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Have you ever considered what the pilgrims would have eaten on the first Thanksgiving? Many don’t realize that turkey was not even on the menu; neither were mashed potatoes, and least of all was stuffing. We, as a modern day society, celebrate Thanksgiving with all those things and more as our tradition — but what did the pilgrims eat? Lets step back in time and take a look at their pantry.
What Did the Pilgrims Eat?
The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621, between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims, who had settled in Plymouth Colony, were celebrating a successful harvest and giving thanks for the help they received from the Wampanoag people, particularly Squanto, who taught them essential farming techniques and helped facilitate friendly relations with the Native Americans.
The menu at the first Thanksgiving likely included a variety of foods, such as wild game, seafood of all kinds, corn and squash. Many of the food they enjoyed was cultivated by the Native Americans and shared with the Pilgrims. The event wasn’t a formal “Thanksgiving” as we think of it today, and it wasn’t an annual tradition at that time.
The first Thanksgiving, though not labeled as such at the time, set the foundation for a tradition that would evolve into the annual holiday we know today. This feast marked not just the culmination of a successful harvest, but also a moment of unity and shared gratitude between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people. The significance of this event extended beyond the sharing of food; it symbolized a brief period of peaceful coexistence and mutual support between the two groups.
Preparing the First Thanksgiving Meal
Their meal was prepared over an open hearth and with very limited cooking utensils and techniques. They would prepare things simply and easily, taking the least amount of time as they could. The Pilgrims relied heavily on grains, especially corn. They made cornmeal and used it to prepare cornbread, porridge, and other simple baked goods. While we don’t have specific recipes directly from the Pilgrims themselves, we can make an educated guess about the types of dishes they might have prepared based on the ingredients available to them.
Here’s a simple recipe inspired by what the Pilgrims might have cooked in their kitchens:
A Pilgrim-Inspired Cornbread Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup
- cornmeal
- 1/2 cup
- all-purpose flour (if available; otherwise, use more cornmeal)
- 1 teaspoon
- salt
- 1 teaspoon
- baking powder
- 1 cup
- milk
- 1
- large egg
- 2 tablespoons
- melted butter or lard
Instructions
- 1
-
Preheat the Oven: If your kitchen has an open hearth or a wood-burning oven, preheat it. If you’re using a modern oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C).
- 2
-
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, and baking powder.
- 3
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Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter or lard.
- 4
-
Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. The batter might be a bit lumpy, which is okay.
- 5
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Grease Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish or cast-iron skillet with a bit of butter or lard.
- 6
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared dish and bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- 7
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Cool and Serve: Allow the cornbread to cool slightly before slicing. Serve it alongside other simple dishes like roasted game, boiled vegetables, or a stew made with available ingredients.
Keep in mind that this is a modern adaptation inspired by the Pilgrims’ likely ingredients and cooking methods. The Pilgrims had to be resourceful with what they had, and their meals would have been simple and focused on the staples available in the New World.
For more recipes, check out my new cookbook: The Homestead Table, which features delicious and easy to make meals. I think you’ll love it!
