The Forgotten Thanksgiving Dishes of Early America

Why Do We Ignore Eel, Chestnuts, and Venison Today?

Thanksgiving tables today are pretty predictable: turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, maybe a green bean casserole. But if we jumped back in time to those early Thanksgiving celebrations, you’d likely be surprised by what was on the menu! Alongside some familiar ingredients, you’d also find dishes that have all but disappeared from our modern Thanksgiving spreads. Ever wondered why we don’t serve eel, chestnuts, or venison at Thanksgiving anymore? Let’s take a look at these long-lost dishes and why they’ve faded from our tables.

First, A Question: Do You Know Any “Forgotten” Thanksgiving Dishes?

Before we dive in, take a second to think about your own family traditions. Have you ever heard stories of strange dishes your great-grandparents used to serve at Thanksgiving? Maybe there was a recipe for something totally unexpected, like oysters or root vegetables that nobody makes anymore?

If so, you’re already halfway to uncovering some forgotten Thanksgiving flavors!

Eel at the Thanksgiving Table?!

Yes, you read that right: eel was actually a prized part of early American meals! Eel was abundant in the rivers of New England and was a staple food source for both Native Americans and the early settlers. Roasted, grilled, or even stewed, eel was easy to catch, highly nutritious, and a reliable protein source long before turkeys became the main attraction.

But why don’t we see eel on the Thanksgiving table anymore?

The answer has a lot to do with changing food preferences and availability. As the early colonies grew and more settlers brought over livestock, chickens, pigs, and cattle became more common, and the tradition of raising a Thanksgiving turkey began to take hold. Eel, on the other hand, became associated with “old-fashioned” food and faded out of favor. Today, it’s rare to find eel on any American menu, let alone at Thanksgiving.

Chestnuts Roasting on the… Thanksgiving Table?

If there’s one item that truly deserves a comeback, it’s the humble chestnut. Chestnuts were abundant in early America, and they were used in a variety of dishes, from savory stews to sweet pastries. Roasted chestnuts were a popular addition to stuffing, and they added a unique earthy, nutty flavor that paired perfectly with wild game like duck.

However, in the early 20th century, a blight wiped out most of America’s chestnut trees, causing this Thanksgiving staple to disappear from the table almost overnight. Without easy access to chestnuts, cooks turned to more accessible ingredients, like bread, cornmeal, or other nuts. But today, with chestnuts becoming more readily available, it’s a great time to consider reintroducing them to your holiday spread! Roasted chestnut stuffing, anyone?

Venison: A Wild Thanksgiving Main Dish

Now, on to one of the most overlooked dishes: venison, or deer meat. Long before turkeys took center stage, venison was often the star protein at early Thanksgivings. Native Americans introduced early settlers to venison, and it became a key part of their diets. Venison is lean, rich in flavor, and was especially appropriate for a harvest feast since it was available year-round and often easier to come by than poultry.

So, what happened to venison at Thanksgiving? As American diets became more standardized and livestock became easier to raise, farm-raised meats like beef, pork, and, of course, turkey, became more accessible and popular. And let’s face it, venison can have a “gamey” taste that not everyone loves, making it a harder sell for big family gatherings. Today, venison is more of a delicacy than a staple, and it’s more commonly found in specialty dishes rather than on Thanksgiving tables.

Editor’s opinion: As someone who against hunting wildlife, I’m glad to see this tradition disappear.

One of The Forgotten Thanksgiving Dishes of Early America: Sunchokes, Turnips, and Hazelnut Stews

Thanksgiving tables in early America also featured some unique sides that have largely been forgotten. Sunchokes (sometimes called Jerusalem artichokes) were once a common root vegetable that’s packed with flavor and nutrients, but over time, they were replaced by potatoes and yams. Similarly, turnips were another popular side dish that’s mostly faded from the Thanksgiving lineup. And if you’re wondering about other nuts, hazelnuts were used in everything from stews to desserts, adding a unique flavor that we’d now find surprising.

Could these dishes make a comeback? Absolutely! In fact, sunchokes and turnips are making a slow resurgence in trendy restaurants and farmers’ markets, so don’t be surprised if you start seeing them pop up as a creative Thanksgiving side.

A New Thanksgiving Challenge: Bring Back a Forgotten Dish!

So, now that you know about these unique foods, here’s a Thanksgiving challenge: add a forgotten dish to your menu this year! Imagine your guests’ surprise when you reveal that the roasted chestnut stuffing or sunchoke mash you’ve served is actually part of early Thanksgiving history. Plus, bringing back an “old-fashioned” dish is a great way to start a conversation about how Thanksgiving has changed over the centuries.

Need some inspiration? Try one of these ideas:

• Chestnut and sage stuffing: Add roasted chestnuts to your stuffing for a rich, nutty flavor that’s true to Thanksgiving’s roots.

• Roasted eel: For the truly adventurous, roasted eel is a throwback to the very first Thanksgiving. (Try it as an appetizer if you’re nervous about going all-in!)

• Sunchoke and turnip mash: For a delicious, earthy side, try roasting and mashing these forgotten root vegetables with butter and herbs.

• Hazelnut stew: This warm and nutty dish was a historical favorite, often served as a hearty vegetarian option. Season with herbs like thyme and rosemary for a flavorful addition to your table.

If you’re curious to try these forgotten Thanksgiving dishes, you can consider exploring online resources or historical cookbooks for recipes. Our series will be sharing stories and ideas behind these unique dishes, but we’ll leave the cooking adventures up to you! Whether you decide to bring back eel, or chestnut-based sides, these flavors are sure to add something special to your Thanksgiving table.

The Bottom Line: Thanksgiving, Past and Present

Thanksgiving has certainly changed since those early celebrations, but exploring these forgotten dishes is a fun way to connect with history and maybe even add a new (old!) favorite to your table. Next time you’re sitting down to your Thanksgiving feast, take a moment to think about how much the holiday has evolved and maybe give a nod to the flavors that time forgot.

So, would you try one of these dishes at your Thanksgiving? Let us know if you have any family recipes or memories of these “forgotten” flavors!

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