Turkey cacciatore with a twist
This genuine turkey cacciatore recipe can be prepared effortlessly in less than an hour. It features straightforward ingredients such as lean turkey, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes. When combined, they create a rustic, flavorful, and satisfying Italian stew. This dish serves as the ideal comfort food for any evening of the week!
Here is a delightful variation on the classic chicken cacciatore. Turkey cacciatore is marginally healthier than its predecessor. However, the flavor in this dish is remarkable! Additionally, consider trying my slow cooker rabbit cacciatore recipe; you will not be disappointed.
My Italian-inspired recipe is simple to prepare in one pot within an hour. Choose either lean turkey breast or thighs, which should be seared quickly for just 5 minutes. Following that, layer in onions, bell peppers, garlic, wine, tomatoes, mushrooms, and seasonings. Finally, allow it to simmer for 10 minutes, and you are finished!
This robust and saucy stew-like main course is inviting, comforting, and utterly delicious. Pair it with pasta or rice for a fulfilling meal!
Recipe ingredients:
Turkey breast or thighs: Boneless, skinless, and thawed.
Oil: Use any high-heat oil of your preference. Olive, avocado, and canola oils are excellent choices.
Onion: A classic aromatic used in savory dishes.
Green pepper: Fresh and vibrant with a nearly sweet taste.
Garlic cloves: An essential ingredient in most savory Italian recipes.
White wine: A traditional component of cacciatore. You may substitute it with broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Cremini mushrooms: Small brown mushrooms that offer an earthy flavor.
Oregano: A common ingredient in Italian cuisine.
Thyme: Contributes a bright burst of sweet earthiness.
Pitted olives: Large black olives are essential for an authentic turkey cacciatore recipe. They possess a slightly briny flavor and a pleasantly firm texture.
Crushed tomatoes. Essential for creating an authentic Italian tomato sauce.
Salt. Provides a final touch of flavor.
How to prepare turkey cacciatore
Begin by defrosting your turkey. This could be turkey thighs, turkey breast, or turkey tenderloin (which is what I utilized). Alternatively, you can use leftover turkey! More details on that will follow later in the post. All options are equally delightful in this recipe.
Heat oil in a large skillet or a heavy-bottomed pot. If you are using turkey breast, cut it into approximately 6 equal pieces. For thighs, remove the bones, take off the skin, and slice them in half. Turkey tenderloin should be divided into 4 sections.
Place flour on a flat plate. We will lightly coat the meat in flour before searing it. This will assist in sealing the turkey's juices inside. Brown the turkey in the oiled heavy-bottomed pot for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove it and set it aside.
Add chopped onions and chopped green peppers. Sauté for three minutes, then incorporate minced or finely chopped garlic. Pour in the wine and scrape up every bit from the bottom of the pot.
Add tomatoes, mushrooms, and seasonings. Allow to simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return the turkey to the pot, add black or green olives, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the turkey is thoroughly cooked.
What does cacciatore signify?
The term loosely translates to "hunter stew." Cacciatore was initially prepared by Italian hunters using available ingredients. Typically, this would include game birds, tomatoes, mushrooms, or other vegetables, along with olives. Additionally, classic Italian seasonings such as garlic and oregano, which are easy to transport, are included.
Proteins and vegetables may vary. However, nearly all cacciatore recipes feature these essential ingredients!
Variations
This cacciatore recipe can be made using precooked leftover turkey. Instead of searing the meat, proceed directly to step #3. Then, add the cooked, chopped turkey at the end of the recipe.
It is simple to prepare cacciatore without alcohol. Replace the wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
Utilize this recipe to prepare authentic chicken cacciatore. Simply replace the turkey with boneless and skinless chicken breast or thighs.
Moreover, you can create a seafood variation of cacciatore! Quickly sear peeled shrimp or scallops until they are just slightly opaque. Remove them from the pan as directed in the recipe. Then, reintroduce the partially cooked seafood to the pan when the stew is ready to simmer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I purchase just a turkey breast?
