These Laxota recipes will appeal to everyone at your table this holiday season

November is Native American Heritage Month and it’s an important opportunity to recognize and honor the original inhabitants of North America. Help kids (and their grown-ups) make that connection by filling their tummies with indigenous cuisine. These Native American recipes are also great for cooking with kids. We caught up with Chef Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart of Etiquette Catering in Rapid City, SD for some mouth-watering menu items that incorporate traditional Lakota ingredients.

“As the original inhabitants of this land, it is important to teach all children the significance of indigenous foods, history, and existence,” says Chef Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart. “We all reside upon the ancestral lands of indigenous people.”

With full recipes below, Chef Tilsen-Brave Heart has curated a special menu for Native American Heritage Month and beyond. The following mouth-watering dishes incorporate ingredients like pumpkin and bison, which are major food staples for the Lakota people. You’ll also find foods like cranberries and rice that are also indigenous ingredients.

Magic Pumpkin Squash Soup

Magic pumpkin squash soup is a Native American recipe from the Lakota nation.
Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

  • 1 large butternut squash

  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder

  • Kosher salt

  • Black pepper

  • Olive oil

  • 1 stick of butter

  • 1 medium yellow onion

  • 1 can organic pumpkin puree

  • 2 cups coconut milk

  • 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable stock

  • Roasted pumpkin seeds (for topping)

Instructions:

  1. Roast a large peeled and cubed butternut squash at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

  2. Sprinkle with 1 tbsp of garlic powder, sprinkle kosher salt, and cracked black pepper

  3. Toss with olive oil and put in on a baking sheet before putting in the oven

  4. 1 stick of butter melted with a chopped medium yellow onion, sprinkle with some salt until translucent.

  5. Add 1 can of organic pumpkin puree

  6. Add 2 cups of coconut milk

  7. Add 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable stock

  8. Add the roasted butternut squash

  9. Simmer for 30 minutes

  10. Then blend with an immersion blender

  11. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds

 

Related: 10 Ways to Honor Native American Heritage Month with Your Kids 

Wild Rice, Cranberry, and Bison Stuffed Mushrooms

Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground bison

  • 1 lb Italian sausage

  • 3 tbsp. butter

  • 1 yellow onion

  • 6-8 baby portabella mushrooms

  • Qtr. cup dried cranberries

  • 1 cup wild rice {optional: purchase wild rice from: https://redlakenationfoods.com}

  • 2 cups bone broth or vegetable stock

  • Olive oil

  • Kosher salt 

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. Melt 3 tbsp. of butter with a half-chopped yellow onion Sauté

  3. Wash and clean 6-8 baby portabellas remove stems and chop add to the butter and yellow onion

  4. Add qtr. cup of dried cranberries

  5. Add 1 cup of wild rice, and continue to saute all together (you are popping the wild rice, so it will become fragrant)

  6.  Add 2 cups of bone broth or vegetable stock, lower heat, and cover to simmer; set timer for 25 minutes

  7.  In another pan saute  2 tbsp of butter and the other half of your chopped yellow onion, cook until translucent

  8. Add 1 lb of ground bison, 1 lb of Italian sausage, and 1 tbsp of garlic 

  9. Cook until brown over medium heat 

  10. Add wild rice and bison mixture together

  11. Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle kosher salt over portabellas 

  12. Stuff with bison wild rice mixture

  13. Bake for 15 minutes; serve warm

Related: 13 Children’s Books That Celebrate Native American Cultures & Authors

Bison Stew

bison stew is a Native American recipe from the Lakota nation.
Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs buffalo meat

  • 3-4 tbsp. olive oil 

  • 1 tbsp. garlic powder

  • 2 tbsp. kosher salt

  • 1 tsp. black pepper

  • 1 tsp. paprika

  • 1/2 tsp. turmeric

  • 3-4 bay leaves 

  • Mirepoix (chopped onions, carrots, celery)

  • 6-8 cups of beef broth/stock or water

  • 6-8 russet potatoes

Instructions:

