17 Best Indian Thanksgiving Recipes

Make your next holiday feast one to remember with these bright and comforting Indian Thanksgiving recipes. 

Flavorful, filling, and super delish, they’re everything you could want in a holiday meal and then some.

Why make the same old dry bird when you can try something different this year?

Some of these festive recipes are spicy, and some are sweet, but all of them are spectacular!

From vegan kebabs to tender Tandoori turkey, these Indian Thanksgiving recipes are sure to become a staple on your holiday dinner table.

Indian-Inspired Thanksgiving Menu

1. Tandoori Turkey with Homemade Gravy 

This tandoori turkey makes a delicious meal and a beautiful centerpiece to boot.

The tandoori paste is absolutely scrumptious, and you’ll find this fool-proof guide to a show-stopping turkey dinner super helpful.

Cooking a whole turkey does take a bit of time, but with this recipe, you’ll have a juicy, tender, and flavorful bird before you know it.

Besides, the best things in life are worth the wait, right?

2. Vegan Shami Kebabs (Kala Chana Kebabs) 

Here’s a fabulous vegan dinner to try if you’re not on the turkey train.

These kebabs are a quick, easy meatless meal for Thanksgiving your friends and family will adore. 

Crispy on the outside and divine through and through, they feature chickpeas, potatoes, and a whole lot of seasonings. 

They’re so flavorful, you might have to make extra!

3. Tandoori Turkey Breast 

If cooking a whole turkey isn’t your thing, this recipe is for you! 

This Instant Pot turkey breast is super moist and juicy, and a quick trip under the broiler guarantees crispy skin. 

The tandoori spices on this turkey breast are beyond fantastic. It’s a main dish full of flavor that requires minimal time and effort. 

It’s perfect for smaller gatherings or for those who don’t want to wait around for a turkey to defrost. 

4. Masala Turkey 

Made with masala spices, this turkey is super juicy with fantastic golden skin – just how turkey should be!

It all starts with a dry brine. You’ll cover the turkey in salt and seasonings and let it sit for at least a day. 

Then, the whole bird is placed upside-down on a buttered loaf of bread.

Some of the steps for this masala turkey might be unique, but they work! Try it and see for yourself.

5. Leftover Turkey Tikka Masala 

Maybe you have your Thanksgiving menu ready to go. But what are you going to do with all those leftovers?

This turkey tikka masala is not as easy as throwing cold turkey in a sandwich, but it’s worth the extra work in the kitchen. 

The Indian spices in this curry dish will fill the house with delicious aromas. And it’s a step up from microwaved leftovers every day.

6. Indian Stuffed Roast Chicken 

Not a fan of turkey? Here is a fantastic recipe for roast chicken I think you’ll really enjoy. 

Filled with a surprisingly delicious liver stuffing, there’s a tasty glaze on the outside, too.

Serve this as a fun new main on Thanksgiving and watch it disappear.

7. Garam Masala Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows 

Sweet potato casserole is one of my favorite parts of a Thanksgiving meal. Of course, after a few days, it can get old.

This Garam masala version is a lovely twist to keep your taste buds dancing.

The additional spice makes this deliciously warm with an incredible new depth of flavor.

It really takes this sweet potato casserole to the next level.  

8. Rice Pilaf with Nuts and Dried Fruit 

This rice pilaf side dish is bursting with flavor. It also has lots of yummy fruit, nut textures, and delicious spices.  

You’ll find chewy dried apricots, sultanas, and raisins, along with the crunch of pistachios and almonds. 

This side dish is perfect for any fall and winter meal. But with those colors, it’s best served during the holidays.

9. Cheese Naan 

This cheese-stuffed naan bread is simply fantastic! I mean, who can resist ooey-gooey, cheesy flatbread? 

You’ll use mozzarella to get that signature cheese pull. But feel free to mix another cheese for added flavor.

10. Tandoori Momos 

Momos are a popular street food dumpling filled with all sorts of tasty things. And these Tandoori momos are a flavorful upgrade. 

Chicken-stuffed dumplings tossed in Tandoori paste and then grilled? Sounds like heaven to me.

Serve them with yummy chutney for a fabulous appetizer, and they’ll be gobbled up in no time!

11. Whole Roasted Tandoori Cauliflower with Raita 

This whole roasted cauliflower is the perfect centerpiece for a vegetarian dinner. It’s hearty, flavorful, and done in only 15 minutes!

You’ll brine and steam the cauliflower before roasting to ensure it gets nice and tender all the way through.

Then, you’ll slather it with Tandoori paste before baking. That way, it’s extra flavor and lightly crispy on the edges.

You can add any toppings you like, but I suggest pickled red onions. They add a bright and tangy pop of flavor your guests will adore.  

12. Cauliflower Tikka Masala 

While this tikka masala dish calls for cauliflower instead of chicken, it has all the same flavors we love.

It’s a simple vegetarian swap that’ll have you coming back for more.

The homemade tikka masala sauce is mouthwatering. So if you serve this as a side, be prepared to run out!

13. Gulkand Shrikhand Sweet Tarts 

These sweets require no baking, which is a life-saver during the holidays.

Made with rose-flavored yogurt, they’re simple, fragrant, and likely to be gone in minutes.

Use any biscuits you like for the tart shells. Or, go ahead and use premade shells from the freezer aisle.

Just be sure the cookies you choose pair well with the filling.

A blend of Greek yogurt, sugar, cardamom, and saffron, it’s pretty darn dreamy.

To that, you’ll add rose water, which can be overwhelming. So, add a small amount and taste.

14. Instant Pot Healthy Ladoo/Pinni 

A ladoo is basically an Indian energy bite. They’re great to snack on throughout the day while cooking a family feast.

They’re healthy and easy to make, which is perfect for the holiday season. 

Dip them in chocolate, and they even make terrific little gifts.

15. Raita 

Raita is a traditional condiment served with Indian food.

It has a cooling sensation from the tangy yogurt and refreshing cucumbers, which is just what you need if you overdo it on the spice. 

Made with yogurt, cucumber, onions, and spices, you’ll also add cilantro for a touch of freshness.

Whether served with Tandoori or tikka masala, this yogurt recipe will taste delicious. 

16. Kachumber (Indian Cucumber Salad) 

This cucumber salad is much lighter than most of the other recipes on this list.

It’s a simple yet delicious combination of ingredients that provide a much-needed crunch to your heavy Thanksgiving dinner.

Onions and radishes bring notes of spice to the cucumber and yogurt, and there’s a bright and flavorful dressing to tie it all together.

It’s a simple salad, but it’s crazy tasty!

17. Gulab Jamun Cheesecake 

This cheesecake recipe may be the last on the list, but it’s certainly not the least. These eggless mini cheesecakes are a recipe you have to try!

Single-serve pieces are ideal for larger holiday gatherings where you want people to mingle.

It takes a formal dinner and turns it into a casual get-together. Just what you want with family and friends!

This creamy dish is full of Indian flavors and is a fantastic ending to a beautiful Indian Thanksgiving meal.