Thanksgiving celebrations wouldn't be complete without traditional dishes; these foods hold a special place on the table. However, you can always add a unique, healthy twist to your usual holiday recipes. One such ingredient that deserves a spotlight in your kitchen is the ever-versatile and healthy moringa.

This superfood, often referred to as the "drumstick tree" or "miracle tree," can add a healthy boost to your favorite Thanksgiving dishes.

Moringa is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is shown to have positive effects in boosting your immune system, best for iron-deficiency, help with lowering blood sugar levels and cholesterol, etc.  From appetizers to desserts, moringa brings a vibrant, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the holiday season.

Here are a few traditional Thanksgiving recipes with a moringa twist for a healthier you!

Moringa Pesto Stuffed Mushrooms

Ingredients:
1 cup fresh basil leaves
20 large mushrooms, cleaned and stems removed                                              1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese                                                                          1/2 cup pine nuts
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon moringa powder

Instructions:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Mix basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and moringa powder in a food processor.
• Add olive oil gradually until smooth.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Stuff mushrooms with the moringa pesto.
• Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Garnish with additional moringa powder before serving.

Moringa Quinoa Salad with Cranberries and Almonds

Ingredients:
1 cup quinoa, cooked and cooled
1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
1/2 cup dried cranberries 
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 tablespoons olive oil
2  tablespoons moringa powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• Combine cooked quinoa, almonds, cranberries, and spinach
• Whisk moringa powder, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper for dressing
• Toss the salad with the dressing
• Chill before serving

Moringa Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Ingredients:
4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon moringa powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions:

• Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, moringa powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
• Garnish with cilantro. Sprinkle moringa powder on top

Moringa Lentil Soup with Butternut Squash

Ingredients:
1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
1 cup dry green lentils, rinsed
2 carrots, sliced
 2 celery stalks, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon moringa powder
6 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Moringa powder and parsley for garnish 

Instructions:

• Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft in a big pot.
• Add lentils, butternut squash, carrots, celery, and moringa powder. Mix well.
• Pour in vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then simmer.
• Add cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes until veggies and lentils are tender.
• Adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and moringa powder before serving

Love + miracles,