While turkey is most commonly associated with Thanksgiving, it is readily available throughout the year! Therefore, you can indeed buy turkey breast or thighs at most grocery stores.
Is turkey or chicken breast healthier?
Both turkey and chicken are nutritious protein sources, but turkey is slightly leaner. It contains fewer calories and less fat compared to chicken.
What ingredients are in cacciatore sauce?
The finest sauce is crafted from crushed tomatoes, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, and pitted black olives. These ingredients are cooked alongside aromatic onions, garlic, white wine, and Italian seasonings.
What is the ideal wine for turkey cacciatore?
Traditionally, light red or white wine is used. In this recipe, I prefer white wine. Given the dish's saltiness, a slightly sweet white wine is ideal for balancing the flavors.
How does chicken Parmesan differ from chicken cacciatore?
Chicken Parmesan consists of breaded and fried chicken breasts, which are covered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. In contrast, chicken or turkey cacciatore is a simmered stew that includes vegetables.
Can I make turkey cacciatore with leftover turkey?
Yes, you can prepare turkey cacciatore using leftover turkey! It is actually quite simple. Just incorporate the turkey in the final step and let it simmer with the other ingredients for only 5 minutes, as the turkey is already fully cooked. It is delicious!
Side Dishes
Creamy polenta serves as an excellent side dish for this recipe! Additionally, consider trying noodles, white or brown rice, or potatoes. Potatoes can be prepared either mashed or roasted.
Storage
To preserve leftovers, store them in the refrigerator either directly in the pot used for cooking or in an airtight container. We had an abundance of leftovers, and they remained fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days without any issues.
Reheat the dish directly in the pot for a few minutes, or in the container or on a plate in the microwave. Depending on your microwave's specifications, it should take between 1 and 2 minutes for the dish to heat up.
Freezer. Ensure that the dish is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe zip lock bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for a maximum of 6 months.
Other Turkey Recipes
- Instant Pot Turkey Thighs
- Air Fryer Turkey Thighs
- Turkey Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- Baked Turkey Steaks
- Turkey Pigs in a Blanket
- Ninja Foodi Turkey Tenderloin
- Ninja Foodi Frozen Turkey Breast
- Turkey Gizzards Recipe
This authentic turkey cacciatore recipe is straightforward to prepare in under an hour. It features simple ingredients such as lean turkey, mushrooms, olives, and tomatoes. Together, they create a rustic, flavorful, and satisfying Italian stew. It is the ideal comfort food for any evening of the week!
Notes
To store leftovers, place them in the refrigerator either directly in the pot used for cooking or in an airtight container. They will remain fresh for up to 5 days.
Reheat the dish directly in the pot for a few minutes, or in the container or on a plate in the microwave. Depending on your microwave's specifications, it should take between 1 and 2 minutes for the dish to heat up.
Freezer. Ensure that the dish is completely cooled before transferring it to a freezer-safe zip lock bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for a maximum of 6 months.
Leftover Turkey. Incorporate leftover turkey (any parts, chopped, shredded, or whole pieces) in the final step and simmer it with the other ingredients for just 5 minutes, as the turkey is already fully cooked. Delicious!
Fixings
- 2 little or 1 huge onion, hacked
- 2 garlic cloves, squashed
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 3 x jars cleaved tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
- 1 tbsp sugar
- little sprinkle vinegar
- around 500g extra turkey, destroyed into pieces
- 1 x 125g balls mozzarella
- 2 great small bunches new breadcrumbs
Strategy
Fry the onion and garlic in the oil until mellowed.
Add the tomatoes and sugar, a little sprinkle of vinegar and some flavoring, then stew for 20 mins until truly thick.
Mix in the turkey and move to a baking dish.
Heat broiler to 220C/200C fan/gas 7.
Tear over the mozzarella in pieces, then, at that point, dissipate over the breadcrumbs with a smidgen more ground pepper.
Prepare for 20 mins until turkey is steaming hot through, and the top is brilliant and percolating. Eat with squash, coats, rice or pasta, appreciate it !Cacio-e-pepe-with-lemon.
Turkey cacciatore with a curve. VIDEO
