Sticking with the unconventional and untraditional Thanksgiving side dish theme, I have come up with this stunning, incredibly delicious, different, and satisfying sweet potato dish. I literally created it on a dime, when recently wondering what to do with three vivid purple sweet potatoes sitting on and staring at me from the kitchen counter. I could have sworn I heard little voices screaming “eat me!” 

Okay, I will admit this side dish is not a very traditional Thanksgiving side dish but will make a great addition to a rounded-out and creative meal. I sometimes crave something other than the usual suspects, like mashed potatoes and stuffing, and preferably gluten-free and dairy-free. As I mention in the title, it is simple, super simple with only 8 ingredients, about 15 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes in the oven. I will personally take simple, easy, and non-complicated when it comes to a holiday meal. At least some of the dishes.

Asparagus tall and honorable, embodies the crisp and bright days of Spring. Asparagus is rich in fiber, folic acid, Vitamin K, chromium and amino acids. It is on the top of my list of my favorite spring veggies.

Of all the cruciferous vegetables, Romanesco is by far the most beautiful and picturesque, chartreuse in color and spiny in texture. It tastes wonderful too, distinctly different from it’s white and dark green counter parts ( little more nutty in flavor).First documented in 16th century Italy, it is distinctly seasonal, a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving and holiday table.

This dish is as easy and simple as it gets but packed with flavor. I just ate it mixed with quinoa but it is the perfect side dish for your holiday meals, adding an air of unconventionality and flair to say your Thanksgiving dinner. It is not a usual suspect. Green Beans and mushrooms are often found on the Thanksgiving table but because here in California, I can easily find asparagus at this time, I chose to use asparagus as they have a lot less lectins compared to green beans. By all means use green beans for this recipe if green beans are available and you don’t give a diddly squat about lectin levels.

For the next six weeks, till the end of the year I will be posting 1-2  holiday meal side dishes a week, ( I will call them #holidaysides2021), which can be served throughout the holiday season. They will be pretty easy, unfettered, uncomplicated, totally delicious and completely complimentary to whatever you serve during your festivities. As always, plant based, gluten-free and without refined sugars.