As the winter holidays approach, renowned chef and Food Network star Michael Symon is preparing for the festive season. In the lead-up to Thanksgiving, he focuses on crafting simple yet hearty meals that satisfy his family’s cravings.
One of his standout creations is an Italian-inspired pot roast, drawn from his mother’s recipe, but with a clever twist that makes it even easier for home cooks.
The Smart Shortcuts for Busy Home Cooks
Symon’s Italian pot roast features beef that’s slowly simmered in tomato sauce, a dish he enhances with a time-saving ingredient: Contadina pizza sauce. This pizza sauce, with its notes of garlic and oregano, not only infuses the dish with flavor but also cuts down on prep time.
“I use Contadina pizza sauce in it because it adds layers of flavor without all the extra work,” Symon shares. By incorporating this shortcut, Symon encourages home cooks to embrace recipes that are easy yet flavorful. “If you can simplify the process, people are more likely to try new dishes,” he adds.
Contadina has been a beloved part of Symon’s kitchen for generations, which is why he continues his partnership with the brand. Through this collaboration, Symon offers more tips for home cooks, shares his favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and reveals his inventive ways to repurpose Thanksgiving leftovers.
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Symon is passionate about certain lesser-known ingredients that can elevate everyday cooking. One of his favorites is flaky sea salt, which adds a burst of texture and flavor to any dish. “It’s great for finishing a meal,” he says, highlighting its ability to enhance the overall taste and appearance.
Another ingredient he swears by is dried urfa chili. Unlike traditional chili peppers that add significant heat, urfa chili brings a unique combination of fruitiness, smokiness, and a subtle sweetness. “It’s perfect for adding depth to dishes without overwhelming them with spice,” Symon explains.
Michael Symon’s Thanksgiving Favorites
When it comes to Thanksgiving, Symon’s family gatherings are a big deal, with about 32 people often in attendance. A standout dish on his table is his grandfather’s corn pudding recipe, which has become a must-have in their holiday spread. “If I don’t make the corn pudding, there will be a revolt,” he jokes.
The dish is a comforting mix of creamed corn, corn bread mix, butter, cream, and seasoning, with some fresh grilled corn and scallions added for extra flavor.
For Symon, it’s not about fancy dishes; it’s about tradition and family. Despite his culinary expertise, corn pudding is the dish everyone expects him to prepare. “It’s the least ‘chef-y’ dish, but it’s my favorite,” he says, emphasizing its sentimental value.
The Least Favorite Thanksgiving Dish: Canned Cranberry Sauce
Symon has a very strong opinion on canned cranberry sauce. While he prepares homemade cranberry sauce every year, his wife, who grew up with the canned variety, insists on having both options. “Every year, my homemade cranberry sauce is still sitting there untouched, while the canned one is gone by the end of the night,” he reveals. This humorous tradition highlights how the simplest comforts sometimes take precedence over the chef’s culinary creations.
Using Thanksgiving Leftovers in Creative Ways
After the Thanksgiving feast, Symon has mastered the art of using leftovers to create new meals. His favorite way to repurpose leftover stuffing is by turning it into a breakfast treat. Symon flattens the stuffing into pancakes and crisps them up, similar to how potato pancakes are made. He tops the crispy stuffing with eggs for a stuffing Benedict—a fun twist on a classic breakfast dish.
For an even quicker option, Symon suggests using a waffle maker to crisp up the leftover stuffing. He adds poached eggs on top for a simple and satisfying breakfast that requires minimal effort.
Symon also loves making soup with Thanksgiving leftovers. “I take whatever’s left of the turkey carcass and make a turkey and dumplings soup,” he shares. If there’s a lot of dark meat left, he’ll make a hearty split pea soup with ham or turkey. Not only does this minimize waste, but it also provides comforting meals for the days following the holiday.
Tips for First-Time Thanksgiving Hosts
For those hosting Thanksgiving for the first time, Symon has some solid advice: plan everything meticulously. He recommends creating a detailed schedule and timing out when each dish should go in and out of the oven. “I make a chart and post it on social media every year,” he says. “I even make a flowchart for the night before so I know exactly what time everything needs to be done.” This planning strategy ensures a smooth cooking process and helps avoid last-minute panic.
Food Hot Takes: Symon’s Strong Opinions on Ingredients
While Symon is a fan of most ingredients, there are some he avoids—raspberries, for instance. “I’m allergic to raspberries, and they make my throat close up,” he explains. Despite the common curiosity about his dislike of the fruit, he emphasizes it’s purely for health reasons, not taste preferences.
Conclusion
Michael Symon’s approach to Thanksgiving reflects his love for tradition, comfort, and efficiency in the kitchen. Whether he’s preparing his family’s favorite corn pudding or creatively repurposing leftovers for a breakfast treat, his recipes and tips make the holiday season easier and more enjoyable for home cooks.
By following his advice, you can elevate your Thanksgiving experience, save time, and create lasting memories with loved ones.
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