PODI-licious, veggie-ful, easy, flavorful Thanksgiving sides
Truth be told, I don’t remember much about my first few Thanksgivings in America, freshly immigrated from India when I was 10 and still finding my way around American traditions. But I vividly recall my college Thanksgivings.
Many of my friends were international students, and going home for the break wasn’t an option. But we weren’t about to let the occasion go uncelebrated or miss the chance to make the festival our own (a recurring theme for us, in case y’all haven’t noticed!).
Our ritual? A trip to the flagship Whole Foods in Austin - brand-new in 2005 (almost 20 years ago!) and brimming with a personal, neighborhood-y vibe. We’d pick up fresh produce, cook together, and throw the coziest little Friendsgiving! Back then, I wasn’t a meat eater, so I made sure the Thanksgiving sides, my main course, never got short shrift.
Feeling nostalgic this year, I skipped the closer Publix and made my way to Whole Foods. Even with all its expansion, it still feels special. The produce is always fresh and colorful, the prepared food section is excellent, and walking through the aisles - gawking at vibrant veggies, each holding delicious promise - turns grocery shopping from a chore into a joy.
I’ve always had a thing for great grocery stores. Exploring one is one of my favorite ways to experience a country. In the Netherlands, Albert Heijn is my favorite, even more than Whole Foods! The Dutch might take it for granted, but I love how thoughtful it is, even if you’re shopping for one. Bundled produce kits, with even that single carrot you need for a soup recipe - it’s all so welcoming. France, too, has its own charm. Grocery shopping (aka faire les courses, en francais) there is an absolute delight! Understandably, the French are very proud of their grocery stores.
This Thanksgiving, I indulged in a major veggie haul. It brought back memories of those college Friendsgivings, where Whole Foods saved us from campus cafeteria closures. Wholesome vegetarian sides became the stars of the show, and I embraced them with gusto.
Cooking this podi-licious sides spread (full details below) felt like a full-circle moment - shopping for veggies and transforming them into a festive feast. I realized how seasonal and wholesome this meal is, much like the Indian festive meals I grew up with. It’s a delicious way to honor the season and the time of year.
The spice and heat come from the toppings, making it easy to adjust for spice preferences. The vibrant, seasonal ingredients are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Cooking this spread felt like blending old traditions with new inspirations - a true PODI life Thanksgiving. I hope these ideas spark some inspiration for your own table!
A PODI-LICIOUS THANKSGIVING SIDES SPREAD
Vibrant Roasted Root Veggies
Seasonal delights like fennel (my fave), fingerling potatoes, colorful carrots, beets, and broccolini, roasted with olive oil and salt. Drizzled with a yogurt sauce featuring Zesty Coriander PODI, salt, and lemon for an earthy zinggg. Topped with ruby pomegranate arils for sweetness and crunch. NYT inspired and it’s so gorgeous it could easily steal the turkey’s thunder - because we feast with our eyes first! 🥗✨
Green Bean Casserole, Reimagined
Traditionally creamyyy, umamiii, and heavy on fried onions, my version keeps the spirit but dials up the crunch. Vividly green blanched beans (quick boil, then ice bath) topped with crispyyyyy mushroom fritters, air-fried with olive oil, OG Gunpowder PODI, and nutritional yeast. Finished with crispy fried onions and a sprinkle of parmesan. All the flavor, none of the sogginess.
Air-Fried Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry-Jaggery Reduction
Spiced with Tangy Rasam PODI, this dish is a delightful winter wonder. The tart cranberries pair beautifully with the crispy Brussels sprouts, and isn’t it lovely how nature gives us Vitamin C-rich fruits exactly when we need them most?
PODI-Topped Mac & Cheese
Goodles conch-shaped mac and cheese (yes, boxed, but hear me out—it’s protein-packed!). I added a baked topping of parmesan-panko breadcrumbs mixed with Crispy Garlic PODI for a crunchy, savory upgrade. Comfort food, leveled up.
