Tracing the Roots: The True Story of the First Thanksgiving

Every November, the aroma of roasted turkey and the warmth of family gatherings bring to life the cherished tradition of Thanksgiving. Yet, beyond the festive tables and pumpkin pies lies a story far richer and more complex than the familiar tale often told. “Tracing the Roots: The True Story of the First Thanksgiving” invites you on a journey back to 1621, uncovering the realities, struggles, and unlikely alliances that shaped that historic feast. This is not just a story of gratitude-it’s a window into the meeting of two worlds, the birth of a tradition, and the enduring legacy that continues to influence how we come together today. Join us as we peel back the layers of myth to reveal the true roots of this iconic American moment.

Tracing the Roots: The True Story of the First Thanksgiving invites us to savor more than just flavors-it beckons a culinary journey steeped in history, culture, and shared gratitude. Inspired by the authentic harvest meals shared between the Wampanoag people and Pilgrims in 1621, this recipe reimagines the essence of that first feast with fresh, wholesome ingredients that honor Indigenous traditions and early colonial harvests. Whether you’re seeking an approachable way to celebrate inclusivity or simply craving a dish packed with savory, earthy goodness, this recipe bridges the past and present with every bite.

Prep and Cook Time

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield

Serves 6-8 people generously, ideal for sharing at a festive table.

Difficulty Level

Medium – Great for home cooks ready to explore a historically inspired dish with straightforward techniques.

Ingredients

• 1 cup wild rice blend, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 cups vegetable broth or homemade Indigenous-inspired stock
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup fresh cranberries, rinsed
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup shiitake or oyster mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup, pure and unfiltered for authentic sweetness
• 1 teaspoon dried sage, ground
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
• Fresh parsley or wild greens for finishing touches

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: In a medium saucepan, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rinsed wild rice blend, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside and fluff with a fork.
2. Roast the butternut squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced squash with 1 tablespoon butter and a pinch of salt on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until golden and tender, turning halfway through.
3. Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sauté until translucent-about 5 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
4. Add mushrooms and herbs: Toss the sliced mushrooms into the skillet and cook until soft and browned, approximately 7 minutes. Stir in the dried sage and fresh thyme, cooking for another minute to release their fragrance.
5. Combine cranberries and maple syrup: Stir in the fresh cranberries and drizzle them with maple syrup. Cook for 3-4 minutes until berries begin to burst, creating a natural tangy-sweet glaze.
6. Mix in roasted squash and rice: Gently fold the roasted butternut squash and cooked wild rice into the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Warm through for 2-3 minutes so flavors meld beautifully.
7. Serve with garnishes: Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle toasted pumpkin seeds and chopped parsley or wild greens on top. These add a delightful crunch and vibrant visual appeal, embodying the spirit of woodland harvests.

Tips for Success

• For a deeper flavor, substitute vegetable broth with a light chicken broth or Indigenous-inspired bone broth if preferred.
• Make this dish ahead by preparing the rice and roasting the squash a day before; reheat gently while sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms for fresh taste.
• To keep it vegan, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine-both complement the earthy ingredients.
• If wild rice blend is unavailable, a mix of brown rice and farro makes a hearty substitute, keeping the rustic grain texture.
• Adjust cranberry sweetness by varying maple syrup quantity-start with less and add gradually to suit your palate.

Serving Suggestions

This dish shines as a vibrant centerpiece for your Thanksgiving or harvest celebration, paired perfectly with roasted turkey alternatives or grilled seasonal vegetables. Its harmonious layers of flavor and texture invite family and friends to reflect on shared histories and the richness of inclusive traditions. Garnish each portion with a sprig of fresh thyme or sage to echo its herbal notes. A light drizzle of extra maple syrup or a side of spiced pumpkin butter elevates the experience, making it a truly memorable dish that honors the essence of the feast that started it all.

Explore more traditional dishes inspired by Indigenous heritage on our Indigenous Harvest Recipes page. To deepen your understanding of the true historical context behind Thanksgiving, visit History.com’s First Thanksgiving Overview.

Q&A

Q&A: Tracing the Roots – The True Story of the First Thanksgiving

Q1: What exactly was the “First Thanksgiving”?
A1: Contrary to the popular pumpkin-pie-and-feathers image, the First Thanksgiving was a three-day harvest feast in the autumn of 1621. It was a communal celebration between the Plymouth Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans, where they shared food, fellowship, and gratitude after a successful harvest.

Q2: Who were the main participants in this historic feast?
A2: The gathering included roughly 50 Pilgrims-early English settlers who had endured a harsh first year in the New World-and about 90 members of the Wampanoag tribe, led by Chief Massasoit. This meeting symbolized a fragile but hopeful alliance.

Q3: Why was the feast so significant?
A3: The feast marked more than just a meal-it signified survival, cooperation, and the forging of a new relationship between two very different cultures. It was a moment of gratitude amid adversity and an early example of intercultural exchange.

Q4: Did they actually eat turkey and pumpkin pie?
A4: Surprisingly, neither turkey nor pumpkin pie was likely on the 1621 menu. The meal probably included venison, wild fowl like ducks and geese, fish, corn, beans, squash, and nuts. Pumpkin pie was unknown in England at the time, and turkeys, while native to the region, weren’t the centerpiece we imagine today.

Q5: How did this event become the “First Thanksgiving”?
A5: The term “Thanksgiving” was a New England tradition of giving thanks to God for blessings, often after a good harvest. The 1621 feast was referenced in letters and histories but didn’t become an official holiday until much later. It wasn’t until Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation, during the Civil War, that Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the United States.

Q6: What lessons can we learn from the true story of the First Thanksgiving?
A6: The true story reminds us to look beyond myths and see history as a complex exchange of cultures with both harmony and hardship. It calls for a deeper appreciation of Native American contributions and a reflection on cooperation, gratitude, and respect for diversity.

Q7: How is the First Thanksgiving remembered today?
A7: Today, Thanksgiving is celebrated across the U.S. as a time for family, food, and reflection. Many also honor the Wampanoag people and other Native tribes, recognizing that the history of Thanksgiving is intertwined with broader narratives of American history-both its triumphs and its challenges.

To Conclude

As we close the chapter on the true story of the first Thanksgiving, it’s clear that this moment in history is far richer and more complex than the simple feast often pictured in classrooms. The gathering was not just a meal, but a fragile bridge between cultures-woven with cooperation, hardship, and hope. By tracing the roots of Thanksgiving, we uncover a tapestry of human resilience and the beginnings of a shared story that continues to evolve. Understanding this past invites us to appreciate the deeper meaning behind the holiday, reminding us that gratitude is not just about tradition, but also about connection, reflection, and a mindful recognition of the diverse voices that shape our history.