Cold turkey dish

Cold Turkey Dish: A Savory and Comforting Recipe

Who doesn't love a delicious dish that can be served both warm and cold? Cold turkey is an excellent choice for holiday meals or an outdoor picnic. This simple yet flavorful recipe combines the tenderness of turkey meat with the intense flavors of caramelized onions and spices, offering a dish that is sure to impress family and friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Necessary ingredients:
- 2 kg turkey thigh and breast (for a tender and juicy texture)
- 1/2 l oil (preferably olive oil for a more refined taste)
- 1 lemon (for a touch of freshness)
- 100 ml white wine (optional, but recommended for an extra flavor)
- 200 g olives (for a delicious contrast)
- 1/2 kg white onion (which will add sweetness)
- Salt, pepper (to taste)
- Bay leaves (for a subtle aroma)
- Allspice (for an exotic flavor)

A Brief History of the Recipe:
Turkey dishes are a traditional preparation often associated with festive meals. Turkey has been domesticated for thousands of years and has become a symbol of wealth and prosperity in many cultures. This recipe has been adapted over time, with each family adding its own ingredients and secrets, resulting in a dish that brings together memories and traditions.

Step by Step in Preparing the Turkey Dish:

1. Preparing the ingredients:
Start by cutting the turkey meat into equal-sized pieces. This will ensure even browning. Peel and finely chop the onion. It is important that the onion is well chopped to combine perfectly with the meat.

2. Sautéing the onion:
In a large skillet, add the oil and let it heat over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté gently, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and begins to caramelize. This process will add natural sweetness to the dish and intensify the flavors.

3. Browning the meat:
In another skillet or the same skillet, add the pieces of turkey meat. Brown them lightly on all sides over medium heat. Make sure each piece of meat is evenly browned to achieve a delicious crust.

4. Arranging in a dish:
In a ceramic or glass dish, alternate layers of sautéed onion and turkey meat. Season each layer with salt, pepper, bay leaves, and allspice to enhance the flavor.

5. Adding the lemon:
Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the layers of meat and onion. This will add a note of freshness and help tenderize the meat.

6. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the oven for about 40 minutes. This step will allow the meat to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the onion and spices.

7. Adding the wine and olives:
After 40 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and add the white wine and olives. Gently mix to combine the ingredients. Leave the dish uncovered and continue baking for another 20 minutes, until the sauce reduces and thickens.

8. Finalizing the dish:
Once the meat is well cooked and the sauce has reduced, take the dish out of the oven. Place the dish on a platter and garnish with lemon slices and olives. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Serving Suggestions:
Cold turkey is perfect to serve with a fresh green salad or a side of grilled vegetables. You can also add a portion of mashed potatoes or rice to complete the meal. It is delicious both warm and cold and can be used as a filling for sandwiches.

Variations:
To add a note of originality, you can experiment with different spices, such as oregano or rosemary. You can also replace the olives with roasted peppers or mushrooms for different flavors.

Nutritional Benefits:
Turkey meat is an excellent source of protein, rich in essential nutrients and low in fat. Onions provide a significant amount of vitamins and antioxidants, while lemon aids digestion and has detoxifying properties. This dish is not only tasty but also nutritious!

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Is turkey dish good for diets?
Yes, turkey is a source of lean protein and can be included in many diet plans.

2. Can I use frozen turkey meat?
Yes, but make sure it is properly thawed before cooking.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Turkey dish keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.

Don't forget to enjoy every step of this recipe, experiment, and adapt it according to your preferences. Cooking is an art that combines creativity with tradition, and this cold turkey dish will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!