Turkey Roast with Vegetable Fricandeau

The turkey roast with vegetable fricandeau is a tasty and nutritious dish that combines the tenderness of the meat with the goodness of stewed vegetables. Here is the recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 kg of whole turkey breast
• 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 150 ml of white wine
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

For the vegetable fricandeau:

• 300 g of potatoes
• 2 carrots
• 1 zucchini
• 1 onion
• 1 celery stalk
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• A pinch of thyme
• Extra virgin olive oil to taste
• Vegetable broth as needed (it might be necessary for cooking)

Preparation

1. Take the turkey breast and tie it with kitchen twine to maintain its shape during cooking.
2. In a large enough casserole to contain the turkey, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the turkey with the garlic cloves, rosemary sprigs, and bay leaves until it becomes golden on all sides.
3. Deglaze with the white wine and let the alcohol evaporate on high heat.
4. Lower the flame, cover the casserole, and let it cook slowly for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, turning the turkey occasionally and basting it with its cooking juices. If necessary, add a little water to prevent it from drying out.
5. While the turkey is cooking, prepare the vegetable fricandeau. Clean and chop all the vegetables into similarly sized cubes.
6. In a large pan, heat some extra virgin olive oil and add the vegetables. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of thyme.
7. Cook on medium-low heat, adding vegetable broth from time to time if the vegetables tend to dry out too much.
8. After about 30-40 minutes, or when the vegetables are tender and flavorful, turn off the heat and keep them warm until the turkey is ready.
9. Once the roast is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
10. Serve the sliced turkey roast accompanied by the flavorful vegetable fricandeau.

Trivia

Roast turkey is a dish traditionally linked to celebrations, especially in North America, where it is the centerpiece of Thanksgiving. In Italy, this dish is often prepared during Christmas holidays. Fricandeau, of French origin, is a very versatile vegetable stew that can be adapted according to seasonality and personal preferences.

And to stay in the Italian theme, you might pair this dish with a nice glass of chilled Chardonnay, which with its body and crispness goes well with the softness of the turkey roast. Enjoy your meal!