Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey

Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey Recipe from USA - Ingredients: turkey, onion, celery, pecans, raisins, rice, honey

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 2 to 2.5 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

This Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey recipe is a delicious and unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. The combination of sweet honey, crunchy pecans, and savory rice creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests.

History

This recipe is inspired by traditional Thanksgiving stuffing recipes that often include a combination of bread, vegetables, and herbs. By incorporating honey, pecans, and raisins, this recipe adds a touch of sweetness and crunch to the classic dish.

Ingredients

1 x 6 to 8 lb (3.63 kg) turkey or other wild game, thawed
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup sliced celery
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
0.5 cup raisins
1 tbsp butter or margarine
0.75 tsp cinnamon, divided
0.25 tsp salt
4 cup cooked rice, cooked in chicken broth
0.75 cup honey, divided

How to prepare

Remove the giblet packet from the turkey and rinse the turkey with cool water.
Drain the turkey and set it aside.
In a large skillet, sauté the onion, celery, pecans, and raisins in butter over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
Add 0.5 tsp of cinnamon and salt to the skillet and cook for 1 minute.
Combine the sautéed vegetables with rice in a large bowl.
Stir in 0.25 cup of honey.
Spoon the rice mixture into the cavity of the turkey.
Use wooden picks, soaked in water, to enclose the filling.
Place the turkey breast side up in a roasting pan on a rack coated with cooking spray.
Roast the turkey at 325°F (163°C) for 2 to 2.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 180 to 185°F (85°C).
In a small bowl, combine the remaining 0.5 cup of honey and the remaining 0.25 tsp of cinnamon to use as a glaze.
Occasionally glaze the turkey during the last hour of roasting.
If desired, cover the turkey with foil to prevent excess browning.
Let the turkey stand for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the stuffing from the turkey before carving.

Variations

Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Add dried cranberries or apricots to the stuffing mixture for a touch of sweetness.
Use wild rice instead of white rice for a nuttier and chewier texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to thoroughly rinse the turkey before preparing it to remove any excess juices or debris.

- Soaking the wooden picks in water before using them to enclose the filling will prevent them from burning in the oven.

- Basting the turkey with the honey and cinnamon glaze during the last hour of roasting will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey with cranberry sauce, roasted vegetables, and a side of mashed potatoes for a complete Thanksgiving meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting the turkey at a low temperature for a longer period of time will help to ensure that the meat stays moist and tender.

- Basting the turkey with the honey and cinnamon glaze will add flavor and help to create a crispy, golden-brown skin.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use margarine or butter interchangeably in this recipe.

- Substitute the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the stuffing mixture the day before and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will help to save time on the day of cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the turkey with fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, for a pop of color and added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Riesling, to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the turkey in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this dish contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this recipe provides approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey recipe is a delicious and unique twist on the traditional Thanksgiving turkey. With a flavorful stuffing made with honey, pecans, and raisins, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of awe. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her cozy kitchen. She had been raving about this Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey for weeks, and finally, she decided to share her secret recipe with me.

Martha was a talented cook, always experimenting with new flavors and techniques. She learned this recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. As she walked me through the steps, I could see the love and care she put into each ingredient.

We started by preparing the stuffing, mixing together cooked rice, toasted pecans, honey, and a blend of spices. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the final product.

Next, we prepared the turkey, rubbing it with a mixture of herbs and spices before stuffing it with the rice mixture. Martha showed me how to carefully tie up the turkey with kitchen twine to keep the stuffing in place while it roasted in the oven.

As the turkey cooked, Martha shared stories of her grandmother and the special occasions when this dish was served. It was a recipe that had been passed down through the years, cherished by her family and now shared with me.

When the turkey was finally ready, we carved into it, revealing the moist and flavorful meat filled with the sweet and savory stuffing. The combination of the honey, pecans, and rice was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

From that day on, the Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey became a staple at my family gatherings. It was a dish that brought us together, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time adding my own touch to it. I have shared it with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish.

As I sit here in my own cozy kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of cooking, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipes that have been passed down to me. They are more than just instructions for creating a meal – they are a connection to the past, a way to honor those who came before me.

And so, as I prepare to make another batch of Honey Pecan Rice-stuffed Turkey, I do so with love and gratitude, knowing that each bite will be a taste of tradition and a reminder of the bonds that hold us together.