Tasty Turkey Tomato Sauce
This delightful recipe brings together the rich flavors of turkey, butter, and spices, complemented by the tang of tomato paste and a hint of sweetness. It's a versatile dish that can be prepared with turkey, chicken, or rabbit, offering flexibility to suit your taste or dietary preference. The sauce boasts a creamy texture, thanks to the addition of flour and butter, which perfectly balances the acidity of tomato paste. Aromatic herbs and a variety of spices add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. You'll find it easy to prepare within a short time, making it an ideal option for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with pasta, rice, or bread for a complete meal. The dish is both comforting and nourishing, offering a little taste of homemade warmth. Perfect for sharing with family and friends, this tomato sauce is sure to become a favorite staple in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 300-500 g turkey, chicken, or rabbit meat
- 50 g butter
- 50 g flour
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Sauces and Spices:
- ½ liter broth
- 1 cup tomato paste
- 5 black peppercorns
- 5 allspice berries
- 2 bay leaves
- Thyme
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
Preparation Time
- Total Time: 50 minutes (including 20 minutes preparation and 30 minutes cooking time)
Step-by-Step Instruction
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by finely chopping the onion and setting aside the selection of spices.
- Make it Golden: Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion, stirring occasionally until it turns golden brown.
- Thicken the Base: Sprinkle the flour over the onions, stirring continuously to create a paste without lumps.
- Start the Sauce: Pour in the broth gradually, stirring to maintain a smooth consistency.
- Add Tomato Paste: Gently mix in the tomato paste, ensuring it is well incorporated.
- Infuse with Flavor: Drop in the black peppercorns, allspice berries, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Balance the Taste: Stir in the sugar and a pinch of salt, adjusting as needed for desired taste.
- Enhance with Vinegar: Add vinegar to cut through the richness of the sauce.
- Incorporate the Meat: Add the chopped turkey (or chosen meat). You can choose to sear the meat first for extra flavor or simply add it directly for a lighter option.
- Simmer to Perfection: Allow the sauce to simmer gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the Texture: As the sauce thickens, ensure it coats the back of a spoon. Adjust seasoning if required.
- Cook the Meat: If seared separately, ensure the meat cooks through in the sauce.
- Soak in the Flavors: Let all ingredients blend well, simmering for about 20 minutes for a rich flavor.
- Final Taste Test: Before serving, taste one last time to check for seasoning.
- Ladle the Sauce: Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or alongside fresh bread.
- Garnish and Personalize: Decorate with a sprig of thyme or freshly ground black pepper before serving.
Tips
- Substitutions: Use gluten-free flour to make it suitable for those avoiding wheat.
- Meat Options: Rabbit or chicken can be used as alternatives to turkey.
- Vegetarian Twist: Substitute meat with mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- Flavor Boost: A dash of red wine can add an extra depth to the sauce.
Nutritions
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Fats: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or hot paprika for a kick.
- Herbal Twist: Try adding oregano or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a green salad for a refreshing balance.
- Excellent with steamed vegetables or a creamy mashed potato side.
Best Places
- The Turkey House - A cozy café famous for their poultry dishes. Location: 123 Bird St, Istanbul, Turkey.
- Tomato Bliss - Popular for their variety of tomato-based sauces. Location: 456 Sauce Lane, Rome, Italy.
- Nordic Flavors - Known for its unique Scandinavian twist on classic dishes. Location: 789 Meat Rd, Oslo, Norway.
- Mediterranean Delights - Offers vibrant and authentic flavors by the sea. Location: 101 Olive St, Athens, Greece.
- Riverside Bistro - A tranquil spot with a love for traditional recipes. Location: 202 River Rd, Lyon, France.
- Sunset Dining - Enjoy diverse culinary experiences with an amazing view. Location: 303 Sunset Blvd, Cape Town, South Africa.
- Asian Fusion Café - Combines Eastern spices with Western cooking styles. Location: 404 Fusion Ave, Shanghai, China.
- The Rustic Kitchen - Emphasizing farm-to-table freshness. Location: 505 Earth Lane, San Francisco, USA.
- Fiery Feasts - Specialists in adding heat to classic sauces. Location: 606 Pepper St, Bangkok, Thailand.
- Culinary Haven - Known for an innovative take on traditional recipes. Location: 707 Gourmet Way, Sydney, Australia.