The best recipes from Selena Gomez's 'Selena & Chef' Thanksgiving special to recreate this Turkey Day

HBO's 'Selena & Chef' Thanksgiving special teamed up Selena Gomez and Food Network star, Aarti Sequeira to restore everyone's holiday spirit with 3 simple recipes

Selena & Chef Thanksgiving
Selena Gomez attends the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Dolittle" at Regency Village Theatre on January 11, 2020 in Westwood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
(Image credit: Getty Images )

Look at her now! Sure, 2020 has been tough on everyone, but when it comes to Selena Gomez? She's living proof that anyone can survive tough times and come out on top. Just look at her long list of accomplishments since dealing with her highly publicized breakup. She's embarked on a mental health journey (now two years in the making), and the 28-year-old starlet continues to impress. 

Earlier this year, she launched vegan, clean-beauty brand Rare Beauty —alongside a 10 million dollar initiative supporting those struggling with mental illnesses but who lack resources. 

Also? In August, Gomez teamed up with HBO Max to brush up on her cooking skills — or lack thereof — during quarantine in 'Selena & Chef'. The show pairs Gomez up with professional chefs — via Zoom calls — to walk her through popular dishes step-by-step. And, when it comes to her "favorite holiday," you can most definitely bet that the singer has a Thanksgiving menu episode on her plate this year. 

In the 'Selena & Chef' Thanksgiving episode, the brunette beauty teams up with The Next Food Network Star champ Aarti Sequeira to recreate four of Sequeira's signature dishes, including tandoori butter turkey breast and three colorful side dishes. And if you want to get in on the action? We've got it covered. 

Whether you're hosting your first solo Thanksgiving away from your family or looking to take part in a Zoom-giving, we've rounded up our three favorite dishes to recreate this season. 

All you have to do? Follow the lead of the 'Selena & Chef' Thanksgiving episode:  gather your kitchen essentials, follow the steps by-one, gear up your Zoom call, and ta-da! Holiday hosting handled! 

Before beginning you'll need these items: 

Cuisinart MCP-12N Multi-clad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set

Cuisinart MCP-12N Multi-clad Pro Stainless Steel 12-Piece Cookware Set l (Was $670) Now $239.20, at Amazon

Looking for the cookware set to end all other cookware sets? It's this 12-piece option that has everything you'll need. Here you'll receive  1-1/2- and 3-quart covered saucepans, 8- and 10-inch open skillets, 3-1/2-quart covered saute pan; 8-quart covered stockpot, and steamer insert with lid. It's your one-stop-shop for kitchen convenience. 

Aarti Paarti: An American Kitchen with an Indian Soul

Aarti Paarti: An American Kitchen with an Indian Soul l for $95.99, at Amazon.

Sure, sure $95 is a steep price for a cookbook but all things considered? It's a bargain. Not only is this book sold out at my other retailer's, but it's the recipe page-turner you'll be turning for years to come. Making this the investment you can't afford not to make. 

Samsung 55" Smart 4K Crystal HDR UHD TV TU7000 Series

Samsung 55" Smart 4K Crystal HDR UHD TV TU7000 Seriesl (Was $399.99), Now $379.99

Hoping to enhance your Thanksgiving festivities this year? Whether you're Zooming friends or family, this 55" inch smart 4K TV screen will connect you to anyone and everyone — ideal for those who can't go home for the holidays due to COVID. 

'Selena & Chef' Thanksgiving recipes to recreate: 

Everything on Selena's holiday menu looks divine, but these are the three recipes that we'll be adding to our own Thanksgiving table. 

Aarti's Tandoori Butter Turkey Breast + Sweet Potatoes

Do you love turkey but hate how dry it can get at times? You're not alone — and the Aarti's Tandoori Butter Turkey Breast + Sweet Potatoes recipe is the solution for anyone looking for a succulent meal this holiday season.  

Sweet Potato Ingredients:

  • Kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon store-bought or homemade garam masala, recipe follows
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch slices, then again into 1/2-inch sticks
  • Freshly ground pepper
  • Olive oil

Tandoori Masala: 

  • 4 dried guajillo chiles 
  • 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds
  • 1 teaspoon fennel seeds 
  • 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
  • 10 whole cloves
  • 4 green cardamom pods
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 
  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 teaspoons ginger-garlic paste (store-bought)
  • 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 boneless turkey breast (skin on) 

Directions

-  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

- Prick sweet potatoes with a fork all over. Place on a foil-lined half sheet pan. Pop into the oven.

- Toast chiles until darkened and a little puffy. Remove to a plate. Toast remaining spices (fenugreek, fennel, coriander, cloves, cardamom pods) until fragrant. Remove to plate to cool. 

- Rip chiles into smaller pieces. Pour chiles and whole spice in a coffee grinder, and grind until a fine powder. Pour into a bowl, and stir in cinnamon, paprika, turmeric. Save 2 tablespoons for the gravy. Add butter, lime juice, honey, and a generous few pinches of salt to the remainder. Stir together.

- Carefully pull the skin away from turkey flesh (wheee!). Scoop a little butter into the pockets and level it out. Rub butter all over the skin and underneath (make sure to get it under the tenderloin too!).

- Tie with kitchen twine

- Set a cooking rack in a half sheet pan. Perch turkey breast on the cooling rack. Pop into the oven, pour 2 cups of water into the pan.

