Stuffed turkey

Stuffed turkey with lamb offal, peas, and onions - A festive recipe for holiday meals

When it comes to holidays, turkey becomes the star of the table, and today's recipe combines tradition with a touch of originality. I invite you to discover a delicious recipe for turkey stuffed with lamb offal, peas, and onions, which is sure to impress your guests. This dish is not only tasty but also a true feast for the eyes.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marinating time: 24 hours
Baking time: 3-4 hours
Total: Approximately 28 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10 servings

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 turkey (approximately 4 kg)
- 200 g lamb offal
- 4 large onions
- 2-3 bay leaves
- 3-4 allspice berries
- Ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 500 ml water
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 4 tablespoons sweet paprika
- 2 tablespoons hot paprika
- 4 garlic cloves, sliced

Preparing the turkey:

1. Cleaning and marinating: Start by washing the turkey well under cold running water. Make sure to dry it with an absorbent towel so that the marinade adheres better to the meat. It is essential to carefully debone the turkey breast so that the skin does not tear. This will help retain moisture and flavors during baking.

2. Marinade: In a large bowl, combine water, soy sauce, sugar, salt, sweet paprika, hot paprika, ground pepper, bay leaves, allspice berries, and sliced garlic. Mix the ingredients well to obtain a homogeneous marinade. Place the turkey in the marinade, ensuring it is completely covered. Ideally, let the turkey marinate for 24 hours in the refrigerator. This step is crucial for enhancing the flavor and tenderizing the meat.

Preparing the filling:

3. Onions and peas: In a pan, sauté the 4 large chopped onions in a tablespoon of oil until they become golden and translucent. Add the peas and cook for about 10 minutes until they soften slightly. This combination will add a sweet and aromatic note to your filling.

4. Mixing with the offal: After the onions and peas have sautéed, let them cool slightly, then mix them with the lamb offal. Ensure the ingredients are well integrated to achieve a uniform and tasty filling.

Stuffing the turkey:

5. Stuffing: Once the filling is prepared, fill the cavity of the turkey with the mixture of onions, peas, and offal. Be careful not to overstuff, as the turkey will need space to cook evenly.

6. Tying: If the skin tore during the deboning process, don't worry! Use a few toothpicks or kitchen twine to sew the skin and seal the filling. Tie the legs with kitchen twine to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

Baking the turkey:

7. Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 150°C. This step will ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.

8. Baking: Place the turkey in a large roasting pan, add the remaining marinade, and cover the pan with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. This will help retain moisture. Cook the turkey for 3-4 hours, basting it occasionally with the pan juices to achieve a golden and delicious crust.

9. Finishing: In the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the aluminum foil and brush the turkey with a little olive oil for a perfectly crispy crust.

Serving:

After the turkey is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting time will allow the juices to redistribute in the meat, making it juicier. Serve it alongside traditional sides, such as mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.

Helpful tip: You can add a few sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the pan for an extra flavor boost.

Frequently asked questions:

- Can I use another type of meat? Absolutely! This recipe can be adapted for chicken or duck, adjusting the cooking time according to the weight of the meat.
- How can I store leftover turkey? After it has cooled, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be consumed within the next 3-4 days, or you can freeze portions for later.
- What drinks pair well with this recipe? A dry white wine or a light red wine would be the perfect choice to accompany the rich flavors of the turkey.

Nutritional benefits:
Turkey is an excellent source of quality protein, with a low-fat content. The offal adds fiber and vitamins from vegetables. Additionally, peas are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy choice to complement this dish.

Possible variations:
To give a personal touch to the recipe, you can add some chopped nuts or dried cranberries to the filling for a crunchy texture and a sweet-sour note.

This recipe for turkey stuffed with lamb offal, peas, and onions is perfect for holiday meals, bringing an explosion of flavors that will delight any palate. So, prepare to impress and treat your family and friends with this wonderful dish! Enjoy!