Thanksgiving gluten-free side dishes

Thanksgiving side dishes are as varied as are the people who celebrate Thanksgiving.  My mother although Puerto Rican and not a huge fan of turkey created the most sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner for her family.  She added her own traditional meals and those of family and friends.  The red cabbage recipe is an old German recipe.  it is very easy to create, nutritious, delicious and a huge part of my Thanksgiving meal with my family.  To me it is not Thanksgiving without all of the colors of the dishes that were on my mother's table.  Although called red cabbage this cabbage is the most gorgeous purple color and a welcomed addition to our meal.

Abuela’s Red Cabbage
1 head red cabbage, chopped
1 head garlic, sliced cloves
1 onion, sliced
1 to 2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tbsp. sugar
salt and pepper to taste



Saute garlic and onions in olive oil. Add chopped red cabbage and continue to sauté. Add vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. When cabbage is done sweating it is done.




Green Beans with Garlic, Shallots and Mushrooms

Green beans are one of the classic dishes at Thanksgiving.  For a nice crunch you can add almonds or pecans.

Ingredients
1lb. fresh or frozen petite green beans, trimmed
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/2 head garlic, finely minced
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1 lb. button mushrooms, sliced
salt and pepper to taste
*optional:  almonds or pecans


Directions:
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and shallots and saute.  Add sliced mushrooms and continue to saute.   Add in fresh or frozen green beans combine with garlic and onions, cover and allow to steam for 3 to 5 minutes.   Salt and pepper and toss gently. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with almonds or pecans and serve.