- Slide turkey into the oven. Check on sweet potatoes (Are they tender?). Roast for 45-55 minutes until the thermometer registers 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the cover with foil and allow to rest.

- If potatoes are tender, slice in half. Turn over the broil. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and garam masala over the sweet potatoes. Add the marshmallows. Pop-under the broiler for 1 minute. Check. If they're not brown, broil for another minute. 

Additional items to consider: 

Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet

Nordic Ware Naturals Baker's Half Sheet for $10.99, at Target

Need a half sheet pan to exceed all expectations? Turn to this one from Target. Made with durable, natural aluminum construction meals will be baked evenly and brown uniformly, while the light color prevents over-browning.

KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder

KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder l (Was $24.99) Now $15.99, at Amazon

Smooth out any spice or coffee with this electric grinder. Yielding up to 12 cups of coffee, this oval machine is a must-have. 

Porcelain Serving Platter

Porcelain Serving Platter l for $28.99, at Amazon

Whether you're in the market for a side dish plate or the perfect platter, consider this Amazon bestseller your end all be all. Shoppers will receive 4 individual 14"inch plates which are sure to stun from this holiday to the next. 

Nana's White Cornbread Stuffing

Love stuffing but want to add your own personal touch? Turn to this multi-generational signature stuffing that's sure to wow.  

Ingredients

  • 4 stalks Celery, diced small
  • 1 medium onion, diced small
  • 3 large eggs
  • 8-10 cups of chicken broth
  • ground sage
  • salt to taste
  • 1 batch of White cornbread for stuffing (bake according to instructions) 

Directions

- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees and set aside an 8x8 baking dish.

- Sauté onions and celery in butter until translucent

- In a large bowl, crumble cornbread, adding to onions and celery.

- Season stuffing with ground sage and salt to taste 

- Pour chicken broth over mixture to desired consistency and add in eggs. Stir to combine, coating bread all over. Note: If you don't add enough of the broth, it will be really dry when it bakes.

- Bake for 45 minutes until golden and delicious (adding in more broth as needed)

Additional items to consider:

Farberware Nonstick 4-Pc. Bakeware Set

Farberware Nonstick 4-Pc. Bakeware Set l (Was $35.99) Now $24.99, at Macy's

Need a baking set that offers reliability, value, and performance all at once? Opt for this chic rose gold 3-piece set that will leave you blushing. 



Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set

Cuisinart C77SS-15PK 15-Piece Stainless Steel Hollow Handle Block Set l for $55.96, at Amazon

Sick of heavy knives that are uncomfortable to use? Turn to this 15-piece lightweight set that's perfect for slicing, dicing, chopping, and carving. Plus, it even includes a hollow handle block that will look sharp on any kitchen counter. 

ONME Stainless Steel Balloon Wire Whisk

ONME Stainless Steel Balloon Wire Whisk l for $8.99

This strong, non-rust 3-piece wire whisk set will be an everyday essential in any kitchen. Made of highly durable steel, the included 8", 10" and 12"inch whisk is lightweight and even easier to use. 

Aarti's Cranberry Chutney 

Not a cranberry sauce lover? Neither was Selena Gomez until she tried this version that she claims she could eat "every single day". 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole black peppercorns
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole coriander seeds
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1-12-ounce bag fresh or frozen cranberries (about 3 cups)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • Juice of one orange (about 1/4 cups)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest (about 1/2 orange)
  • 1/2 cup fresh pomegranate seeds 

Directions

- Grind black peppercorns and whole coriander seeds together in a spice grinder or a pestle and mortar until fine. Set aside

- In a small saucepan, combine oil and spice mixture. Season with a little salt. Set over medium heat and cook until fragrant but not burnt, 2-3 minutes! Careful - you might find yourself sneezing!

- Add cranberries, sugar, juice, and water. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat down so that the contents of your pot are at a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until most of the cranberries burst.

- Turn off heat, gently stir in the orange zest and pomegranate seeds. Taste for seasoning 

Additional items to consider:

White Marble Mortar and Pestle

White Marble Mortar and Pestle l for $7.99, at World Market 

Crafted of real marble that looks great on the kitchen counter, this exclusive mortar and pestle piece is bound to be the best tool for all your mashing and grinding needs. 

Baker's Dozen 13-Piece Measuring Cups and Spoons Set

Baker's Dozen 13-Piece Measuring Cups and Spoons Set l for $19.99, at Bed Bath & Beyond 

Hoping to avoid another Kitchen Nightmare? This 13-piece measuring cups and spoon set offers commercial-quality stainless steel tools to have you handling every meal like a pro. 

OXO Good Grips Mess-Free Pepper Grinder

OXO Good Grips Mess-Free Pepper Grinder for $24.99, at Bed Bath & Beyond

This mess-free pepper grinder has tabs that rotate to easily adapt from fine to coarse. While the non-corrosive ceramic grinder works to avoid absorbing any flavor or odors. 

More items to consider: 

Brittany Romano

Brittany Romano is a Shopping Editor, based in New York City. From her start as a fashion market assistant at Marie Claire to building a highly profitable commerce vertical at Us Weekly and AMI brands, Brittany has produced award-winning content covering everything from celebrity beauty hacks to must-have items from online sales. She is a graduate of New England College. When she isn’t writing, you can find Brittany indulging in yet another DIY project or cheering on her beloved Boston Bruins. 

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