RESTAURANTS & REVIEWS

Explore a Delectable Turkey Recipe Infused with the Essence of Nafas

  • Jan. 8, 2024
  • FMCG HORECA BUSINESS
Explore a Delectable Turkey Recipe Infused with the Essence of Nafas

Turkey with a Touch of Nafas by Chef Noel of Nafas Beirut

Serves: 12 to 15

Ingredients

Turkey and Gravy

  • Whole Turkey (6-7kg; neck and giblets removed)
  • Red Onions (500g; peeled and quartered)
  • Carrots (200g; coarsely chopped)
  • 1 Bay Leaf (20g)
  • Potatoes (1kg; peeled and chopped)
  • Chicken Breast (600g; diced into cubes)
  • White Bread (Half loaf; sliced)
  • Oranges (2)
  • Lemon (1)
  • Water (5 litres)
  • Chicken Stock (1 litre)
  • Cooking Cream (1 litre)
  • Butter (200g; softened/room temperature)
  • Fresh Thyme (20g)
  • Fresh Parsley (20g)
  • Cardamom Seeds (10g)
  • Black Pepper (2g)
  • Fresh Rosemary (20g)
  • Salt (70g)
  • Mixed Nuts for garnish (optional)

Oriental Rice

  • Long Grain Rice (2 cups)
  • Vermicelli (½ cup)
  • Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
  • Salt (½ tsp)
  • Cinnamon Powder (¼ tsp)
  • Chopped Parsley to garnish
  • Water (4 cups)
  • Toasted mixed nuts including pistachios, almonds, and cashew nuts

Method

Turkey and Gravy

  1. Soak the turkey with sliced oranges and lemons in water overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Pat the turkey dry and set aside.
  3. Blend chicken breast, fresh thyme, black pepper, and half of the rosemary in a food processor.
  4. Mix the chicken mixture with sliced white bread pieces.
  5. Fill the turkey cavity with the mixture and rub softened butter evenly over it.
  6. Place sliced potatoes at the tray's bottom, position the turkey (breast side down) on the roasting rack, and fill with chicken stock and remaining rosemary.
  7. Roast in a preheated oven (150 degrees) for 3 hours, then increase to 200 degrees for a crispy skin.
  8. For gravy, simmer the tray liquid until slightly thickened.

Oriental Rice

  1. Rinse rice, cook vermicelli in olive oil, add rice, salt, and cinnamon, then pour water.
  2. Boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  3. Steam for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork, and serve with parsley and toasted nuts.

Chef's Tips for a Nafas Touch

  • Thaw turkey thoroughly for even cooking.
  • Generously butter the turkey for flavour and moisture.
  • Maintain precise oven temperature for consistent cooking.
  • Brine the turkey overnight for enhanced flavour.
  • Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes after cooking.
  • Use foil loosely to avoid over-browning.
  • Season generously for perfect taste. Extend warm season's greetings!