  1. Braise 2 lbs of Buffalo meat (1-inch cubes) with half an onion (fine chop), in a warmed stockpot with 3-4 tbsp. olive oil 

  2. Spice 1 tbsp. garlic powder, 2 tbsp. kosher salt, 1 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. paprika, 1/2 tsp. turmeric, and 3-4 bay leaves 

  3. After browned, add Mirepoix (chopped onions, carrots, celery), and a can of diced tomatoes 

  4. Add 2 cups of water or stock/broth and simmer on medium-low heat for 30-45 mins or until tender. (Stir occasionally, more water or stick/broth may be needed) times will vary with the size of the meat and location

  5. When meat is tender add 6-8 cups of beef broth/stock or water and bring back to boil 6-8 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces or bigger 

  6. Cook an additional 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender 

  7. Remove from heat and let stand for 10-15 minutes, serve

Related: 7 Places to Visit to Responsibly Experience Native American Culture

Buffalo, Cranberry, and Wild Rice Meatballs with Blackberry Wojape

Etiquette Catering

Ingredients:

Meatballs

  • 1 lb Buffalo (Can be substituted with beef)

  • 1/4 lb Italian Sausage

  • 1 cup Wild Rice

  • 1/2 cup Yellow Onion

  • 3 cups of Chicken Bone broth

  • 1/2 cup Rehydrated Cranberries

  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire Sauce

  • 1/4 cup Breadcrumbs (optional)

  • 1 egg

  • 1 tsp. Salt

  • 1 tsp. Garlic Powder

  • Dash of Paprika

Blackberry Wojape 

  • 1 cup Berries

  • 1 cup Sugar

  • 1 1/2 cups Water

Instructions:

Meatballs

  1. Clean wild rice with cold water 

  2. Saute wild rice with 1/2 cup of yellow onion and some oil for 5 minutes, allowing the rice to gently pop

  3. Add in 3 cups of bone broth per 1 cup of wild rice

  4. Add in rehydrated cranberries, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes 

  5. Add in 1 cup finished wild rice to buffalo 

  6. Add 2 tbsp. of Worcestershire sauce

  7. Add 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs (optional) 

  8. Add 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. garlic powder, and a dash of paprika 

  9. Place meatballs on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes or until internal temp is 165 degrees

Blackberry Wojape

  1. Add into a pan: 1 cup of berries (of your choosing), 1 cup of sugar, and 1 tbsp. of cornstarch and 1 1/2 cups of water 

  2. Render down for about 10 minutes

  3. Drizzle blackberry wojape on top of the meatballs and enjoy 

 

 

 

photo: My Flourless Kitchen

Sneak some extra veggies into your little one’s diet with this genius recipe from Erin of My Flourless Kitchen. If you don’t have a spiralizer, Erin recommends cutting your zucchini into quarters lengthwise and peeling off strips with a vegetable peeler (or you can find them pre-spiralized at some grocery stores).

Ingredients
For the meatballs:
10 ounces extra lean ground beef
1 egg
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp fennel seeds

For the zoodles:
4-5 zucchini
2 cups of tomato sauce

Method
For the meatballs:
1. Combine all ingredients and form into small (golf-ball sized) balls.

2. In a saucepan over medium heat, brown the meatballs for a couple minutes on all sides.

3. Pour the tomato sauce over the meatballs and cover with a lid. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Instant Pot method:
1. Put the browned meatballs in the Instant Pot, cover with sauce and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.

For the zoodles:
1. Using a spiralizer, make your zucchini noodles (zoodles).

2. Add them to your cooked meatballs and sauce and cook briefly, just enough to warm them.

Thanks to Erin for sharing this recipe with us—visit her at My Flourless Kitchen for more healthy, family-friendly recipes. You’ll love her take on paleo, low-carb and gluten-free eating.

photo: Savory Nothings

These chicken tenders from Savory Nothings are going to be a game changer in your kitchen—they’re so crispy and delicious, you’ll never want to go back to the frozen kind (or the fast-food kind). Keep reading to learn how they’re made.

