
Experience these international flavors in person when you travel at more than 4,200 Best Western Hotels & Resorts locations around the world. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving for your friends and family this year, rather than inflating the old air mattress, turn to Best Western for a comfortable and affordable stay. Spend more time focused on making memories than organizing sleeping arrangements!