Poaching turkey breast is an easy, hands-off way to cook the lean meat without the worry of drying it out. Tangy goat cheese is an exciting replacement for butter in vegetable mashes such as this parsnip version. And the chutney further assures that the dish is big on flavour.
2 red-skinned apples, diced
1 cup (250 mL) dried Mission figs, stems trimmed and quartered
1/2 cup (125 mL) apple cider
1 shallot, chopped
2 tsp (10 mL) honey
2 tsp (10 mL) chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp (5 mL) orange zest
1/2 tsp (2 mL) brown mustard seeds (optional)
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground cloves
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, divided
1 1/2 lbs (750 g) skinless, boneless turkey breast
4 medium-sized parsnips, peeled and diced
1 1/2 oz (43 g) soft goat cheese
1 Tbsp (15 mL) chopped rosemary
To make the chutney, place apples, figs, apple cider, shallot, honey, ginger, orange zest, mustard seeds (if using), cloves, and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt in medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated and fruit is tender, about 20 minutes.
To poach turkey, place breasts in pot large enough so they lie flat in a single layer. Add 2 pinches of salt and enough water to completely cover turkey by at least 1 in (2.5 cm). Bring water to very slight simmer with just a few bubbles breaking the surface and cook, partially covered, for 15 minutes, or until meat is cooked through. Adjust heat as needed during cooking to maintain slight simmer and skim off any foam that forms on surface of water.
Place parsnips in steamer basket and steam over 1 in (2.5 cm) water until very tender. You can also boil the parsnips. Place parsnips in food processor container along with goat cheese, rosemary, and remaining salt. Blend until smooth.
To serve, spread parsnip purée on serving plates and top with slices of turkey. Season turkey with salt and pepper to taste. Add dollops of apple fig chutney over turkey.
Serves 4.
Each serving contains: 381 calories; 45 g protein; 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat, 0 g trans fat); 56 g total carbohydrates (35 g sugars, 8 g fibre); 406 mg sodium
Talking turkey
Any way you slice it, turkey is a rich source of protein as well as several nutrients, including B vitamins and selenium.
source: "Gobble, Gobble", alive #384, October 2014
This vegan take on classic shepherd’s pie is jam-packed with bold and rich flavours that will ensure no one will miss the meat. While a great source of fibre, lentils also contain the highest amount of folate out of all plant-based foods. Oven ready If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you’ll need to transfer cooked lentil filling to a baking dish before topping with mashed sweet potatoes and baking.
Cauliflower has been having a moment lately, and this salad proves exactly why. Tender caramelized cauliflower is crowned in a glorious sweet and savoury crumble that will ensure it a place on your table all month long. Of all tree nuts, pecans have the highest concentration of flavonoids, which offer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects, and they also protect your cells from oxidative damage. Crumble perfection This crumble topping is too good not to use it on other preparations. Sprinkle over a carrot ribbon salad to add some extra pizzazz, use as a glorious garnish on a soup or stew, or consider generously spooning over your next vegetable “steak” to add some delicious textural variation.
This gloriously comforting dish gets its creamy lusciousness from a can of white beans. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have on hand instead of broccoli. Pass the pasta Instead of regular pasta, consider serving this sauce over zucchini noodles, carrot noodles, or cooked spaghetti squash.
This nut-free take on classic queso dip is everything you want and more. Paired with chips, crackers, or crudités, this creamy, zesty, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying dip is easy enough to whip up for a cozy snack or as an appetizer for company. Go nuts! If you’re okay to eat nuts, try substituting sunflower seeds with 1 cup (250 mL) raw cashews.