Ingredients
2 eggs
2/3 cup buttermilk
1 cup white flour
⅔ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 tablespoons bread crumbs
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon salt
2-3 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds chicken tenders
1/3 cup butter

Method
1. Preheat the oven to 410°F (210°C).

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and the buttermilk.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, parmesan, breadcrumbs, baking powder and seasoning together.

4. Place a dark-colored roasting pan (a baking tray works as well) in the oven to heat up.

5. Dip the chicken pieces in the flour mix, coating evenly and shaking off any extra flour.

6. Next, coat the chicken pieces in the egg mixture. Then, dip them into the flour again, this time coating very well.

7. Take the baking tray out of the oven and melt the butter on it. Place the coated chicken pieces on the tray.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, carefully flip and bake for another 5-10 minutes (depending on how thick your chicken pieces are). Finish by broiling the chicken until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Thanks to Nora of Savory Nothings for sharing this recipe with us. Be sure to visit her site to find more family-friendly recipes for every night of the week.

photo: Saporito Kitchen

Dig into some classic comfort food to warm up this winter. This meatloaf recipe from Amanda of Saporito Kitchen is sure to be an instant hit with your family, and it’s pretty easy to whip up with herbs and spices you already have in your pantry. Amanda recommends using a mix of ground pork and beef, but you can also use all beef if you prefer.

Ingredients
1 slice bread
1/4 cup milk
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 whole egg
2 teaspoons dried parsley
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup marinara sauce

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. Place the slice of bread in a small bowl and pour the milk over the top of it. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Add in milk soaked bread and mix together with hands until ingredients are incorporated.

4. Turn mixture out onto prepared baking sheet and shape into loaf form.

5. Bake meatloaf at 350 degrees for 40 minutes.

6. Take meatloaf out of the oven and top with marinara. Bake for another 10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 155 degrees.

7. Remove meatloaf from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Share this recipe with your friends and then let us know your favorite winter comfort food recipe in the comments below!

Find more of Amanda’s awesome recipes on her website, Saporito Kitchen. As a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu program at Scottsdale Culinary Institute, this foodie knows her stuff!

Who said nachos have to be bad for you? This recipe from Rani Hansen of You Totally Got This proves otherwise. They’re a great way to sneak extra veggies into your kids’ diet, but they also feel like a special treat.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups corn chips
½ cup grated cheddar cheese
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Pinch chili powder (or more if you like it hot)
1 small red onion
2 cups canned corn kernels
1 cup canned black beans
½ avocado
Fresh cilantro to garnish
1 long red chili to garnish (optional)
¼ cup yogurt (regular or coconut) or sour cream to serve

Method
1. Turn on your broiler.

2. Dice the avocado and red onion, and thinly slice the chili (if using). Set aside.

3. Add the crushed tomatoes, cumin, paprika, garlic powder and chili powder to a small saucepan and place on the stove over medium heat, stirring for 2 minutes or until warmed through.

4. Take the saucepan off the heat and set aside.

5. Place the corn chips in the bottom of a small shallow baking dish and sprinkle with cheese. Place under the broiler until the cheese has melted. This will only take a minute, so keep your eyes peeled.

6. Remove the tray from the grill and top the melted cheese with the nacho sauce before layering on the chopped red onion, corn and black beans. Place the tray back into the oven for 5 minutes or until the ingredients are warmed through.

7. Remove your nachos from the oven and top with avocado, cilantro and chopped chili (if using). Serve with yogurt or sour cream.

Rani Hansen shares lots more healthy recipes like this one on her blog, You Totally Got This. Head to her site to find more kid-approved meals that’ll come together in half an hour or less.

Craving something different for dinner? Transport yourself to the islands with by whipping up these yummy sliders from Or Whatever You Do. Grilled pineapple is always a hit, and once you pair it with pork tenderloin and a slathering of teriyaki sauce, you’ve got a dish that’ll please your whole crew.

Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin
1 can pineapple rings
1 package King’s Hawaiian rolls
6-8 ounces teriyaki sauce
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Method
1. In a small bowl, mix all dry ingredients for your rub together. Apply dry rub to the tenderloin. Make sure it is evenly coated.

