Thanksgiving is a time of family, thanks, and great food. While turkey and stuffing will always be a part of our tables, we can easily incorporate something different into our feast. Indian cuisine is filled with delicious flavors, spices, and textures – the possibilities are endless! In this blog, I am going to list 9 ready-to-eat Indian Meals that are perfect for Thanksgiving. From rich and hearty curries to aromatic rice, these meals will definitely be a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast – your family and friends will be glad you did!
1. Chicken Tikka Masala with Basmati Rice – JustByQuicklly
This amazing Ready to Eat meal by JustByQuicklly features delightful pieces of chicken braised in delicious creamy tomato gravy alongside fluffy basmati rice and sweet green peas. It’s rich, mildly spiced, and hearty – just the ticket for giving your Thanksgiving spread warmth and some depth.
Serving Size: 16 oz
Ingredients:
- Rice: Water, Basmati Rice, Green Peas, Soybean Oil, Salt.
- Gravy: Chicken, Tomato (water, diced tomato, tomato paste, tomato juice, salt, calcium chloride, citric acid), Cream, Water, Onions, Yogurt (pasteurized Grade A milk, cultures), Soybean Oil, Butter, Cashews, Sour Cream (cultures, pasteurized light cream, nonfat milk, enzymes), Sugar, Spices, Ginger, Garlic, Salt.
How to Enjoy:
Simply heat and serve. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a lighter balance. It’s also a great option for those who want an easy, ready-to-serve main course.
Why it works for Thanksgiving:
The creamy and savory notes of Chicken Tikka Masala balance nicely with expected Thanksgiving staples like mashed potatoes or roasted carrots. It is an approachable dish that fuses the warmth of Indian spices and flavors with comfort food.
2. Paneer Butter Masala – MTR
A beloved vegetarian dish, MTR Paneer Butter Masala has soft cubes of paneer in a rich, buttery, tomato gravy. It’s mildly spiced and unbelievably creamy, bringing a comforting richness that can fit perfectly into your Thanksgiving Feast.
Serving Size: 300 g
Ingredients:
Water, Cottage Cheese (Paneer), Tomato Paste, Onions, Refined Sunflower Oil, Cashew Nuts, Butter, Spices, Chili Powder, Salt.
How to Enjoy:
Heat pouch in microwave or on the stovetop. Serve it hot with naan or steamed rice. Add a dollop of cream or fresh coriander before serving to make it extra indulgent.
Why it works for Thanksgiving:
Its silky texture and aromatic flavor provide a perfect vegetarian main dish, complementing both Indian and Western sides on your table.
3. Dal Tadka – The Cumin Club
This light, delicious yellow lentil dish, Dal Tadka from The Cumin Club, wonderfully brings homestyle simplicity to your Thanksgiving meal. It is rich in protein and spiced with ghee and garlic; it’s nourishing and comforting.
Serving Size: 325 g
Ingredients:
Toor Dal, Ghee, Ginger, Garlic, Tomato, Coriander Leaves, Red Chili, Salt, Spices.
How to Enjoy:
Microwave or stovetop, as per packaging. Pair with steamed rice or serve alongside roasted vegetables. It also works great as a lighter alternative to creamy gravies.
Why it works for Thanksgiving:
It adds a simple yet flavorful element to your table, ideal for guests who appreciate lighter, healthier fare.
4. Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani – JustByQuicklly
Indulge your taste for royalty in every bite of Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani from JustByQuicklly, and savor the rich flavors of India’s famous Nizami cuisine. Chicken pieces simmered with basmati rice, yogurt, and a melange of spices bring an enticing heat and aroma together in each bite. It’s a deliciously rich dish that is perfect for a festive Thanksgiving table.
Serving Size: 16 oz
Ingredients:
Water, Chicken, Basmati Rice, Onions, Yogurt (pasteurized Grade A milk, cultures), Tomato (water, diced tomato, tomato paste, tomato juice, salt, calcium chloride, citric acid), Soybean Oil, Spices, Ginger, Garlic, Butter, Salt, Mint.
How to Enjoy:
Heat and serve with a side of raita or a cooling cucumber salad. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables or a light green chutney for an added festive touch.
Why it works for Thanksgiving:
Biryani is synonymous with celebration. This dish adds a luxurious, spiced aroma and hearty comfort to your Thanksgiving feast, perfect for guests who enjoy bold flavors alongside traditional fare.
5. Pav Bhaji – Haldiram’s
Haldiram’s Pav Bhaji is Mumbai’s favorite street food in a convenient RTE form. It features mashed vegetables cooked in butter and spices, creating a rich, tangy, and buttery medley.
Serving Size: 300 g
Ingredients:
Potatoes, Tomatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Butter, Onions, Spices, Garlic, Ginger, Salt.
How to Enjoy:
Heat and serve with toasted pav buns or dinner rolls. Add a squeeze of lemon and chopped onions for authentic flavor.
Why it works for Thanksgiving:
It’s a fun, flavorful, and interactive dish that can easily replace mashed potatoes or stuffing for a creative Indian twist.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving signifies comfort, warmth, and gathering over delicious food with loved ones, and these Ready-to-Eat Indian meals fit right in. Whether it’s the creamy depth of Chicken Tikka Masala, the layered spice of a Hyderabadi Biryani, or the fragrant depth of a Vegetable Curry, each has something to remember.
They’re easy to prepare, full of authentic Indian flavor, and work great with standard Thanksgiving sides. So this Thanksgiving, let’s combine traditions: let’s add a few Indian favorites to our Thanksgiving spread to create an event that’s equally comforting and globally-inspired.