Are you craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious meal that's surprisingly quick to make? Then look no further than this fantastic Turkey A La King recipe! This classic dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a sophisticated brunch. It’s a delightful blend of tender turkey, creamy sauce, and vibrant vegetables, all nestled in flaky pastry or served over fluffy rice or egg noodles. Get ready to experience a taste of comfort food perfection!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- 2 cups cooked turkey, shredded or diced (leftover turkey works perfectly!)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped pimentos (optional, for a vibrant color and subtle sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Crusty bread, egg noodles, or rice for serving
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Begin by preparing your vegetables. Chop the onion, celery, and green bell pepper into small, roughly equal-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking.
Making the Creamy Sauce:
-
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened – about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base of your Turkey A La King.
-
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
-
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken.
-
Season the sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir in the pimentos (if using).
Combining and Serving:
-
Add the shredded or diced turkey to the sauce and stir gently to combine. Heat through for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the turkey to absorb the flavors.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
-
Serve your Turkey A La King hot over crusty bread, fluffy rice, egg noodles, or your favorite side dish.
Tips for the Best Turkey A La King:
- Use leftover turkey: This recipe is a fantastic way to transform leftover roasted turkey into a delicious new meal, minimizing food waste.
- Don't overcook the vegetables: Aim for tender-crisp vegetables; overcooked vegetables can become mushy.
- Whisk constantly: When adding the milk to the roux, whisk continuously to prevent lumps.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. A dash of cayenne pepper can add a subtle kick.
Variations:
- Add mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms would be a delicious addition to this recipe.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier version.
- Make it lighter: Use low-fat milk or half-and-half to reduce the fat content.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
This Turkey A La King recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. It's a quick and easy recipe ideal for busy weeknights, but elegant enough for a special gathering. Enjoy!