Thanksgiving is a time for tradition, and in many homes, that includes the same tried-and-true dishes served yearly.
But if you’re looking to mix things up this year, why not try some of these unexpected Thanksgiving foods that start with V?
There are plenty of delicious dishes to choose from. Read on for surprising Thanksgiving foods that start with V!
1. Vermicelli
Vermicelli is first on our list of Thanksgiving foods that start with V. It is a type of thin pasta popular for Thanksgiving dishes.
It is often used in stuffing recipes, soups, and salads. Vermicelli can also be served as a side dish or as a main course in casseroles or pasta salads.
The versatility of vermicelli means that it can easily become the star of any Thanksgiving meal.
When cooked correctly, vermicelli’s light and fluffy texture will add the perfect touch to any dish.
Try serving it with roasted vegetables and herbs for a delicious, flavorful Thanksgiving dinner.
2. Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is also on our list of Thanksgiving foods that start with V, which is the perfect addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
Not only does it taste delicious, but it is also packed with nutritious veggies.
Making vegetable soup for your Thanksgiving dinner is a great way to ensure everyone at your table gets their daily dose of vegetables.
Use a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, onions, squash, and potatoes. Simmer the vegetables in broth for a few hours and serve as an appetizer or side dish.
For added flavor, you can add herbs and spices like oregano, parsley, garlic, thyme, and bay leaves. If you want to make your soup heartier, add some cooked pasta or beans.
Vegetable soup is a versatile dish that can easily be customized to fit your dietary needs.
Vegetarians and vegans find vegetable soup a great way to get protein without relying on animal products.
Serve vegetable soup with crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to complete the meal.
3. Veal
Veal is a delicious and surprisingly versatile meat that can be used in various Thanksgiving dishes.
This flavorful meat is a great way to add some deliciousness to your holiday feast, from a rich veal stew to a roasted veal cutlet.
Veal pairs particularly well with root vegetables and creamy sauces, making it perfect for a festive and comforting side dish.
Veal can also be substituted for beef in specific recipes, making it an ideal option for vegetarians looking for some variety on the holiday table.
With its sweet and succulent flavor, veal can please your guests.
4. Victoria Sponge Cake
Victoria Sponge Cake is a delicious and traditional British dessert that can make the best Thanksgiving foods that start with V.
This light and fluffy sponge cake is filled with layers of raspberry jam, rich cream, and sugar.
The cake is often served as a dessert or tea-time treat. It is ideal for those looking to add something a little different to their Thanksgiving spread.
When preparing this dessert, the key is ensuring the sponge cake is light and fluffy. This can be achieved by adding extra baking powder and using caster sugar instead of granulated sugar.
Topping it with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh raspberries gives it a festive touch that everyone will enjoy.
Try serving this delectable treat with a hot cup of tea or coffee to complete your Thanksgiving feast!
5. Venison
Venison is a popular dish in many countries but is also often served on Thanksgiving in the United States.
This game meat can be cooked in various ways, including roasting, smoking, and simmering in a stew.
Venison has a unique, rich flavor that goes great with gravy or sauce. Many people like to add cranberries for a festive and delicious touch.
If you want something different to serve at your Thanksgiving table, why not try some venison? It’s sure to be a hit with all of your guests.
Cooking venison requires care to ensure it is prepared correctly and tastes excellent as Thanksgiving foods that start with V.
Make sure to cook the meat until it is at least 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium-well.
It should also be rested for about 10 minutes before being served. Many recipes are available online to help you create a delicious venison dish.
With just a little practice, you’ll be serving up tasty venison dishes at your Thanksgiving dinner in no time.
6. Valencia Orange
Valencia oranges are next on our list of Thanksgiving foods that start with V . A sweet and juicy citrus fruit; these oranges are often served as a garnish for many dishes served during the meal.
They can also be used to make a variety of salads, drinks, and desserts. Valencia oranges add a tangy sweetness to traditional dishes like turkey and stuffing and fruit dishes such as cranberry sauce.
They also add some zest to vegetable sides, such as green beans and mashed potatoes. When serving Valencia oranges, it’s essential to use the ripest ones possible for maximum flavor.
Valencia oranges are also a healthy and tasty choice for those looking to lighten their Thanksgiving menu.
Packed with fiber, Vitamin C, folate, potassium, and magnesium, they provide various health benefits.
In addition, these oranges are low in calories and sodium, making them an excellent option for those watching their waistline.
Valencia oranges make a great topping for salads, oatmeal, or yogurt parfaits. And with their bright color and sweet flavor, they will hit the Thanksgiving table as Thanksgiving foods start with V.
