DR. ARTHRITIS SHARES: THIS YEAR’S ARTHRITIS FRIENDLY THANKSGIVING RECIPES

Every year, we collect recipes from our team members and share it for everyone here in this community in preparation for the upcoming holidays. So with Thanksgiving coming up, we’ve rounded up a batch of arthritis friendly meals that stay true to the flavors of the season.

We’re including all the traditional holiday staples, but with that much-need healthy twist that makes each dish easy on our joints and symptoms. Did we mention they’re easy and simple to prepare?

No-Fuss Turkey Meatballs with Garlic Sauce

Meatballs may not necessarily be your go-to Thanksgiving main dish, but hear us out–

They’re so easy to prepare, they fit the holiday theme, and they’re very versatile. Choose your spices and flavorings carefully and you can enjoy a tasty Thanksgiving dish without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey

1/2 whole wheat breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp parsley

1/2 tbsp basil

1/2 tbsp oregano

1 large egg, beaten

A pinch of grated nutmeg

2-3 tbsps water

1 cup light mayonnaise

5 cloves fresh garlic, peeled

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Throw the turkey, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, herbs, egg, nutmeg, and salt and pepper in a

mixer or food processor and mix—mixture should be moist enough to stick together and hold its shape, but not dry.

3. Take a teaspoon and scoop up portions of your meat and roll or pack them into balls.

4. Place onto the baking sheet.

5. Bake the meatballs for half an hour or until the meat is cooked through and all sides are lightly browned.

6. To make the garlic sauce, combine light mayonnaise with garlic in a mixer or food blender until smooth.

Serve meatballs with a side of garlic sauce!

Spiced Citrus Turkey Breasts

Instead of going through all the trouble of basting and cooking a whole turkey, pick up some leaner cuts and use natural ingredients that fight inflammation.

Lemon is a known source of inflammation fighting antioxidants, as are turmeric and ginger. Use that to your advantage when you’re prepping for your Thanksgiving spread.

Ingredients:

1 4-6 lb bone-in turkey breast

1/4 cup ghee (clarified butter)

2 tsps dried and ground or freshly grated turmeric

1 tsp paprika

2 cloves minced garlic

1 tsp dried and ground cardamom

1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 320 degrees and spray your roasting pan with cooking spray.

2. Pour ghee into the pan and place turkey breast in. Brush the ghee onto the meat, making sure all sides are covered generously.

3. Mix turmeric, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a separate bowl and rub the mixture onto the turkey.

4. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for half an hour.

5. Remove from oven and baste turkey every 15 minutes until the turkey is golden brown and juices run clear.

Allow turkey to rest for 10 minutes after cooking. Slice and enjoy!

Mashed Broccoli and Potatoes

 Mashed potatoes are a staple on any Thanksgiving feast. Unfortunately, butter and starch aren’t exactly the healthiest of ingredients. But what would a holiday meal be without one? So we’re giving you a healthier option—fortified with greens that’s just as rich and delicious.

Ingredients:

4 medium sized white potatoes, boiled until soft and peeled

1 small head of broccoli, cooked and chopped into small pieces

3 tbsp ghee

2 tbsps cottage cheese

1/2 tsp dried dill

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Place all ingredients, except the broccoli, in a food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Mix in the broccoli into the potato mixture

There you have it. Feel free to share more and add to the list!