Turkey breast with carrots and rosemary

Turkey Breast with Carrots and Rosemary - A Savory Recipe for Unforgettable Moments

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to your kitchen, where the delicious aroma of turkey breast with carrots and rosemary will entice your senses! This recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary experience that brings together simple yet flavorful ingredients, transforming them into a dish that will impress everyone. Let's discover each step together!

The story behind the recipe

Turkey breast has been a popular choice for festive meals over time, due to its juicy meat and versatility. The combination with sweet carrots and aromatic rosemary brings a perfect balance of flavors. This recipe has deep roots in culinary tradition, having been adapted and reinterpreted in countless ways. In this case, the addition of beer in the marinade not only tenderizes the meat but also gives it a unique flavor.

Necessary ingredients

- 500 g turkey breast
- 500 ml beer (preferably a pale beer, which will add a pleasant flavor)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 medium onion
- 4 carrots
- 100 g tomato sauce (you can use fresh or canned tomato sauce)
- 50 ml red wine (a quality wine will enhance the taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey

Preparation

1. Marinating the Turkey Breast
Start by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, add the turkey breast and pour the beer over it. Make sure the breast is completely covered. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator. This will help the meat become more tender and absorb the flavors.

2. Preparing the Breast
After the breast has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator and drain the beer. Excess moisture will prevent a crust from forming. Rub the breast with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Place it in a baking dish and add 2-3 sprigs of rosemary on top.

3. Baking the Breast
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Bake the turkey breast for 25 minutes or until it becomes golden and crispy. After 25 minutes, reduce the temperature to 180°C and occasionally baste the breast with the sauce from the dish to keep it moist and full of flavor. Continue baking for another 20 minutes.

4. Preparing the Carrot Side Dish
In a pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the peeled and cut carrots into sticks. Sauté them for 5-7 minutes until they become slightly soft. Add the tomato sauce, red wine, and honey. Mix everything and season with salt and pepper. Add the remaining sprigs of rosemary and cover the pan with a lid, allowing the flavors to meld for 10 minutes.

5. Serving
Once the turkey breast is ready, take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier breast. Serve it alongside the carrot side dish and drizzle with the sauce from the dish for an extra burst of flavor.

Helpful tips

- Choose a quality beer - A beer with a well-defined taste will influence the final result. You can experiment with different types of beer to find your preferred combination.
- Check the meat temperature - Use a meat thermometer to check if the turkey breast has reached an internal temperature of 75°C.
- Alternative side dishes - Instead of carrots, you can use zucchini or potatoes, and instead of tomato sauce, try garlic or yogurt sauce.
- Keep the rosemary fresh - Fresh rosemary has much more flavor than dried. If you don’t have access, you can omit it, but the flavor will be less intense.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I substitute the beer?
Yes, you can use apple or grape juice for a non-alcoholic marinade. The flavor will be different, but just as delicious.

- Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can marinate the turkey breast a day ahead and bake it on the day of serving.

Nutritional benefits

Turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein, rich in essential nutrients. Carrots are full of vitamins and antioxidants, especially beta-carotene, which contributes to eye health. This recipe is not only tasty but also healthy, having approximately 350 calories per serving.

Serving suggestions

To complete the meal, you can serve this dish with a fresh green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette or a portion of buttery mashed potatoes with herbs. A bottle of dry white wine or fresh lemonade will be a perfect accompaniment.

Personalized variation

I recommend trying a version with pumpkin puree instead of the carrot side dish, adding a touch of sweetness and a creamy texture that will blend perfectly with the flavors of the turkey breast.

Thank you for spending this time cooking together! May every bite be a feast of flavors, and may the meal be filled with laughter and joy. Bon appétit!