Gather

Let’s gather together and remember what it means to think, dream, heal, and envision a better future.

Over the last eighteen months, we’ve endured so much—between a global pandemic, racial injustice, war and conflict, a refugee crisis, and climate change, we’ve experienced suffering, anxiety, isolation and loss. More than ever we are longing for the joy and enrichment that comes when we gather around the table for a meal with those dearest to us.

This year, we’re celebrating that many of us will finally be able to spend time with our loved ones this holiday season! So gather with us for a curated Friendsgiving experience with recipes, good music recommendations, and discussion prompts as you celebrate together.

Make your Friendsgiving gathering complete:

Eat well: We’ve collected our favorite recipes for a flavorful International-themed meal.
Get your groove on: We want to thank Sarah McMillan for providing this Spotify playlist to amplify the fun.
Table talk: Make your evening intentional and meaningful with the discussion prompts below.

Gather Playlist

Recipes

Spicy Coconut Red Lentil Dal

Lentils, also known as masoor, are an Indian staple favored for being quick and easy to cook. Cozy up with this tasty one pot spicy coconut red lentil dahl that is made with red lentils, coconut milk, tomatoes, garlic, onion and the perfect blend of Indian spices. This is a delicious gluten-free, vegan dish that can be served alongside some basmati rice or naan bread.

Creamy Chicken Tikka Masala

The origin of chicken tikka masala dates back 5,000 years ago, with the first emperor of the Mughal dynasty, Babur. The dish was called ‘joleh’, Persian for tikka. This rich and creamy Chicken tikka recipe has aromatic golden chicken pieces swimming in an incredible curry sauce. Made with yogurt-marinated chicken and traditional spices, this Chicken Tikka Masala recipe is one of the best you will try!

Sukuma Wiki (African Braised Kale with Tomatoes)

“Sukuma wiki” is a Swahili phrase meaning, depending on how you translate it, “week-pusher,” “push the week,” or “stretch the week.” Hearty greens are a staple of even the most frugal diet in the rural communities of Kenya, Burundi, Tanzania, and other African nations. They are readily available, found in the most basic garden, and so they are used to “stretch the week,” when other supplies have run out or meat is scarce.

Egyptian Baklava

Baklava is a layered pastry dessert common in Iranian, Turkish, Arab and Egyptian cuisines. Crispy layers of buttery phyllo are layered with crushed nuts and heaped with fragrant pistachios to make a delicious, light yet rich dessert to impress any crowd.

Discuss

When we come to the table, bringing our whole selves, we forge stronger connections and a sense of belonging with the people around us. We encourage you to engage in authentic conversation. Here’s some questions to get you started. After you’ve answered these, why not come up with some of your own?

Gather

Let’s gather together and remember what it means to think, dream, heal, and envision a better future.

Make your Friendsgiving gathering complete:

Gather Playlist

Celebrate with song