November’s Aromatic Meats
With Thanksgiving approaching and people spending more time indoors, November is a delectable month for culinary varieties and flavors. The month is flush with combinations of spices, fruits, meats and root vegetables that entice all the senses.
When it comes to meats, turkey or ham is often front and center on Thanksgiving Day, but there are many other meats that pair beautifully with other seasonal dishes. Don’t feel like you have to limit yourself. Here’s some inspiration for planning over the coming weeks.
Turkey: It’s November, so we must celebrate the infamous turkey. This large bird offers white, lean meat that tastes delicious with gravy and fruit sauces. It is often roasted or braised and seasoned with butter, sage, rosemary, thyme, garlic, onions, and lemons. Leftover meat can be enjoyed on sandwiches or in dishes, such as turkey pot pie or casserole.
Duck: For a more indulgent option, consider trying roast duck this November. Popular throughout Europe, duck is a rich, succulent meat often enhanced with fruity sauces like orange or cherry. Roast duck is seasoned with salt and pepper, stuffed with sliced apples and prunes, then slowly roasted until golden brown and crispy. It pairs well with potatoes and can be topped with a sauce of reserved duck fat, whiskey, and wine.
Pork: Pork cuts such as loin, chops, and ribs are perfect for November grilling or slow cooking. Many pork chop dishes cook in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights. Consider enhancing your pork chops with gravies and spices like this Hungarian paprika sour cream pork chop dish. Pork ribs are a festive and delicious meal for dinner or parties, and pork shoulder can be slow-cooked for pulled pork sandwiches.
Beef: Hearty beef dishes like pot roast or beef stew are perfect for warming up on chilly November nights. Beef pairs deliciously with root vegetables, such as carrots, parsnips and potatoes. Onions and garlic will add extra flavor and aromatic appeal. Popular spices for beef include paprika, caraway seeds, marjoram, bay leaves, red wine, salt and pepper. Consider warming up with some homemade shepherd’s pie with minced or ground beef, roasted pot roast, Irish stew, and the many variations of goulash.
