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Turkey necks are a lesser-known, yet flavorful and nutritious part of the turkey often overlooked in favor of the more popular cuts. However, with the right recipe and preparation, turkey necks can become a delicious and budget-friendly addition to your culinary repertoire.
Here, we’ll explore a turkey neck recipe, offer tips for cooking them to perfection, and provide valuable calorie information for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Turkey Neck Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 turkey necks
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of chicken or turkey broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools and Equipment
When preparing the Turkey Neck Recipe outlined in the previous article, you will need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment to ensure a smooth and successful cooking process. Here’s a list of the equipment you’ll need:
- Large Skillet: You’ll use a large skillet to sear the turkey necks at the beginning of the recipe. Make sure it has a lid or use aluminum foil to cover it later. (Recommendation)
- Slow Cooker: A slow cooker, also known as a Crock-Pot, is essential for the slow-cooking process that will tenderize the turkey necks and infuse them with flavor. (recommendation)
- Cutting Board and Knife: You’ll need a cutting board and a sharp knife for chopping the vegetables and any other ingredient preparation. (Recommendation)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure and add ingredients like broth, spices, and seasonings. (Recommendation)
- Stirring Utensil: A spatula or a wooden spoon will be handy for sautéing the vegetables and stirring the ingredients in the slow cooker. (Recommendation)
- Plates and Serving Dish: You’ll need plates to sear the turkey necks and a serving dish to present the finished dish.
- Tongs: Tongs will help you handle the turkey necks when searing and transferring them in and out of the slow cooker.
- Slow Cooker Liner (Optional): A slow cooker liner can make cleanup easier.
Having these essential kitchen tools and equipment on hand will make the preparation of the turkey neck recipe a breeze and ensure that your dish turns out delicious and flavorful.
Instruction
- Preheat and Sear: Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey necks on all sides until they turn golden brown, which should take about 4-5 minutes. Remove the necks and set them aside.
- Saute the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until they become fragrant and slightly softened.
- Combine and Simmer: Place the seared turkey necks in a slow cooker, followed by the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the chicken or turkey broth, and add the dried thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Slow Cook: Set your slow cooker to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process will tenderize the turkey necks, making the meat easily fall off the bones.
- Serve and Garnish: Once the turkey necks are tender, remove them from the slow cooker. Discard the bay leaf. Serve the turkey necks on a plate, garnished with freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Necks
- Slow Cooking: Slow cooking is the key to achieving tender, flavorful turkey necks. This method allows the connective tissues to break down and infuses the meat with rich, savory flavors.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Turkey necks can benefit from a variety of herbs and spices, so feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste.
- Browning: Searing the turkey necks before slow-cooking helps seal in the juices and adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
- Variations: You can customize your turkey neck recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers, potatoes, or tomatoes. Adjust the seasonings to match your preferred flavor profile.
Calorie Information
Turkey necks, like other turkey cuts, are a lean source of protein. On average, a 3.5-ounce (100g) serving of turkey neck meat contains approximately 135 calories. The actual calorie count can vary slightly based on factors such as cooking method and any added ingredients or seasonings.
Additionally, turkey necks are a good source of protein, providing essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. They are relatively low in fat and can be a healthy addition to your diet when prepared with minimal added fats and seasonings.
Turkey necks may be an underrated part of the bird, but with the right recipe and preparation, they can be transformed into a delectable dish. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly meal or a flavorful addition to your holiday feasts, give turkey necks a try, and enjoy their unique taste and nutritional benefits.
Image by jcomp on Freepik
