Turkey ham
Turkey ham – a healthy and savory delight made at home
Do you want to replace store-bought cold cuts with a healthy and tasty alternative? Turkey ham is the perfect choice! This recipe will not only give you the satisfaction of preparing a homemade product, but it will also delight your taste buds. Making turkey ham is a simple process, but it requires a little patience, making it ideal for cooking enthusiasts. Let's discover together how to achieve a delicious, flavorful, and healthy turkey ham!
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 2 days in the fridge
Cooking time: 2-2.5 hours
Number of servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 500 g turkey breast (you can use 2 kg for a larger quantity)
- 200 g smoked pork belly (for added flavor)
- 2-3 cloves of garlic (for an intense taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (to enrich the spice paste)
- 2 tablespoons mustard (you can choose between classic mustard or whole grain mustard for an interesting texture)
- 1 bay leaf (adds a subtle aroma)
- 200 ml white or red wine (for a refined taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Basil (optional, for extra flavor)
The history of turkey ham is fascinating, with deep roots in culinary traditions. Homemade cold cuts have always been appreciated for the control over ingredients and the intensity of flavors. Making turkey ham not only provides you with a healthy product but also an opportunity to experiment with various spices and flavors.
Step 1: Preparing the spice paste
In a bowl, combine olive oil, mustard (both paste and seeds), salt, pepper, and crushed garlic. Mix well until you obtain a smooth paste. This paste will be the flavor base for your turkey ham, so don't hesitate to adjust the spices to your taste.
Step 2: Preparing the turkey breast
Cut the turkey breast into a long, thin piece. This will allow the spices to penetrate the meat better. Rub the piece of meat thoroughly with the spice paste on all sides, ensuring it is evenly coated.
Step 3: Rolling and tying
Tightly twist the turkey breast to create a compact roll. Use kitchen twine to tie the roll so that it does not come apart during cooking. This step is essential to keep the juiciness and flavors inside.
Step 4: Wrapping in bacon
Wrap the turkey roll with thin slices of smoked bacon. The bacon will not only add a delicious flavor but will also help retain moisture in the meat.
Step 5: Packaging and resting
Place the roll on a longer piece of parchment paper and roll it tightly, 3-4 times, as tight as possible. Then, put it in the fridge for 2 days. This step is crucial to allow the flavors to develop and penetrate the meat.
Step 6: Baking in the oven
After the two days of resting, preheat the oven to 160-180°C. Place the roll in a deep baking dish and add water halfway, salt, wine, and the bay leaf. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 2-2.5 hours, turning the roll occasionally. If the liquid decreases too much, add water.
Step 7: Cooling and pressing
Once cooked, turn off the oven and let the roll cool in the oven (not completely, just until warm). Unwrap the paper and twine you tied it with, remove the bacon, and place the roll between two wooden cutting boards, putting a weight on top to press it. This step will help achieve a compact and uniform texture.
Finally, let it cool completely at room temperature, then move it to the fridge. The turkey ham will slice perfectly after being left to cool.
Serving suggestions:
Turkey ham can be served on a platter with cheeses, olives, and fresh vegetables. I recommend pairing it with white or red wine, depending on your preferences. It is perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as an appetizer at a festive meal.
Variations:
You can experiment with different spices, adding, for example, smoked paprika or herbs like rosemary or oregano. You can also replace the bacon with pancetta for a different flavor.
Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can also use chicken or turkey breast, but the cooking time will vary.
2. How can I store turkey ham for a longer time?
The ham stores well in the fridge in an airtight container, but it can also be frozen for later consumption.
3. Can I add other ingredients?
Sure! You can add spices like cayenne pepper for a spicier taste or even a little sugar to balance the flavors.
Calories and nutritional benefits:
A serving of turkey ham (about 100 g) contains between 120-150 calories, being an excellent source of protein with low fat content. Additionally, turkey is rich in B vitamins and essential minerals like zinc and iron.
In conclusion, making turkey ham at home is a satisfying experience and an excellent way to control the ingredients you consume. So don’t hesitate! Put on your apron and start your culinary adventure!
Ingredients: 1/2 kg turkey breast (2 kg), salt, pepper, 200 g smoked pork belly, basil, 2-3 cloves of garlic, 2 teaspoons of mustard, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 bay leaf, 200 ml white or red wine
