Turkey steak in wine sauce with quinces/apples

Turkey roast in wine sauce with quinces or apples: a savory recipe for family meals

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Marination time: minimum 1 hour (ideally 12 hours)
Baking time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn’t love a juicy, tender roast with a fragrant sauce that delights the taste buds? Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a delicious turkey roast in wine sauce, accompanied by quinces or apples, a perfect recipe for festive meals or simply for a family dinner. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, and the result is a dish that will surely impress.

A brief history of turkey roast

Turkey roast has deep roots in culinary traditions, often associated with winter holidays or festive meals. The turkey roast, in particular, is a symbol of hospitality and good taste. Combining meat with fruits, such as apples or quinces, is an ancient practice that adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to dishes, transforming a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary experience.

Ingredients

- 1 upper turkey thigh (about 1.5 kg) or half a smaller turkey
- 2 quinces or 3 apples (preferably tart apples for a pleasant contrast)
- 4-5 potatoes
- 1 head of garlic
- 2 bell peppers (any color you prefer)
- 1 red onion
- A few raisins (optional, but recommended for a sweet note)
- 1 glass of red wine or 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- 1 small tomato or a few cherry tomatoes
- A piece of butter the size of a walnut
- 4 tablespoons of oil
- 8 allspice berries
- 5 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons of seasoning base for dishes
- A few sprigs of parsley
- 1 tablespoon of ketchup
- Salt, pepper, thyme, oregano to taste

Preparation

Step 1: Marinating the meat

1. Wash the turkey meat under a stream of cold water and place it in a bowl.
2. Prepare the marinade: add the peeled and thinly sliced onion, allspice berries, halved garlic cloves (to release the aroma), chopped bell peppers, raisins (if using), oil, bay leaves, seasoning base, ketchup, salt, pepper, thyme, oregano, and wine (or balsamic vinegar).
3. Mix the ingredients well to coat the meat evenly, then let it marinate for at least one hour. Ideally, you should let it marinate until the next day, turning the meat occasionally for even flavor absorption.

Step 2: Preparing the foil packet

1. Cut a strip of aluminum foil about 80 cm long and fold it in half, then seal the ends well to form a bag.
2. Place the marinated meat in the bag and pour the marinade over it. Add the butter and the chopped quinces or apples (without seeds).
3. Seal the bag tightly and place it in a deeper baking dish. Add a liter of hot water with a little salt to the dish and put everything in the preheated oven on low heat (150-170°C) for about an hour.

Step 3: Adding the potatoes

1. After an hour, remove the dish from the oven, carefully unfolding the foil (watch out for the hot steam!).
2. Add the chopped potatoes (preferably lengthwise) and taste the wine sauce. If necessary, add a little more water and season to taste.
3. Cover with the previously used foil, leaving it slightly loose at the edges to allow steam to escape. Turn the foil bag and return the dish to the oven for another hour.

Step 4: Finishing the dish

1. In the last 15 minutes, remove the foil to allow the roast to brown nicely.
2. Turn the meat 2-3 times with a fork to brown it evenly and don’t forget to baste the potatoes with the sauce from the dish to flavor them.

Serving

1. Arrange pieces of roast, quinces or apples, potatoes, and a drizzle of wine sauce on plates.
2. Garnish with bell peppers, fresh parsley, and, if desired, add some pickles for a delicious contrast.
3. Enjoy the dish alongside a semi-dry red wine that will perfectly complement the rich flavors of the roast.

Suggestions and variations

- If you want a creamier sauce, you can blend the sauce that remains in the dish with a teaspoon of flour and cook it for a few minutes to thicken.
- A delicious alternative to quinces would be peaches or apricots, which add an interesting fruity note.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, cherry tomatoes, and an olive oil dressing.

Frequently asked questions

- How long can the roast be kept in the fridge? The roast can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Can the roast be frozen? Yes, the roast can be frozen. Make sure to pack it well to prevent excessive freezing.
- What other side dishes go well? Rice with vegetables or mashed potatoes are excellent side dishes that pair well with this meal.

Nutritional benefits

Turkey roast is an excellent source of protein, being leaner than other types of red meat. Quinces and apples provide fiber and vitamins, while the spices used offer antioxidants, helping to maintain a balanced diet.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious turkey roast in wine sauce with quinces or apples, feel free to try it and adapt it to your preferences. Enjoy your meal!