Thanksgiving Anticipation and Culinary Delights
Nargisse Benkabbou’s beef tagine with green beans and olives makes for a delightful centerpiece this season. Credit… Rachel Vanni for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Spencer Richards.
Good morning! As the days grow shorter and cooler, the texts are beginning to flood in, inquiring about Thanksgiving plans — who’s coming, how many turkeys are in the lineup, how many oysters will we indulge in, how many pies should we bake, and what supplies do we need? There’s an undeniable excitement in the air, a time of year ripe for dreaming and planning. This year, I’m contemplating the bold move of frying a turkey, adding to the feast alongside a smoked version and a classic oven-roasted one.
This season serves as a poignant reminder that Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished holiday that holds deep significance for many. It acts as an anchor, not only for the fall but perhaps for the entire year. While you don’t need to dive headfirst into planning just yet — making lists and assigning tasks can wait a little longer — it’s essential to acknowledge its approach and relish in the anticipation. Even if it means embarking on a five-hour drive to gather in an overheated dining room in a state you left behind after high school, take a moment this weekend to envision how you might make this year’s celebration unforgettable. Consider reaching out to someone who will share the table with you, or even someone who should be there but might not be.
Some may feel inclined to dive deeper and rehearse a few recipes in advance: perhaps some Parker House rolls or an elegant ombré gratin. However, I would advise against attempting a complicated Brussels sprouts dish for the very first time on November 28th! For now, I’m simply constructing castles in the air, making some calls, and sketching out a guest list in my mind. The real work will come soon enough, and I am genuinely looking forward to it.
This weekend, my cooking adventures will take a different turn. With excitement, I’m eager to try Nargisse Benkabbou’s enticing recipe for beef tagine with green beans and olives (as seen above). This hearty Moroccan stew is fragrant with a blend of ground ginger, garlic, and turmeric, enriched with olives and diced preserved lemon, all simmering alongside tender beef and crisp green beans. I envision serving this aromatic dish with fluffy couscous, followed by Nargisse’s delightful orange cake for dessert.
Featured Recipe
Beef Tagine With Green Beans and Olives