Garden-style Turkey Loaf

Garden-style Turkey Loaf Recipe - Nutritious and Delicious

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 50-60 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Garden-style Turkey Loaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines ground turkey with fresh vegetables and oats for a flavorful and healthy twist on traditional meatloaf.

History

This recipe is a modern take on the classic meatloaf, incorporating fresh ingredients like spinach, carrots, and onions to add a garden-fresh flavor. It is a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meal while still enjoying a hearty and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

1 x 10 oz (283 g) package of fresh chopped spinach
1.5 lb (680 g) ground turkey breast
1 cup oats (quick or old-fashioned)
0.5 cup finely chopped onion
0.5 cup shredded carrots
1 egg, lightly beaten
1.5 tsp italian seasoning
0.25 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C).
Place the spinach in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high (100 percent power) for 3 minutes. Squeeze out any excess liquid from the spinach.
In a large bowl, combine the spinach, turkey, oats, onion, carrots, egg, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix lightly but thoroughly.
Line a 9-by-13 inch baking dish with nonstick foil. Shape the mixture into a 9-by-5 inch loaf and place it in the baking dish.
Bake for 50 minutes to one hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F (77°C) and the center is no longer pink.
Allow the loaf to stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavor of the loaf.
Substitute ground chicken or beef for the ground turkey for a different twist on the recipe.
Mix in different vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for added variety.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to squeeze out any excess liquid from the spinach after microwaving to prevent the loaf from becoming too soggy.

- Mixing the ingredients lightly but thoroughly will help ensure that the loaf stays moist and tender.

- Letting the loaf rest for 5 minutes before slicing will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy meatloaf.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Garden-style Turkey Loaf with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the loaf in the oven ensures that it cooks evenly and retains its shape, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have oats on hand, you can substitute breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a similar texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the loaf mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the sliced loaf with fresh herbs or a drizzle of gravy for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Garden-style Turkey Loaf with a glass of red wine or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Garden-style Turkey Loaf contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Garden-style Turkey Loaf contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Garden-style Turkey Loaf contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Garden-style Turkey Loaf contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin A from the spinach and carrots, as well as iron and zinc from the ground turkey.

Alergens

This recipe contains oats and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Garden-style Turkey Loaf is a well-balanced meal that provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals, while being relatively low in fat and calories.

Summary

Garden-style Turkey Loaf is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion. With its blend of fresh vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, this recipe is a healthy and satisfying option for any meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Garden-style Turkey Loaf. It was many years ago, when I was just a young woman eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, able to whip up delicious meals from the most basic ingredients.

One summer afternoon, while helping her tend to her garden, I noticed that she had a surplus of fresh vegetables. Tomatoes, zucchinis, bell peppers, and onions all ready to be picked and enjoyed. As we gathered the vegetables, my grandmother began to tell me about a recipe she had learned from a friend many years ago. It was a twist on the traditional meatloaf, using ground turkey and an abundance of garden-fresh vegetables.

I could see the excitement in her eyes as she described the process of making the dish. She talked about how the flavors of the vegetables melded together with the turkey, creating a dish that was both hearty and healthy. I couldn't wait to try it for myself.

That evening, we set to work in the kitchen, chopping and sautéing the vegetables, mixing them with the ground turkey and seasonings. The smell that filled the kitchen as the loaf baked in the oven was heavenly. When it was finally ready, we sat down to enjoy our creation, and I was hooked. The flavors were amazing, and I couldn't believe how simple it was to make.

From that day on, Garden-style Turkey Loaf became a staple in our household. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and even just for a weeknight dinner. Each time I made it, I would think back to that summer day in my grandmother's garden, and how that simple recipe had sparked my love for cooking.

Over the years, I continued to tweak the recipe, adding my own touches and experimenting with different vegetables and seasonings. I shared it with friends and neighbors, who all raved about its deliciousness. It became my signature dish, the one that everyone requested whenever I hosted a dinner party.

As I got older, my grandmother's health began to decline, and she was no longer able to cook like she used to. I took over the role of family chef, making sure to carry on her legacy of delicious, homemade meals. Garden-style Turkey Loaf was always a hit, and I loved being able to share my grandmother's recipe with those I cared about.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, preparing the dish for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the bond that cooking has created between me and my grandmother. The memories of that summer day in her garden will always hold a special place in my heart, and I know that every time I make Garden-style Turkey Loaf, I am honoring her legacy and the love she poured into every meal she made.