7. Vanilla Bean
Vanilla bean is a fragrant and flavorful ingredient that can add sweetness to many Thanksgiving dishes.
Vanilla bean is a great addition to pies, cakes, custards, cookies, and even ice cream.
It’s a subtle flavor that adds depth and complexity to dishes. Vanilla bean also pairs well with fruits and nuts, making it the perfect accompaniment for seasonal desserts like apple or pumpkin pies.
Adding a few scraped vanilla beans to your favorite holiday recipes will give a hint of rich flavor that will please any guest.
Vanilla bean is also an excellent addition to savory dishes. It can enhance the flavor of soups, stews, gravies, and sauces.
For example, adding a few scraped vanilla beans to your favorite homemade cranberry sauce recipe will give it a wonderful depth of flavor.
The flavor of vanilla beans is delicious when combined with other spices and herbs. You can easily find it at most grocery stores, so why not try this Thanksgiving, as Thanksgiving foods start with V?
8. Velvet Beans
Velvet beans, also known as Mucuna pruriens, are a type of legume that has a crunchy texture and a sweet taste. The beans have a velvety outer coating that gives them their name.
They are often served in stews and soups or used to make porridge. Velvet beans are an excellent source of protein, minerals, and vitamins. As such, they make for an ideal dish to serve during Thanksgiving.
The beans can be boiled, roasted, or sautéed with onions and garlic for added flavor. It’s also possible to prepare velvet beans with traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey.
In addition to being a great source of protein, velvet beans are also packed with antioxidants that can help protect your cells from damage.
They contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds, which can help reduce swelling and improve joint health.
Velvet beans are also high in essential amino acids, aiding muscle growth and repair. With all of these nutritional benefits, it’s easy to see why velvet beans, as Thanksgiving foods that start with V, should be included in your Thanksgiving meal.
9. Vinegar
Vinegar is also on our list of Thanksgiving foods that start with V. It is an essential condiment for many Thanksgiving dishes and can give dishes a kick of flavor.
It can add acidity and balance flavors in side dishes, appetizers, and desserts. Vinegar can also be used as a marinade for turkey and other poultry, making the meat more tender and flavorful.
One way to use vinegar on Thanksgiving is to mix a tablespoon of white wine vinegar with orange juice and a pinch of sugar to make a light glaze for the turkey or other proteins.
Other vinegar-based Thanksgiving dishes include sauerkraut and cranberry sauce. The acidic kick of vinegar adds complexity and zest to many traditional Thanksgiving dishes.
10. Vienna Sausage
Vienna Sausage makes a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast. It is a small, thin, pre-cooked sausage in various flavors and styles.
Vienna sausages can be served hot or cold, making a delicious side dish for any holiday meal. To prepare Vienna sausages for your Thanksgiving feast, heat them and serve them with a sauce of your choice.
You can also sprinkle herbs and spices on top for an added flavor touch. Vienna sausages are a quick and easy way to add protein and flavor to any Thanksgiving meal.
11. Vol-au-vent
Vol-au-vent is a classic French pastry dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It consists of a light pastry crust filled with savory filling such as mushrooms, chicken, and vegetables.
The pastry is cut into small pieces and arranged on a baking sheet in individual portions. When the vol-au-vent is served, it is usually accompanied by a sauce or dip of your choice.
This dish can be enjoyed as part of a Thanksgiving dinner, as a side dish, or as an appetizer. Vol-au-vent makes interesting and delicious Thanksgiving foods that start with V to traditional Thanksgiving favorites.
12. Vichyssoise
Vichyssoise is a French soup that consists of leeks, onions, potatoes, and cream. It’s usually served cold, although it can be served hot.
This rich and creamy soup is perfect for a Thanksgiving dinner because it’s simple to prepare yet full of flavor.
Serve it as a starter or side dish to make your meal memorable. Top it with chives for an extra burst of flavor. Your guests will be delighted!
13. Valerian Root
Valerian root is an unexpected addition to the Thanksgiving dinner table, but its intense flavor adds a layer of complexity to your favorite dishes.
Valerian root has a musky taste and smell that complements savory dishes like stuffing and gravy.
The herb has a long history in traditional medicine and is known for its calming effects. Add it to your Thanksgiving dinner to give a unique twist to the classic holiday flavors.
Valerian root can be prepared in a variety of ways. Try adding it to your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes for extra flavor.
You can grind it up and sprinkle it over poultry or fish for a unique flavor profile.
For a quick and easy way to add valerian root to your dinner, try adding it to your favorite vinaigrette or salad dressing for a unique twist on classic recipes.