2. Place meat on an outdoor grill at medium heat (325 F) and cover. Turn meat judiciously every 3-4 minutes to avoid burning the outside. When the meat reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 F, it is done. Remove from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 1/2″ thick medallions.

3. While the tenderloin is cooking, open the can of pineapple rings and place them on the grill. Flip the rings when they have nice dark brown grill marks and remove when the other side is done.

4. At the same time you are grilling the pineapple rings, open your package of King’s Hawaiian Rolls and using a bread knife, cut them in half. Place both halves of all your cut rolls on the grill and leave there until the undersides are toasty brown, then remove.

5. To put your sliders together, first put the bottoms of the rolls down, followed by the pork tenderloin, and pineapple ring on top of that. Next, drizzle some teriyaki sauce on top of the pineapple and finish the slider by adding the top portion of the rolls.

This recipe and photo come courtesy of Nicole Johnson from Or Whatever You Do. A busy mom of seven kids, Nicole shares smart recipes that your whole family will enjoy—check out her blog for more.

The stinking rose, aka garlic, is more than just the secret to your awesome sauce. Garlic can heal and even ward off pests (not to mention vampires). Read on for some facts about your favorite bulb.

photo: Lotte Grønkjær via flickr

Garlic has been used for centuries all around the world to treat many conditions. It has antibacterial properties and is used to treat infections, stave off colds and flus, lower cholesterol, promote heart health and more.

It is a member of the Lily family.

Garlic bulbs are full of Vitamin C, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and more. It also has 17 amino acids.

Of all the garlic grown in the United States, 90% is grown in California. China produces more than 60% of the world’s garlic.

Gilroy, California is the site of the world famous Gilroy Garlic Festival. Held each year at the end of July, it’s one of the biggest food festivals in the US and features delicies such as garlic fries and garlic ice cream. If you, don’t forget your toothbrush!

Gilroy is also home to an amusement park, Gilroy Gardens, which includes a spinning-garlic ride.

Garlic has historically been used to treat snakebites and bug bites, and it is said if you eat enough garlic mosquitos will leave you alone (perhaps that’s why it’s believed bloodsucking vampires will be kept at bay?).

Add garlic to your pet’s diet to help repel fleas and ticks.

Rub marshmallows in garlic powder to make fish bait.

Garlic can be used as a natural pest repellent in the garden, especially to get rid of aphids, foe to many roses, flowers and herbs. Check out this recipe.

If you crush the cloves enough you will produce a sticky substance that you can use as glue. (Weirdly and randomly, a hand covered in garlic will attract leeches faster. Coincidence? We think not.)

Chicago gets its name from garlic. The word “Chicago” is derived from the French version, “chicagaoua,”of a Native word. In the Miami-Illinois (Algonquin) language wild leek or wild garlic was called “shikaakwa” which grew abundantly in the area now known as Chicago.

Know any cool facts about garlic? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Amber Guetebier

Crunchy, crispy, creamy – you can already tell this cauliflower and potato taco is going to be a smash hit with the kids. Baked, not fried, this stellar recipe from Veggie Don’t Bite is as healthy as you can get! Just don’t forget to blend up Veggie Don’t Bite’s tangy dill crema. It brings the whole meal together. You can also opt for bottled dressing.

Serves 8 tacos

Ingredients:
4 cups diced red potatoes (about 2 medium potatoes)
½ head medium cauliflower, cut into thick strips (about 6 inches in diameter)
4 cups shredded cabbage
3 cups almond milk
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 ½ cups plus ¾ cup almond meal
½ cup cornmeal
½ cup ground unsalted raw pepitas
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
8 soft corn tortillas
Tangy Dill Crema

Method:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Combine almond milk, vinegar, and 1 ½ cups almond meal in a bowl and mix well to form a thick batter-like liquid.

3. Combine ¾ cup almond meal, cornmeal, pepitas, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder and salt and mix well.

4. Coat diced potatoes and thick slices of cauliflower by first dipping in the almond milk batter and then covering in corn/almond meal mixture. Place on parchment lined cookie sheets.

