Turkey breast in a baking dish with tomato sauce

Oven-Baked Turkey Breast with Tomato Sauce

Are you dreaming of a delicious, light, and flavorful meal, perfect for hot summer days? I invite you to prepare an oven-baked turkey breast with tomato sauce, a simple and savory recipe, ideal for enjoying moments outdoors with family and friends. This recipe is not only easy to make but also healthy, packed with proteins and vitamins. Let's start the culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 2 hours
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 3 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 500 g turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 100 ml white wine
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Oregano, to taste

For the sauce:
- 2 green onions
- 4 cloves of garlic (optional)
- 1 cup tomato juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

Step-by-step in the kitchen:

1. Marinating the turkey breast
Start by preparing the marinade for the turkey breast. In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 100 ml of white wine, salt, pepper, and oregano. Here you can adjust the amount of spices to your liking. The oil and wine not only flavor the meat but also help tenderize it.

Once you have a homogeneous mixture, coat the turkey breast with this marinade on all sides. It's good to cover the meat evenly so that every bite is full of flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. If you care about flavor, turn the meat occasionally for even marination.

2. Preparing the tomato sauce
While the turkey breast is marinating, we can prepare the tomato sauce. Wash and finely chop the green onions. If you decide to use garlic, peel and finely chop it. These ingredients will give a special flavor to your sauce.

Take a non-stick pan and heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing them over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent. Then pour in 1 cup of tomato juice and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and achieves a creamy texture. At the end, you can strain the sauce for a smooth consistency, but if you prefer a more rustic sauce, you can leave it as is.

3. Baking the turkey breast
Once the turkey breast has marinated, it's time to cook it. Preheat the oven to 190°C. Take the turkey breast out of the fridge and let it reach room temperature for 10-15 minutes. This step helps the meat cook evenly.

Place the turkey breast in a baking dish, add the marinade it was in, and a cup of water (or chicken broth, if you have it on hand). Cover the dish with aluminum foil or a lid to retain moisture during baking.

Put the dish in the oven for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, pour the tomato sauce over the meat, and leave it in the oven for another 20 minutes, uncovered, to achieve a slightly caramelized crust on top.

4. Serving
Once the turkey breast is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This step is essential for the juices to redistribute in the meat, making it juicier. Slice the meat and serve it with the tomato sauce on top.

I chose to serve this dish with a side of frozen vegetables, boiled and seasoned, but I encourage you to experiment! Rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are excellent options that will perfectly complement this dish.

Useful tips:
- Choosing the meat: Turkey breast is a lean and protein-rich meat, but you can also use turkey thighs for a more intense flavor and softer texture.
- Variations: You can add other spices to the marinade, such as sweet paprika or herbs de Provence, to give it an extra flavor.
- The sauce: If you want a spicier sauce, you can add chili flakes during cooking.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can this recipe be made with another type of meat?
Yes, you can also use chicken or even pork, but the cooking time will vary.

2. Can I use canned tomato sauce?
Sure, it’s a quick and convenient option. Just make sure to choose a quality sauce without additives.

3. What is the nutritional value of this dish?
Turkey breast is an excellent source of protein, having about 165 calories per 100 g. It is also rich in B vitamins, essential for metabolism.

This oven-baked turkey breast with tomato sauce is not just a delicious recipe but also a way to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Enjoy your meal and happy cooking!