Alternative Turkey Recipes
There are classic Christmas turkey recipes for a reason – they’re tried and tested and always a crowd pleaser, except for the part where you have to fight over who gets some of the crispy bacon which enrobes the turkey during cooking. But why not shake it up and spice it up this Christmas by serving up a turkey that is equally as delicious but with an altogether different flavour profile. Read on for three alternative ways to serve up your fantastic festive bird.
We recently wrote a post on how to cook the best turkey of your life by using the brining method to prepare your turkey for cooking. Head over here to read the recipe.
Starting with the basics, you’ll need to plan how long you need to cook your turkey so that Christmas lunch is on the table in time! You’ll need to calculate 15 minutes for every 450g.
Moroccan Style Turkey
Ingredients for the rub – use the measurements of your choice or use our ready made Moroccan spice blend available to purchase here>
- Ground Star Anise
- Ground Turmeric
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ground Cardamom
- Ground Coriander Seeds
- Ground Cumin
- Ground Black Pepper
Serve alongside apricot and almond stuffing and roast potatoes sprinkled with chilli flakes.
Sage & Fennel Turkey
Ingredients for the rub – use the measurements of your choice or use our ready made sage & fennel spice blend available to purchase here>
- Cumin
- Ground Fennel
- Fennel Seeds
- Black Pepper
- Garlic Granules
- Salt
- Dried Sage
- Mango Powder
Serve alongside pork and apple stuffing and classing roast potatoes with salt and pepper.
Chilli & Fennel Turkey
Ingredients for the rub – use the measurements of your choice or use our ready made chilli & fennel spice blend available to purchase here>
- Garlic Granules
- Ground Ginger
- Ground Cumin
- Ground Coriander
- Dried Chilli Flakes
- Salt
- Fennel Seeds – lightly ground
- Whole Fennel Seeds
- Paprika
Serve alongside chilli and coriander stuffing and lemon and pepper seasoned roast potatoes.
Cooking Instructions
- Make sure the turkey is fully dry following the brining process and up to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 160°c.
- Mix your dry ingredients together and use your hands to rub it all over the turkey.
- Roast the turkey as per the time you have calculated (15 minutes for every 450g). Roast uncovered for the first couple of hours, then tent with foil for the last hour to make sure the breast meat doesn’t overcook. When using a meat thermometer, the breast meat should be 70°c.
- Allow the turkey to rest for at least 25 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Kumud Gandhi is a Nutritional Food Scientist bestselling Author, Broadcaster, and Keynote Speaker on the subject of nutritional health for productivity & performance in the workplace. In 2010 Kumud founded ‘The Cooking Academy’ a cookery school that focusses on cooking for nutritional health and wellbeing. Kumud regularly presents to international audiences on a variety of topics such as ‘Eating for Immunity and a Lifetime of Wellness’. She is an expert in the field of Wellness in the Workplace and works with organizations to create transformational change in employee health & well-being through nutrition and health coaching.
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