5. Bake at 400 for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.

6. Meanwhile make Tangy Dill Crema.

Once baked, serve on soft corn tortillas with shredded cabbage and drizzled with Tangy Dill Crema. Eat as many as you can, they are that good!

Who knew vegetarian tacos could get so tasty? Tell us what you think of this recipe in the Comments below!

Sophia DeSantis is the author of Veggies Don’t Bite, a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free food blog targeted to all types of eaters. She is the mom of two beautiful boys and wife to an amazing husband. Her and her family live a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free life 90% of the time because she believes that the stress of having to be perfect shouldn’t overpower the benefits that their healthy lifestyle brings. Through her website, she hopes to reach anybody interested in making a positive health change in their life.

Pot luck dish. Dinner side. Lunch main. This veggie-packed recipe from the food blog, Veggies Don’t Bite is one of the most versatile dishes you’ll rely on this summer. Packed with veggies is fresh and delicious, and can be enjoyed hot or cold.

Ingredients:
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup fresh basil
2 cups sliced crimini mushrooms (about 12-13 mushrooms)
3 ounces sun dried tomatoes (I use the dried ones in a bag)
16 oz package orzo (I use whole wheat but gluten free is also available)
1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas
¼ cup veggie broth
1 teaspoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon thyme
Himalayan pink salt to taste, if needed

Note from the Chef: I measure the spinach and basil packed in. You can use sundried tomatoes in a jar just make sure they are packed in water if you want to keep this oil free. You don’t need much, if any, salt because the sun dried tomatoes have plenty but adjust to your preference.

Tips to prep ahead: Wash and slice all veggies and basil. Cook the orzo.

Method:
1. Wash and slice the spinach, basil, and mushrooms and chop sun dried tomatoes. Place in the bottom of a pasta strainer.

2. Cook the orzo according to package directions. When ready to drain, pour the whole pot, orzo with water, over the veggies in the bottom of the pasta strainer. This will slightly cook them. Rinse with hot water to remove starchiness from the pasta. Place everything in a big bowl once drained.

3. Add the rest of the ingredients into the bowl and mix until well combined. Enjoy!

What do you think of this recipe? Tell us any additions or substitutions you made in the Comments below!

Sophia DeSantis is the author of Veggies Don’t Bite, a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free food blog targeted to all types of eaters. She is the mom of two beautiful boys and wife to an amazing husband. Her and her family live a vegan, gluten free and refined sugar free life 90% of the time because she believes that the stress of having to be perfect shouldn’t overpower the benefits that their healthy lifestyle brings. Through her website, she hopes to reach anybody interested in making a positive health change in their life.

With this chicken parmesan recipe you can dine on a classic dish without feeling guilty. The original recipe from Monroe Louisiana Junior League Cookbook calls for an entire cup of butter (they do love their butter in the south), but this spin created by Katie Morford of Moms Kitchen Handbook is a healthier version that substitutes egg for most of the butter. The result is a dish that remains crispy and delicious, but healthier than the classic.

Ingredients
1 cup of Italian seasoned breadcrumbs (see homemade option below) or use Progresso brand
2 tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
2 tablespoons melted butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds) rinsed and dried

Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs
1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon dried garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
A few grinds of black pepper

Place all the ingredients in a small bowl and stir well.

Method
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a medium bowl, combine bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese. In a separate dish, melt the butter and add the egg. Whisk thoroughly.

3. Dip the chicken breasts in the egg/butter mixture and then in the breadcrumbs, covering both sides evenly. Set on a greased cookie sheet.

4. Bake for 35 minutes until the exterior is brown and the inside is cooked through (the cooking time may vary a bit depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts).

5. Serve with pasta topped with marinara sauce and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add a salad and bowl of steamed broccoli to get in your veggies for the day.

Will you make this dish? What other recipes do you want to see from Red Tricycle?

Katie Sullivan Morford is a mom, food writer and registered dietitian.  You can find her family-friendly recipes and kitchen wisdom at Mom’s Kitchen Handbook