Thanksgiving, But Make It Desi: Chef Siddharaj Pant’s Flavourful Spin

Everyone who grew up watching Friends would agree that the Thanksgiving dinner episodes were the best. Other than the cameos by popular actors like Brad Pitt and Julia Roberts, what stole the show was the iconic circular table filled to the edge with plates of food. From roast turkey to creamy mashed potatoes and tangy cranberry sauce, it is everyone's dream to celebrate Thanksgiving as Monica does. 

Well, this is your chance to be Moncia, as in this article, Local Samsoa invites  Chef Siddharaj Pant, who has mastered the world of Indian cuisine, to give the readers an insight into how to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving feast, but in a desi way! In this guest blog, Chef Pant shares insights on his favourite brand to shop from to ensure you have good quality produce, how to give American flavours a desi tadka and the best places in India to try a traditional Thanksgiving meal. So, without any further ado, let the feast begin!

A Desi Twist on Thanksgiving Ingredients  

Chef Siddharaj Pant feels that any festive meal's energy and soul come from the quality of the ingredients. Regarding produce, for fruits, he offers recommendations for Naturo, Fresho, and BigBasket Organic, which offer fresh produce grown responsibly. These are his top recommendations for apples, berries, citrus, and seasonal fruits that could be used for desserts and salads. 

For veggies, to maintain consistent quality, he turns to Farmley, Organic Tattva, and Desi Farms. Their selection of root vegetables, greens, and herbs also works wonderfully for roasts and stuffings, or as sides.  When it comes to meats or poultry, Chef Pant's favourites are Licious, FreshToHome, and TenderCuts. If you want to roast a whole chicken or are considering using turkey, these brands offer trusted hygiene, tenderness, and reliable cuts. He stresses the importance of selecting brands that provide freshness and traceable, sustainable farming or sourcing practices, as well as quality that remains consistent, especially in festive cooking for occasions when details truly matter.

"Indians have an innate quality to come together and celebrate. There are already existing holidays in our culture, specifically around harvest and gratitude, so it fits into that lens nicely. Each year, acceptance of Thanksgiving seems to grow among families and restaurants alike, but I feel that people are putting their own unique spin on it as well", expresses Chef Pant. 

Alternatives for an Indian Flavoured Thanksgiving Feast   

The Thanksgiving table includes turkey with cranberry, along with mashed potatoes, stuffing and probably pie; Chef Pant believes you can create anything “desi-friendly” without separating from the traditional Thanksgiving experience.  One option, instead of a whole turkey, which can seem a rarity and/or seasonal item, is a tandoori-style turkey, or perhaps just a spiced chicken roast, where Kashmiri chilli and fresh coriander are mixed with yoghurt to yield tenderness. 

For vegetarians, a paneer wellington, rich, flaky puff pastry combined with a spiced paneer filling, can replace a beef wellington.  Condiment-wise, instead of regular cranberry, use a cranberry masala chutney (roasted cumin, ginger, jaggery, a hint of chilli) to repurpose cranberry sauce. Chef Pant suggests ways to keep the Thanksgiving desi flavours, approaches, and feel in line with conventions by:  

1. Using warming spices like cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, star anise, and cardamom  

2. Creating heat, just enough for a presence, so the traditional feels come through.  

3. Consider regional,  how you use mustard oil in the East, gongura in the South, or ghee-roasted herb in the North, etc.

Where to Experience Thanksgiving Meals in India

Thanksgiving has become an understated culinary celebration in urban India, with hotels and restaurants presenting seasonal menus at this time of year. Chef Pant looks at areas where the Thanksgiving spirit feels credible and friendly. In Mumbai, he recommends The Table, Smoke House Deli and the Festival menus at The St. Regis hotel. In Delhi, The Claridges, Olive Bar & Kitchen and The Lodhi, among others, often share curated Thanksgiving spreads, and in Bengaluru, diners can discover menus at JW Marriott, Toast & Tonic and special feasts at ITC Gardenia. 

He is also appreciative of smaller bakeries and cafes, particularly those producing artisan breads, pies and roasts,  for a thoughtful presentation of global celebrations stylishly representing a twist suitable for an Indian palate. Not to be overlooked, boutique hotels and regional homestays are getting into the act, providing a more intimate, homely setting for Thanksgiving meals.

Easy Thanksgiving-Inspired Recipes (Chef’s Picks) 

A. Desi-Style Roast Chicken

Ingredients: Chicken (whole), yoghurt, ginger-garlic paste, Kashmiri chilli, turmeric, garam masala, lemon juice, ghee 

Method: Marinate ingredients, leave for 4–6 hours. Roast at 200°C for 45–55 minutes, basting with ghee halfway. Serve with roasted vegetables seasoned with chaat masala.

B. Masala Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients: Boiling potatoes, ghee, milk, roasted cumin, green chillies, coriander 

Method: Mash potatoes and warm milk, and ghee. Add cumin, finely chopped chillies and coriander. Check the seasoning to taste. Serve piping hot with roasts. 

C. Quick Gajar Halwa Tart 

Ingredients: Ready-made tart shells, gajar halwa, nuts

Method: Fill heated tart shells with gajar halwa. Sprinkle with nuts. Optional: heat or warm gently before serving. This dessert is the perfect Indo-Western Thanksgiving dessert. 

"India doesn't just embrace trends from around the world in food; we absorb and make those local and our own. There are 200 years of back stories on the tables of India's Thanksgiving - some from families, some from places in the country, and some from the idea of Thanksgiving itself. It is that landscape that makes Indian Thanksgiving unique", opines the chef. 

Executive Chef Siddharaj Pant believes that food will only be special when it embodies emotion. His message, simply put, is "celebrate with what you have, add your love to the table and let the food melt into one."  He also encourages readers to explore these desi-inspired recipes, check out local Thanksgiving specials, and take part in the celebration as it reflects their own communities and cultures. After all, Thanksgiving is about being thankful, and at least unless it is "desi" on your plate!

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