Turkey Breast with Speck

Turkey breast with speck is a simple and tasty preparation, ideal for a flavorful main course.

Ingredients

• 4 slices of turkey breast (about 120-150 grams each)
• 4 thin slices of speck
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Extra virgin olive oil (as needed)
• Salt and pepper (as needed)
• White wine (optional, for deglazing)
• Butter (a knob for browning, if desired)

Preparation

1. Take the turkey breast slices and gently pound them with a meat mallet to thin them out and make them of uniform size. It’s important not to overdo it to avoid breaking the slices.
2. Season the turkey breasts with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Wrap each slice of turkey breast with a slice of speck, trying to cover as much of the meat surface as possible.
4. In a large non-stick pan, heat a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and if you prefer a more rustic touch, also add a knob of butter.
5. Add the crushed garlic and rosemary to flavor the oil.
6. When the oil (and butter, if used) is hot, lay the speck-wrapped breasts in the pan. Ideally, the speck should be in contact with the pan to become crispy.
7. Cook over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side, until the speck becomes crispy and the meat acquires a golden color.
8. (Optional) Pour a little white wine into the pan for deglazing and let the alcohol evaporate, which will add another layer of flavor to the dish.
9. Once the speck and turkey breast are cooked, remove from heat and let rest for a minute.

Serve the speck-wrapped turkey breasts hot. They can be accompanied by a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Trivia

Speck is a typical ingredient of the Alpine regions, particularly from Trentino-South Tyrol. It is a smoked and cured ham that gives an intense taste and a smoky note to dishes. Paired with the delicacy of turkey, it creates a truly pleasant balance of flavors.