With its intense flavor and calming properties, valerian root will become a beloved addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
14. Velveeta
Velveeta is next on our list of Thanksgiving foods that start with V. It is a smooth and creamy cheese product many people enjoy during the holidays.
Although Velveeta is not traditionally served on the Thanksgiving table. It can make delicious dips and sauces that are great for snacking and entertaining.
Whether you’re looking for a cheesy dip to serve with chips or a flavorful sauce to top your turkey, Velveeta is an excellent choice.
With its smooth texture and rich flavor, Velveeta makes a great addition to any Thanksgiving celebration.
15. Victoria Plums
Victoria Plums are a type of plum originating in Australia, and they make an excellent addition to any Thanksgiving meal.
These sweet, juicy plums are typically ripe and ready to eat when picked, and they make a delicious addition to pies, sauces, cakes, and other desserts.
They can also be cooked in savory dishes as well. Due to their popularity, many countries now produce Victoria Plums, making them an excellent choice for any Thanksgiving table.
Their sweet-tart flavor makes them perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to any holiday dish.
16. Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette is a great addition to any Thanksgiving meal. It is a light and flavorful dressing that can add an extra kick of flavor to salads, vegetables, and side dishes.
Vinaigrettes are usually made with olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. They are an excellent way to dress up traditional Thanksgiving dishes such as stuffing, mashed potatoes, and gravy.
Vinaigrettes, as Thanksgiving foods that start with V, are also perfect for adding some zing to the Thanksgiving table; they can be served on the side or added to cooked vegetables.
With the variety of vinaigrette recipes available, you’re sure to find one that will make your Thanksgiving dinner extra special.
17. Vodka
Vodka is a surprisingly versatile addition to any Thanksgiving dinner. It can be used as an ingredient in cocktails or as a base for sauces and dressings.
It can also be used to cook vegetables and to infuse turkey, making the meat more succulent and flavorful. Adding a shot of vodka to the gravy is also a great way to add extra depth and richness.
Vodka can also be used in desserts such as panna cotta or added to smoothies for a refreshing after-dinner treat.
While vodka may not be the most traditional of Thanksgiving foods, it is a versatile ingredient that can bring a unique twist to many dishes.
18. Vermouth
Vermouth is a unique addition to any Thanksgiving meal. This fortified wine is made from various herbs and spices, including cloves, nutmeg, coriander, and cinnamon.
Vermouth has a sweet and slightly bitter flavor, making it the perfect accompaniment to traditional Thanksgiving foods like stuffing and mashed potatoes.
It can be served on its own as an aperitif or used in classic cocktails such as a Manhattan or Martini.
Vermouth is also great for marinades and sauces, adding depth of flavor to all sorts of dishes. With its delicate complexity, vermouth makes a beautiful addition to any Thanksgiving table.
19. Veggie Chips
Veggie chips make a great Thanksgiving side dish or snack. Not only are they delicious and crunchy, but they’re also incredibly versatile. You can serve them with dips, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more.
Whether you make your own from scratch or buy them pre-made from the store, veggie chips will surely be a hit at your Thanksgiving feast.
Add flavors like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little parmesan cheese for an extra flavor kick.
Veggie chips are a great way to get your kids to eat vegetables too. You can sneak some extra veggies into their diet by making veggie chips that contain sweet potatoes, carrots, zucchini, beets, and more.
Not only are they nutritious, but they’re also fun to eat. Get creative with seasonings and mix up the flavors each time to keep things interesting.
Veggie chips are a unique and delicious way to add more veggies to your Thanksgiving menu.
20. Vla
Vla is a dessert cream that resembles pudding and is incredibly well-liked in Belgium and the Netherlands.
Typically, it contains eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. Its consistency is thicker than custard but not as thick as crème pâtissière.
Although vla has undergone several changes, the original recipe calls for vanilla flavor. The other varieties are referred to as apple, caramel, banana, or orange. Delicious!
21. Vindaloo
Lastly, One of the spiciest Indian dishes on the menu at Indian restaurants is vindaloo, a very well-liked Indian curry.
Vindaloo, which means “meat marinated in wine & garlic,” is a dish that includes chile pepper, occasionally coconut milk, and several other spices.
Although the vindaloo’s spice can be changed, it is typically a hot dish served with rice. To make it more palatable for your palate, you may change the amount of heat and spice.
Conclusion
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and delicious food. As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, don’t forget to include some Thanksgiving foods that start with V.
Our blog post has explored unexpected Thanksgiving foods that start with V. These recipes will add a special touch to your holiday table! Enjoy!!!
